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How would you do with boundless control? This is a fundamental inquiry explored by the greatest science fiction and fantastical stories. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous drug? What about each and every single person became wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your baser instincts?

The shows ranked herein all confront that very dilemma in various manners (with one key exclusion). Outlined below is a countdown of the ten top installments of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by new creative voices. This series presents a novel look at the character's early days, cleverly merging classic source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than operating alone or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a single viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. Despite significant production issues, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes from his history and present in a slightly version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the middle episodes venture into certain new territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a new season of episodes that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly balances several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt animated series continues its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most intense action scenes the series has ever produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {