🔗 Share this article

What could you accomplish if you had unlimited power? This is a core inquiry asked by all greatest science fiction as well as fantastical stories. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if each and every other human was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield that power for good, or would you give in to your darker instincts?

These shows featured herein each explore this dilemma in distinct ways (aside from a single notable exception). Detailed here is a ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of history, Spider-Man continues to be reimagined by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the hero's early days, skillfully blending essential comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story expands significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes both history and present in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle episodes explore some new territory, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising 2025 gem, this series could be described as a crime saga with the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the iconic gaming series returned with a second batch of episodes that deepened its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that game; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated series continues its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on all fronts: preparing for a coming alien threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show came back with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on both count. While it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a powerful and focused {