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What could you accomplish with unlimited ability? That's a core question explored by the best science fiction as well as fantastical narratives. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if every single person became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you wield such power for the greater good, or give in to your own baser impulses?

These television series featured herein all grapple with this dilemma in distinct manners (aside from a single key exclusion). Outlined below is our list of the 10 top installments of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by new talent. This series offers a novel look at the hero's formative days, skillfully combining essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply engaging.

Rather than being alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single viral hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being more complex. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the music are all elevated. The season advances the main storyline forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development challenges, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone fans loved from the original series. Although the subsequent chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma executives to government authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper mysteries about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series of the iconic gaming franchise returned with a second batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that game; rather, it further examine themes of control and freedom.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a rich layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero confronts immense pressure on all side: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally brutal fight sequences the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on that fronts. Although it successfully lays foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {