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What could you accomplish with boundless control? This is the fundamental question asked by the finest science fiction and fantastical narratives. Imagine if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every other person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your own darker instincts?

The shows featured herein each explore that very dilemma in distinct ways (with a single key exclusion). Detailed below is a list of the 10 most outstanding installments of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel perspective at the character's formative years, cleverly merging classic comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is both new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of being solo or having Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its second installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more complex. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the main storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. After significant development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes both past and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling fans loved from the original series. Although the middle chapters explore some different territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the story explores deeper questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation of the iconic gaming franchise came back with a new season of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of authority and freedom.

The show expertly balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated show continues its winning momentum in season 3. The hero confronts tremendous pressure on every side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with his shadowy GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU stories, it also presents a powerful and focused {