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What would you do with unlimited power? This is a central question explored by the best sci-fi and fantastical tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about every single human was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you use that power for the greater good, or succumb to your darker instincts?

The shows ranked herein each explore that very concept in unique manners (aside from one notable exclusion). Detailed here is our list of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing look at the character's early days, skillfully merging classic source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than being alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a single breakout hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly complex. The action, character arcs, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had enormous expectations. Despite significant production issues, the final show proves it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his history and present in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone audiences loved from the prior series. Although the middle chapters explore some different territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 gem, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the popular gaming series came back with a second batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.

The show skillfully balances multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the series has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. Although it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {