🔗 Share this article

How could you accomplish with boundless power? This is a core inquiry posed by the best sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if every single human was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use that power for the greater good, or would you succumb to your own baser impulses?

These series ranked herein all confront that very concept in distinct manners (aside from one key exclusion). Detailed below is a list of the ten top installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinvented by fresh creative voices. This series delivers a novel look at the character's early days, skillfully merging classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its second installment. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes command of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

Although it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting product proves it was worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising this year's gem, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series of the iconic video game series came back with a new batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that game; instead, it further examine themes of control and autonomy.

The show skillfully balances several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutal fight scenes the show has yet produced.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat superhero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for future DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {