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What would you do if you had unlimited control? This is the central inquiry posed by all best sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if every single person was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your darker instincts?

These series ranked below each grapple with that very concept in various ways (aside from a single notable exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early years, cleverly blending classic comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully found its footing in its sophomore season. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a single breakout song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly complex. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the main plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the final product proves it was worthy of the effort. The plot 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 version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the middle chapters explore some different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic video game series returned with a second season of stories that expanded its sprawling mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

It expertly balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with increased significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on that fronts. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future DCU projects, it also tells a powerful and focused {