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What could you accomplish with unlimited ability? This is the central question posed by the finest sci-fi and fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? What about each and every other human was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use such influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your baser impulses?

The television series listed herein all grapple with that very dilemma in distinct ways (with a single notable exclusion). Detailed here is our ranking of the 10 best installments of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by fresh talent. This series offers a novel perspective at the hero's early days, cleverly blending classic source material elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both new and deeply compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly hit its stride in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally end in elaborate song.

While it might not have a single viral song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the main plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 gem, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game franchise returned with a new season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of control and autonomy.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show continues its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on every fronts: training for a coming alien threat, guiding his young sibling, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show came back with increased importance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. While it effectively lays foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a resonant and focused {