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What could you accomplish if you had infinite ability? This is a core inquiry explored by all greatest science fiction as well as fantastical stories. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if every other person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield that power for good, or would you give in to your own baser impulses?

These shows listed below all explore that very theme in distinct ways (with one notable exception). Detailed below is a countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by new talent. This series presents a novel perspective at the hero's early days, cleverly combining essential source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one viral song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The story moves the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the final show proves to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to enemies from his past and present in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. While the middle episodes venture into certain new narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the story explores deeper questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series of the popular video game franchise returned with a second batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further examine themes of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully balances several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation series continues its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every side: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally intense action sequences the series has ever produced.

Mark's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. Although it effectively lays foundations for future DCU stories, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {