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How could you accomplish with unlimited control? That's a core inquiry explored by all best sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about each and every single person became dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Could you use such power for good, or give in to your own baser impulses?

The shows ranked herein each explore this theme in unique manners (aside from one notable exception). Detailed here is our countdown of the ten top installments of science fiction and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of history, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. This series offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative years, skillfully blending classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both new and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes command of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally end in elaborate song.

While it may lack a one viral hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The season advances the main storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the resulting product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his history and present in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense feeling audiences cherished from the original series. Although the middle chapters explore some different narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, setting fans keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to federal agents.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic video game franchise came back with a new batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and freedom.

It expertly balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt adult animation series continues its winning streak in its third outing. The hero faces immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with the secretive GDA. The season also includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero series returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {