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What would you do with boundless ability? That's the fundamental question asked by all best sci-fi as well as fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary drug? What about every other person was dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or succumb to your own baser instincts?

These shows listed below each grapple with that very theme in various manners (aside from a single notable exception). Presented here is a countdown of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series offers a novel look at the hero's early days, skillfully combining classic comic elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its second installment. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single breakout hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The action, character arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story advances the main storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his past and present in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent chapters explore certain different territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma executives to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the popular gaming series came back with a second batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated series continues its powerful streak in season 3. The hero faces immense challenges on all side: preparing for a coming alien threat, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most intense action scenes the show has ever delivered.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral 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 irreverent superhero series returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {