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What could you accomplish with infinite control? That's a central question asked by all best science fiction as well as fantasy tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about every single person became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield such influence for the greater good, or succumb to your own darker impulses?

These series featured below all grapple with that very theme in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten top installments of science fiction & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man continues to be reinvented by new talent. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the hero's formative years, cleverly merging essential source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both new and profoundly engaging.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a one viral hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more complex. The action, personal development, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his history and present in a slightly take of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the original series. While the middle episodes venture into some new territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected this year's gem, this show could be described as a crime saga filtered through the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the iconic gaming franchise came back with a second batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it continues to explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero confronts immense challenges on every side: preparing for a coming alien threat, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show came back with increased significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on that fronts. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {