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How would you do if you had infinite ability? This is a fundamental question posed by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every single person became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or would you give in to your own baser impulses?

The shows featured herein all explore this dilemma in unique manners (with a single key exclusion). Presented below is our ranking of the 10 best installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by new creative voices. This series presents a novel perspective at the hero's formative days, skillfully blending classic comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels both new and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

While it may lack a single viral hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the main storyline dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, this series had immense expectations. After well-documented development challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes both past and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense feeling fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the middle episodes explore certain new territory, the season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the popular video game series returned with a second season of episodes that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces immense pressure on every fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most intense fight sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero series returned with elevated importance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on that count. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {