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How would you do if you had infinite power? That's a fundamental inquiry asked by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or discovered a life-altering substance? Or if every single person was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Could you wield that influence for good, or would you give in to your darker impulses?

The shows ranked herein each confront that very theme in various ways (aside from a single key exclusion). Presented below is a ranking of the 10 most outstanding installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the character's formative days, cleverly blending classic comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore season. Following the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox who seizes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being increasingly interwoven. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the main storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the final show proves to be worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his history and present in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the gritty tone audiences loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes explore certain new territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting fans keenly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially a crime saga with the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation based on the iconic gaming series returned with a second batch of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation show continues its winning streak in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous challenges on all fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutal fight scenes the show has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero show returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on that count. While it successfully lays groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {