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What would you do if you had infinite control? This is a fundamental inquiry asked by the finest sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about every other human was dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you wield that power for good, or would you succumb to your own baser instincts?

The shows ranked below each grapple with this theme in various manners (with one notable exception). Presented here is a countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantasy television from 2025.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new talent. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully merging essential source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero forges a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes command of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one viral hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story advances the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, this series had enormous expectations. After well-documented production challenges, the resulting product proves it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense feeling fans loved from the original incarnation. Although the middle episodes venture into certain different territory, the first season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper questions about the substance's true effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the iconic gaming franchise came back with a new season of stories that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that title; rather, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the series has yet delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero show returned with increased significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on that count. While it effectively lays foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {