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How would you do if you had infinite control? This is a fundamental question posed by the best science fiction as well as fantasy stories. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? What about each and every other human was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use such influence for the greater good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

The series featured below all grapple with that very concept in unique ways (aside from one notable exception). Presented below is our countdown of the 10 top seasons of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh talent. This series presents a novel look at the character's formative days, cleverly blending essential source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which sprang from a fan-funded short, truly hit its stride in its second season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story expands significantly, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a one breakout song quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. Despite well-documented production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes from his past and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle chapters venture into some new territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising 2025 gem, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the story explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming series returned with a second batch of stories that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all side: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show came back with increased importance within the new DC universe, and it executes on both fronts. Although it successfully lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {