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How would you do if you had unlimited control? This is a core inquiry posed by all finest science fiction and fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary substance? What about each and every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield such power for good, or would you succumb to your baser impulses?

The television series listed herein all confront that very dilemma in unique manners (with a single notable exclusion). Presented below is our ranking of the ten best installments of science fiction & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. This series offers a refreshing look at the character's early days, cleverly combining essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously new and deeply compelling.

Rather than being alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the music are all elevated. The season advances the overarching storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development issues, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes both past and present in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's highlight, this show could be described as a crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it further explore themes of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly balances several narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his young brother, and battling with his secretive GDA. The season also features some of the most intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on both count. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {