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What could you accomplish with unlimited control? This is the central question explored by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous drug? What about every other person was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield such power for the greater good, or would you succumb to your baser instincts?

The series featured below all confront this concept in distinct manners (with one notable exclusion). Detailed below is our countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the hero's formative days, cleverly merging classic comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than operating solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded short, truly found its footing in its second season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably end in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original series. While the subsequent chapters explore some different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming series returned with a second batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of authority and freedom.

The show skillfully balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on every side: training for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and clashing with his shadowy GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the series has yet produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series came back with increased significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on that count. Although it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {