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How would you do if you had infinite control? That's a central inquiry explored by the greatest sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use such power for good, or would you give in to your own darker impulses?

The shows featured herein each grapple with this theme in distinct ways (with a single notable exclusion). Outlined here is our ranking of the ten top installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reinvented by new talent. This series offers a refreshing look at the hero's early days, cleverly merging classic source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both fresh and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore season. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes control of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single breakout hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more complex. The action, personal development, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The season advances the main plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development challenges, the final product proves to be worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to enemies both history and present in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some different territory, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation based on the popular gaming franchise returned with a new batch of stories that expanded its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it continues to explore themes of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully juggles several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on every side: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the show has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral weight of his choices. Standout arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on that count. While it successfully establishes foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {