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What would you do if you had boundless power? That's a central question explored by the finest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a life-altering drug? Or if every other human was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield that influence for good, or would you give in to your baser instincts?

The television series ranked herein all grapple with this dilemma in distinct ways (aside from a single key exception). Presented here is our ranking of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reinvented by new creative voices. This series offers a novel look at the character's early years, cleverly combining classic comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a single breakout song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, personal development, and especially the music are collectively more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching plot dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented production issues, the resulting show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes both past and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the original series. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain different territory, the season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's highlight, this series could be described as a crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic gaming series returned with a new season of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further explore themes of authority and freedom.

The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most brutally intense fight sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {