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How could you accomplish if you had unlimited power? This is a fundamental question posed by all finest sci-fi and fantastical tales. Imagine if you possessed extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every other person was dedicated to your happiness? Would you use that power for good, or succumb to your baser impulses?

These series ranked below all confront this theme in various ways (with one notable exclusion). Detailed below is our ranking of the 10 most outstanding installments of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than 60 years of history, Spider-Man continues to be reinterpreted by fresh talent. This series offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative years, skillfully combining classic comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating solo or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly came into its own in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being more ambitious. The action, character arcs, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the main plot forward while providing plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the resulting product proves it was worth the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to foes from his history and present in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters venture into certain new narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic gaming franchise came back with a second batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to examine themes of authority and freedom.

It skillfully juggles several storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with the secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most intense action scenes the show has ever produced.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero series returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on that count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {