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What could you accomplish with infinite control? This is the core inquiry explored by all best sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary substance? What about every single person was dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you use that power for the greater good, or give in to your darker instincts?

The television series featured herein all explore this dilemma in unique manners (with a single notable exclusion). Detailed here is our ranking of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by new creative voices. This series presents a novel look at the character's early years, cleverly merging classic comic story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it may lack a one viral song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly complex. The action, character development, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The story moves the overarching plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. Despite significant production challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes from his past and present in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone audiences cherished from the original series. While the middle chapters explore certain different territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into bigger questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation of the iconic video game franchise returned with a second batch of stories that deepened its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous pressure on every side: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The season once again features some of the most intense fight scenes the series has ever produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on both count. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {