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How could you accomplish with boundless power? That's a fundamental inquiry posed by the best sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or discovered a revolutionary drug? What about each and every single human was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for the greater good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

These shows ranked herein each explore that very theme in distinct ways (with one key exception). Detailed below is our ranking of the 10 top installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the hero's early days, cleverly merging essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally end in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a single breakout song quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are all elevated. The season advances the main plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to enemies both history and present in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense feeling fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the middle episodes explore some new narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of stories that expanded its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it further examine themes of authority and autonomy.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutal action sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero show returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {