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What would you do if you had unlimited control? This is the fundamental question posed by all finest science fiction and fantastical stories. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about every other human was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you use that power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker impulses?

The series ranked below each confront that very theme in unique manners (with a single key exclusion). Presented here is our ranking of the ten best seasons of science fiction and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of history, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the character's early days, skillfully blending essential comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both new and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being solo or having Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox who takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single breakout song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies both past and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling fans cherished from the prior series. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some new territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government agents.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the iconic video game series returned with a second batch of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct retelling of that game; rather, it continues to examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly engaging addition to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous pressure on all side: training for a coming alien threat, mentoring his young brother, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout storylines for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show returned with increased importance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on both fronts. While it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {