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What would you do with infinite control? That's the central inquiry explored by all best sci-fi and fantasy tales. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering substance? Or if each and every other person became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield that influence for the greater good, or give in to your darker impulses?

These series featured below all confront that very dilemma in various manners (aside from a single key exception). Presented below is our list of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series presents a refreshing look at the hero's formative years, cleverly blending essential comic story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second season. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in elaborate song.

While it may lack a single breakout hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are all elevated. The season advances the main plot forward while delivering plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes both history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences loved from the original series. While the middle episodes explore some different narrative ground, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic gaming series came back with a second season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and freedom.

It skillfully balances multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young brother, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most intense fight scenes the series has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both count. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {