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How would you do if you had unlimited control? This is the core question posed by the best science fiction as well as fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if each and every single human was dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for good, or would you succumb to your baser impulses?

The series ranked herein each explore that very concept in distinct ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by new talent. This series presents a novel perspective at the character's early years, skillfully combining essential source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of season 1, the story expands significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single breakout song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The season moves the main storyline forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. After well-documented development challenges, the final product demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone fans cherished from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent chapters venture into some new narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 gem, this series is essentially a Breaking Bad with the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series of the iconic video game series came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.

It expertly balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on every side: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with the secretive GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {