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How would you do if you had infinite control? This is a central question explored by all greatest sci-fi and fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? What about every single human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for the greater good, or succumb to your darker instincts?

These television series ranked herein all confront that very theme in distinct ways (with a single notable exclusion). Outlined below is a list of the 10 top installments of science fiction and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully combining classic comic elements with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than being solo or Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, learning the iconic lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly hit its stride in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the situation, igniting a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a one breakout song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in season 2 being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. Despite significant production issues, the final show proves it was worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies both past and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore certain different territory, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic video game franchise came back with a second season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on every side: training for a coming alien threat, guiding his powered brother, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series returned with increased importance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on that count. Although it effectively lays foundations for future DCU stories, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {