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How could you accomplish with boundless power? This is a central question explored by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy stories. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Or discovered a life-altering substance? What about every single human became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield that power for the greater good, or would you give in to your baser impulses?

The shows listed below all grapple with this concept in distinct manners (with a single notable exception). Detailed here is our ranking of the 10 top seasons of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the character's formative years, cleverly merging essential source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story broadens considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one viral song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in season 2 being more complex. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The story advances the main storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates it was worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's gem, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that game; instead, it further examine themes of authority and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on every side: training for a looming alien invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has yet produced.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 executes on both fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {