🔗 Share this article

What could you accomplish with infinite ability? That's a central question posed by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about every other human was dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield that power for good, or would you succumb to your own baser instincts?

The shows listed herein each grapple with that very concept in distinct ways (aside from a single key exclusion). Presented here is our ranking of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing look at the character's formative days, skillfully combining classic source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels both new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic confrontations that naturally end in elaborate song.

While it might not have a single viral hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worth the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore some different territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation of the popular video game series came back with a new season of episodes that expanded its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. 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 expertly balances several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces immense challenges on all side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again features some of the most intense action sequences the series has yet delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero series returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it executes on both count. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {