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What could you accomplish with boundless ability? That's the central question explored by all best sci-fi as well as fantastical narratives. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or discovered a life-altering drug? Or if every single person was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your darker impulses?

These shows featured below each grapple with this theme in distinct ways (with one notable exclusion). Detailed below is our list of the 10 best installments of science fiction and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than 60 years of history, Spider-Man continues to be reimagined by new talent. This series presents a refreshing perspective at the character's formative days, cleverly combining classic source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.

Rather than operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly hit its stride in its second season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the story 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 culminate in elaborate song.

While it may lack a one breakout hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the main plot forward while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting product demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes both past and present in a slightly version of his well-known world.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences loved from the prior series. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some new territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through a humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation of the iconic gaming series came back with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to examine themes of authority and freedom.

It skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and wholly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces immense challenges on every side: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young brother, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most brutal action sequences the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his choices. Excellent arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it effectively establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also presents a resonant and focused {