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What could you accomplish with boundless ability? That's the central inquiry asked by the greatest science fiction as well as fantastical stories. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? Or if every single person was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Could you use such influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your darker instincts?

These series listed herein all explore this theme in unique manners (aside from one key exception). Detailed here is a countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the hero's early days, cleverly merging essential comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is both new and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes command of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it may lack a one viral hit quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly complex. The action, personal development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story moves the main storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. After well-documented development issues, the resulting product proves to be worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the prior series. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain different territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the story delves into bigger questions about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the iconic video game franchise came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

It skillfully balances multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated show continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story also features some of the most brutally brutal fight sequences the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on both count. While it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {