🔗 Share this article

How would you do with infinite control? This is the fundamental question posed by all best sci-fi and fantastical stories. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if each and every other human became dedicated to your happiness? Could you wield that influence for good, or succumb to your baser impulses?

The series ranked below each confront that very concept in various ways (with a single notable exception). Presented below is a countdown of the 10 best installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of history, Spider-Man is constantly reinvented by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the character's early years, skillfully merging essential source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something which is both new and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its sophomore installment. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story expands considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in elaborate song.

While it might not have a one viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more ambitious. The action, character development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story advances the main plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense expectations. Despite significant production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his past and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the middle chapters venture into some different territory, the season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 gem, this series could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation based on the popular gaming franchise returned with a new season of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

It expertly balances several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich layered and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt animated show continues its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero series came back with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on both count. While it successfully lays foundations for future DCU stories, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {