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What would you do with infinite ability? That's a central question posed by all finest science fiction and fantastical tales. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if every single person became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you use that power for good, or would you give in to your darker impulses?

These shows listed herein all grapple with this dilemma in various ways (with a single notable exception). Detailed below is our list of the ten most outstanding installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing look at the character's formative days, cleverly merging essential comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in elaborate song.

While it might not have a single viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more ambitious. The action, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix series, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the resulting show proves it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle episodes explore some new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 gem, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with a humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of episodes that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that game; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on every fronts: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with his secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutal action scenes the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming DCU projects, it primarily tells a powerful and self-contained {