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How could you accomplish with infinite power? This is a core question posed by the finest science fiction and fantasy narratives. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about every other person was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield that power for the greater good, or give in to your baser instincts?

The shows featured below each explore this theme in distinct manners (with one notable exclusion). Presented below is a list of the 10 top installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of history, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by new creative voices. This series offers a novel perspective at the character's early days, cleverly combining essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox who seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a one breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the main storyline dramatically while delivering plenty of weird, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. After significant development challenges, the final product proves to be worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes both history and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the middle episodes venture into some new territory, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that title; instead, it continues to examine themes of authority and freedom.

It skillfully balances several narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally intense action sequences the show has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show returned with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also presents a resonant and focused {