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How would you do if you had boundless power? That's a fundamental question explored by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if each and every single person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Could you wield such power for good, or give in to your own baser instincts?

The television series listed below each explore that very theme in unique ways (with a single key exception). Presented below is our ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. This series offers a novel look at the hero's formative years, skillfully merging classic source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly hit its stride in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally culminate in elaborate song.

While it might not have a single breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series faced immense expectations. After significant development issues, the resulting product demonstrates 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 take of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. While the middle episodes explore some new narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, setting fans keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with the sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the story explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the iconic video game series returned with a new batch of stories that deepened its epic lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and freedom.

The show skillfully balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous challenges on every side: preparing for a coming alien threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The season also features some of the most intense fight sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated importance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {