American Horror Story: Every Season, Ranked From Could Be Better To Chef's Kiss
The most popular horror anthology has been a strong force in the game for more than a decade.
Since its debut in 2011, American Horror Story has captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror, drama and dark storytelling. Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the anthology series has given us a wide variety of stories that have been captured over the course of 11 seasons. Here's a ranking of them all, from good to simply the best.
11. Double Feature (Season 10)
Even the attempt to tell two stories, Red Tide and Death Valley, in one season, and the return of beloved Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters, couldn't save the Double Feature trope. The season felt like a Stephen King story, which was an amazing way to move the plot along, but it still falls short of all the other seasons in terms of quality.
10. Apocalypse (Season 8)
Apocalypse was able to combine elements from the previous seasons and create a crossover event that we did not know we needed. While it had an intriguing premise and provided some closure for the die-hard fans, the season felt dull and far-fetched for most of the time.
9. NYC (Season 11)
By tackling an important issue and giving the LGBTQ+ community full ownership of the season, the show breathed new life into the franchise. With beloved Zachary Quinto and Patti LuPone returning to the American Horror Story family, NYC is a great addition to the horror anthology collection.
8. Cult (Season 7)
Many fans found the season lacking in cohesive storytelling and character development, despite Cult's deep dive into politics and the concept of fear. Despite some standout performances, including Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson's portrayals of difficult characters, the season failed to fully realize its bold concepts.
7. Hotel (Season 5)
The fifth season of American Horror Story is considered to be the point where the show went downhill. Even though Hotel featured a glamorous and eerie setting, explored themes of addiction and obsession, and brought in Lady Gaga herself, the season became the weakest of them all and the one less known based on the critical reviews.
6. Roanoke (Season 6)
This mockumentary season divided fans into two camps. Despite a strong start, the season lost momentum toward the end, and the abrupt change in narrative style left some viewers with a sense of disconnect. Still, it doesn't deserve as much of the hate it's gotten, as it's one of the few that never lets viewers get bored.
5. Freak Show (Season 4)
Set in a 1950's circus, Freak Show had a visually stunning setting and the perfect work of the actors. However, at times it felt like the season had trouble balancing its large ensemble cast, resulting in underdeveloped storylines and a lack of monumental plot twists.
4. Asylum (Season 2)
Asylum is widely considered to be one of the best seasons of American Horror Story. Delving into the horrors of a mental hospital, the show deftly crafted a dark and twisted tale that pushed boundaries and showcased the show at its most ambitious. However, if the season hadn't decided to add mystical elements, including the alien invasion, Asylum would have made the top 3 on our list.
3. 1984 (Season 9)
While the series went through significant changes, suffering from the departure of Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters, 1984 still managed to bring a fresh air to the show, paying tribute to the beloved slasher genre. The season made fans feel the nostalgia of the very first series, full of diversity and unique soul, which had been sorely missed.
2. Coven (Season 2)
While exploring witchcraft in a compelling and unique way, the supernatural- themed season introduced fans to memorable characters that managed to get under the viewers’ skin. With Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates and Emma Roberts joining the cast, and the reunion of beloved characters in an all-new story, the season cemented itself as the best of all time for many fans.
1. Murder House (Season 1)
The classic that started it all, Murder House introduced us to the world of American Horror Story and its eternally beloved cast, setting the tone for the series and all of its future seasons. It effectively blended horror and drama, creating a compelling and suspenseful storyline that left us wanting more with each passing season.