How could you accomplish with boundless control? That's a central inquiry explored by the best science fiction and fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about each and every other human was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use such power for good, or succumb to your baser instincts?
The television series listed herein each explore this theme in distinct ways (aside from one notable exception). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Even after more than six decades of history, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, skillfully merging essential comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is both fresh and deeply engaging.
Instead of being solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story expands considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in elaborate musical numbers.
Although it might not have a single viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more complex. The action, character development, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season advances the main storyline dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite significant production challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and present in a slightly take of his well-known setting.
The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense feeling audiences loved from the prior series. Although the middle chapters explore some different narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising 2025 highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.
Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed series based on the iconic video game series came back with a second batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that title; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.
The show expertly balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
This bloody and heartfelt animated show continues its winning streak in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young sibling, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the show has yet produced.
The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both fronts. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it also tells a resonant and focused {
