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What could you accomplish if you had boundless control? That's a central inquiry posed by the greatest science fiction and fantasy tales. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a miraculous drug? What about every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you use such power for good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

The television series featured herein all grapple with this concept in various manners (aside from one notable exclusion). Detailed below is a countdown of the 10 top installments of science fiction and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by new talent. This series presents a novel look at the hero's formative years, skillfully blending essential comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the climactic revelations of season 1, the story expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single viral song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the music are all elevated. The story advances the main storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced immense expectations. After significant production challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and present in a refreshed version of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense feeling fans cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the middle chapters explore some different narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising 2025 highlight, this series is essentially an animated crime saga with the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming franchise returned with a second batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it continues to examine ideas of control and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming alien invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has yet produced.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, 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 fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show came back with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {