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What would you do with boundless ability? That's the core inquiry explored by the best science fiction as well as fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if every other human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield such power for good, or succumb to your baser impulses?

These series ranked below all confront this theme in various manners (with a single key exception). Detailed below is a ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the character's early days, skillfully combining classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously new and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in elaborate song.

While it may lack a single viral hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the music are collectively elevated. The story moves the main storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. After significant development challenges, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both past and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the first season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic video game series returned with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it further explore themes of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on every side: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The season also includes some of the most brutally brutal fight sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero series returned with increased importance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. Although it effectively lays foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also tells a powerful and focused {