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How would you do if you had infinite ability? This is a central question explored by the best sci-fi as well as fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a life-altering drug? What about each and every single human was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield that power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker impulses?

These shows listed herein all confront that very theme in distinct manners (with a single key exclusion). Detailed below is our ranking of the 10 best installments of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reimagined by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly blending essential source material elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something which is both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Following the climactic events of season 1, the story broadens considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes command of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single breakout hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and above all the music are all elevated. The season advances the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series faced immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented production issues, the resulting product proves to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into certain different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 gem, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the iconic gaming series came back with a new season of stories that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

The show expertly balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts immense pressure on all side: preparing for a coming alien threat, guiding his young sibling, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again features some of the most intense fight sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it effectively lays groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {