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What would you do with unlimited control? This is the core question asked by the finest sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a life-altering drug? Or if each and every single person became dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for good, or succumb to your own baser instincts?

The shows featured below each grapple with that very concept in distinct manners (with one key exclusion). Presented below is a countdown of the 10 top seasons of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel perspective at the character's early days, cleverly combining classic comic elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being solo or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in elaborate song.

Although it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the main plot dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both past and present in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent chapters venture into certain new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, leaving fans keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 gem, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation based on the iconic video game series returned with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it continues to examine themes of control and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the series has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero series came back with increased significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {