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How could you accomplish with boundless control? This is a central question posed by all greatest science fiction and fantastical narratives. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a life-altering drug? What about each and every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you use that power for good, or would you succumb to your baser instincts?

These shows listed below all grapple with this theme in unique manners (aside from one key exclusion). Presented here is our list of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by new talent. This series delivers a refreshing look at the character's early years, skillfully blending essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than operating alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story broadens considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes command of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being more ambitious. The action, character development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the main plot dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. After well-documented development challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worth the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and present in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty tone audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some new narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the popular gaming franchise came back with a second season of stories that deepened its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on all side: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutal action sequences the show has yet delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {