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What would you do if you had boundless control? This is a central inquiry asked by the finest sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every other human was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Could you use such power for good, or would you succumb to your own darker impulses?

These shows ranked below all explore that very dilemma in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Detailed below is our ranking of the ten top seasons of sci-fi & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's early years, cleverly merging essential source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the climactic events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate song.

Although it might not have a one breakout song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being more interwoven. The action, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot 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 first episode is explosive, capturing the intense feeling fans cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected this year's gem, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the iconic video game series came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; instead, it further explore themes of control and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its powerful streak in season 3. The hero faces tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show came back with increased significance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both count. Although it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {