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What would you do with boundless ability? This is the fundamental inquiry asked by all finest sci-fi as well as fantastical narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if each and every single human was dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

The shows listed below all explore that very concept in distinct ways (aside from one key exception). Outlined below is a ranking of the 10 top seasons of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. This series presents a novel look at the character's early days, cleverly combining classic comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, fully hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic revelations of the first season, the story expands significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate song.

While it might not have a single breakout hit quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series had enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented production issues, the final show proves it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to enemies both past and present in a refreshed take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle chapters explore certain different narrative ground, the first season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to examine themes of authority and autonomy.

It expertly balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on all side: training for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutal action scenes the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero show came back with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. Although it successfully lays foundations for future DCU projects, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {