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How would you do if you had unlimited ability? This is a central question explored by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? Or if every other human was dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your own baser instincts?

The shows ranked below each confront this theme in distinct ways (with one key exception). Outlined here is a countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by new talent. This series presents a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, skillfully combining essential comic elements with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes command of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a single viral hit quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the final show proves to be worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone audiences loved from the prior series. Although the middle chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the popular video game franchise returned with a second season of stories that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged animated series keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero faces tremendous pressure on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien threat, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both fronts. While it effectively establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it also presents a resonant and focused {