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What would you do with infinite ability? That's a central question posed by the best science fiction as well as fantastical stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? What about each and every single person was dedicated to your personal happiness? Could you wield that power for good, or would you give in to your baser impulses?

The shows listed below all confront this dilemma in distinct manners (aside from one notable exception). Presented below is our ranking of the ten most outstanding installments of sci-fi and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than six decades of history, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series delivers a novel perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly combining essential comic elements with influences from other adaptations to create something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Rather than being solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded short, fully found its footing in its second season. Following the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a single viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production challenges, the resulting product demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his past and present in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the prior incarnation. While the middle chapters explore certain different narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated crime saga with a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the popular video game series returned with a new season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero show came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on both fronts. While it effectively lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {