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What could you accomplish with unlimited power? That's a core question explored by all finest science fiction as well as fantastical tales. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a life-altering substance? Or if every other human became dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you use that power for good, or would you succumb to your own darker impulses?

The shows featured herein all grapple with this concept in unique manners (aside from a single notable exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten best installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the character's formative years, cleverly merging classic source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Rather than being solo or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox who takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a one breakout song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching plot forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. Despite significant development issues, the final show proves to be worthy of the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both past and present in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the original series. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially an animated crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic gaming series returned with a second season of stories that expanded its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to examine themes of control and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on every fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story once again features some of the most intense action sequences the series has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero show came back with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU projects, it also tells a powerful and focused {