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What could you accomplish with infinite control? That's the fundamental inquiry asked by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical narratives. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if every single person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use such influence for good, or succumb to your own baser impulses?

The television series ranked below each grapple with this theme in unique ways (with a single notable exception). Detailed below is a countdown of the ten top installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by new talent. This series delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully combining essential comic story beats with ideas from other adaptations to create something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply engaging.

Rather than operating solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully hit its stride in its second installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one viral hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, character development, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense expectations. Despite significant development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans cherished from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent chapters venture into some different territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the iconic video game series came back with a second season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of authority and freedom.

The show skillfully balances several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on every fronts: training for a looming alien threat, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutal action scenes the series has yet delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show came back with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on that count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {