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What would you do if you had unlimited control? This is the central inquiry posed by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical narratives. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? What about each and every other person became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for good, or would you succumb to your darker instincts?

These series listed below all grapple with that very concept in distinct manners (with a single key exclusion). Presented here is our countdown of the ten best seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the character's early years, cleverly merging essential comic story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single viral hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The season advances the overarching storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the final show demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his past and present in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent chapters explore certain new territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving fans keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie score, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it further explore themes of authority and freedom.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on all fronts: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense action sequences the series has yet delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {