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What would you do if you had infinite control? That's a central question posed by all best science fiction and fantastical narratives. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about every other human was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you use such influence for good, or would you succumb to your darker impulses?

The television series listed below all grapple with that very theme in unique ways (with a single notable exception). Presented below is our countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger remains reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing perspective at the character's formative years, cleverly combining essential source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story expands significantly, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably end in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a one viral hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant development issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and present in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense feeling fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some new territory, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic gaming series came back with a second batch of episodes that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt animated series keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming alien threat, mentoring his young brother, and battling with his secretive GDA. The season also features some of the most intense action scenes the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. 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 superhero series returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. While it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {