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What could you accomplish with unlimited control? That's the core question explored by the best sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if each and every single human became dedicated to your personal happiness? Could you wield that power for good, or would you succumb to your own baser impulses?

These series listed below each confront that very concept in unique manners (aside from a single key exclusion). Presented here is our ranking of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing look at the character's formative days, cleverly merging essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head 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 mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its second season. Following the climactic events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single breakout song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. After well-documented production issues, the final show demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to enemies both history and present in a refreshed take of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone audiences cherished from the prior series. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming franchise returned with a second batch of stories that expanded its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it further explore ideas of control and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on every fronts: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young brother, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again features some of the most brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU stories, it also presents a powerful and focused {