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How would you do with unlimited power? That's the central question explored by the finest sci-fi and fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for good, or give in to your baser impulses?

The television series featured below all explore that very dilemma in unique manners (aside from one notable exclusion). Detailed below is our ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new creative voices. This series presents a novel perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly blending essential source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both new and deeply engaging.

Rather than being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its second season. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes command of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single viral song quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching storyline dramatically while providing plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented production issues, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone audiences loved from the original series. While the subsequent episodes venture into some new narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's highlight, this show could be described as a crime saga filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the popular gaming series came back with a second season of stories that expanded its epic mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming alien threat, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most brutally intense fight sequences the show has ever produced.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show returned with increased significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {