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How would you do if you had boundless ability? This is the fundamental inquiry explored by all best sci-fi as well as fantasy tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if each and every other human became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for the greater good, or succumb to your baser impulses?

These shows ranked below all explore that very theme in distinct ways (aside from a single notable exclusion). Presented here is a list of the 10 top installments of science fiction & fantasy 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 reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully merging classic comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

While it may lack a single breakout hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. After well-documented production challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes explore certain new territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma executives to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the popular gaming series came back with a new season of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that game; instead, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every side: training for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily tells a powerful and self-contained {