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What could you accomplish if you had boundless ability? That's the central question explored by all best sci-fi as well as fantastical tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about every other person became wholly committed to your happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or succumb to your darker instincts?

The television series featured herein each explore this theme in distinct manners (with a single key exclusion). Presented here is our ranking of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly combining essential source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels both new and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a one breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The story moves the overarching storyline forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent chapters explore some new narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, setting fans keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad with the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the popular video game series returned with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that game; instead, it further explore themes of authority and autonomy.

It expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all fronts: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story also includes some of the most intense fight scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero series came back with increased importance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on that fronts. While it effectively establishes groundwork for future DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {