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What would you do if you had boundless control? This is the fundamental inquiry asked by the best sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? What about each and every other person was wholly committed to your happiness? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker impulses?

These series featured herein all confront that very concept in distinct ways (aside from a single notable exclusion). Outlined below is our countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel look at the hero's early years, skillfully merging classic comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its second installment. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one viral hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the main storyline forward while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite significant production issues, the resulting product demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes from his past and present in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense feeling fans cherished from the prior incarnation. While the middle episodes explore certain new territory, the season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of stories that expanded its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; rather, it continues to examine ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for answers to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero confronts immense pressure on every side: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense action sequences the show has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both count. While it effectively lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {