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How would you do with boundless ability? That's the central question explored by the best sci-fi as well as fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about each and every single person was wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you wield such influence for good, or give in to your baser impulses?

These series ranked below all explore that very dilemma in distinct manners (aside from a single notable exclusion). Detailed here is our countdown of the ten top seasons of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite over 60 years of history, Spider-Man is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. This series presents a novel perspective at the hero's formative years, skillfully merging essential source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously new and profoundly engaging.

Rather than operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes command of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one breakout song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in season 2 being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting show proves it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies from his past and present in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the original series. While the middle episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving fans keenly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy animation and an unnerving score, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the popular gaming series came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that title; instead, it further explore themes of control and freedom.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for answers to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most intense action scenes the series has yet delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, 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

The director's offbeat superhero show returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it executes on both fronts. While it effectively lays foundations for future DCU stories, it primarily tells a resonant and focused {