After haunting and enticing fans for over a decade on the silver screen, the hit television show American Horror Story is back with its highly anticipated 11th season — “American Horror Story: NYC” after releasing the first two episodes on Oct 19.
Throughout its run, AHS has captivated fans through unexpected journeys into the horrors of the past and the present — each addition in its collective anthology representing an unseen corner of terror — whether it be social, political, circumstantial or satirical scares.
From “Murder House” to “Double Feature,” an array of dynamic plotlines, character arcs and evocative title sequences have grabbed audience’s attention. Now, as we wait for the 11th season to unfold, let us wander down AHS memory lane — or more accurately, nightmare alley — by ranking each season full of ghastly fright.
Number 10: “Double Feature”
Coming in last is the most recent season of AHS, “Double Feature.” The lure of a double feature — the first half of the season featuring a story entitled “Red Tide” and the second featuring “Death Valley” — was hyped and marketed to the max. Although anticipation for this season was at an all time high amongst the AHS community since it marked 10 years of the series’ anthology, this season did not land when considering both halves in tandem.
“Red Tide” has all the fixings to be a solid AHS season. Its cinematography is transcendently stunning against the season’s Cape Cod setting, which combines with the deliciously disgusting blood imagery well. Additionally, the music wonderfully highlights tension, desire, fear and thirst.
While many admit that this half could have ended with the brilliant episode “Gaslight,” in which Lily Rabe gives one of her most expressive AHS performances to date, the last episode’s social commentary on the stakes of fame and success within the entertainment industry is compelling. Also, Evan Peters, Leslie Grossman, Adina Porter, Francis Conroy, Macaulay Culkin and many other long time AHS cast members take on unexpected — simultaneously comical and heartbreaking — roles that brighten and strengthen the rather flat season.
Meanwhile, “Death Valley ” is a meek and unfortunately inadequate addition. Truly, not even the talent and combined power of Sarah Paulson and Lily Rabe — two of AHS’s original queens — can take this half of Double Feature from flop to top. While the concept of extraterrestrials and Area 51 has the perfect fear-factor, it could not rise to the occasion in its short four episodes.
Although “Death Valley” manages to tend to nearly every mainstream Hollywood conspiracy theory, such as the disappearance of Amelia Airheart and a secret society of Lizard people, it fails to address them thoroughly. As the audience struggles to remain engaged in the chaositic thread of plot lines unfolding, the wonder and attraction signature to AHS ultimately gets lost.
Number 9: “1984”
“1984” emulates ‘80s slasher films through the repetition pertegatory of terror, rebirth and death. With an array of trade-mark plot twists — of which provide a certain level of chaos and unexpectedness — many true and reimagined stories of horror come to entertaining fruition.
The season’s emphasis on the pop and colorful ‘80s aesthetic and horror film tropes like“Final Girl” creatings an interesting commentary on the way society enjoys consuming the horror genre, and how the characters who survive the horror are usually viewed as virtuous. However, many fans fear that the appearance of Richard Ramirez as a character glamorizes the real-life killer’s actions, leading this season to rank amongst AHS’ worst.
Number 8: “Freak Show”
“Freak Show” is a reliable and enjoyable AHS season. In exploring a traveling freak show in the South, during the ‘50s, many important and necessary plotlines came to the surface — especially regarding societal treatment of those deemed “freaks.”
Anchoring the season, Jessica Lange gives a powerful performance as troupe leader Elsa Mars. Although her accent becomes a tad questionable at times, her emotional delivery and range makes many monologues and scenes within the season unforgettable. Likewise, Sarah Paulson’s performance as Bet and Dot — conjoined twins — is not only a technological wonder but an insane task for an actor. However, Paulson managed to play each twin separately and in relationship to each other with skill. Her performance alone is worth the watch. Likewise, the circus aesthetic and oh-so terrifying character of Twisty the Clown (John Carroll Lynch) makes this season both scary and solid.
All in all, the season has great emotional plotlines, music by Fiona Apple, David Bowie and Lana Del Rey, and even a crossover into “Asylum.” But, “Freak Show” does not stand out as remarkable compared to other seasons, and many plotlines get unnecessarily weird — even for AHS. For that reason, it ranks near the bottom.
Number 7: “Roanoke”
In seventh place is AHS’ most experiential season: “Roanoke” — a two part documentary style exploration of the real-life mysterious disappearance of the 16th century lost colony of Roanoke. This season is unique in its docuseries spin on classic AHS storytelling by having actors like Evan Peters and Angela Bassett play “real-life” victims of the hauntings of Roanoke in made-for-TV reenactments.
“Roanoke” takes a turn after the documentary “My Roanoke Nightmare” that is shown in the first five episodes. It became a hit within the AHS universe and the cast and crew were invited to return to the horrifying Roanoke house alongside the real-life people they portrayed in the documentary. Here, they have a live-streamed TV special — equipped with phones for each guest to record on. Perhaps this season was under-appreciated when originally released because it was ahead of its time.
Although extremely gory and nearly disgustingly horrific, the documentary concept is so dynamic and ends up being frankly laugh-out-loud comedy during the second half of the season, which may read more relevant today with video platforms, like Instagram and TikTok at the forefront of social media and communication. Upon rewatch, this season may rank even higher amongst its sister seasons.
Number 6: “Apocalypse”
“Apocalypse” is the all-star season of AHS if there ever was one. Dealing with the imagined possibility of a nuclear war that ends in the mass extinction of the human race, this season brings fright and anxiety. However, above all else, this season is for the horror fans.
“Apocalypse” sees the return of the original coven witches — Cordelia (Sarah Paulson), Madison (Emma Roberts), Zoey (Taissa Farmiga), the beloved Misty Day (Lily Rabe) and even Stevie Nicks herself. Additionally, the season takes us back to AHS’ start with a “Murder House” cameo, thus revisiting some of AHS’ most adored and cherished seasons and characters.
While its story lacks cohesion, the grandeur of its star-studded cast, the nostalgia of past seasons and entertaining execution still make it enjoyable and relevant. For fans of Cordelia Goode, it is comforting knowing she’ll always be “the f**king supreme.”
Number 5: Cult
“Cult” is truly a frightening season — premiering directly after the 2016 presidential election, and covering the horrors of right-wing extremist cult-like behavior and the intense fear it produces amongst vulnerable groups within America.
Although some aspects of the character backstory could have been fleshed out more, the way this season builds and illuminates anxiety and political tension is extraordinarily well done. Through the notion of cult leaders, followings and emotional manipulation “Cult” is impactful.
Despite it leading to an uncomfortable viewing experience, the execution is worth every bit of discomfort. Both Paulson and Peters put on exceptional, must-see performances that illustrate both spectrums of political activism in creepy, unsettlingly and horrific ways. Combine that with the rest of the season’s star-studded cast, its revamped title sequence and the timeliness of the storyline, you’ve got a worthwhile season of terrifying television.
Number 4: Hotel
Coming in fourth is AHS’ art-deco, ‘20s inspired and Los Angeles placed season: “Hotel.” Taking inspiration from LA’s real-life haunted Hotel Cecil, this season imagines the variety of occupants stuck for all eternity in the hotel’s horrific walls.
For many reasons, “Hotel” is a gem within the AHS canon, but above all Lady Gaga’s portrayal of vampirariess “The Countess” ranks this season amongst the best. Full of cameos from past seasons’ characters like Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe) from “Coven,” serial killers and lots of ghosts, “Hotel” sums up to be both aesthetic and entertaining.
Additionally, Paulson’s portrayal of Hypodermic Sally — to which she played intandem with her role as Marcia Clark within Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story: The People v O.J.) makes “Hotel” rank especially high. Although the plot gets murky at times, storylines like Liz Taylor’s (Denis O’Hare) and Iris’ (Cathy Bates) create a heartfelt and intentional season of haunts.
Number 3: Murder House
“Murder House” is where it all began. For long-time watchers of AHS, this season brings a certain nostalgia — and for good reason. It is satire, camp, hilarious and oh-so horrific. “Murder House” introduced us all into the excitement of AHS and the joy of watching talented actors step into unexpected roles.
It set the tone for the almost 11 seasons to follow along with many memes across social media platforms including the TikTok sound: “There’s not going to be a swimming pool you stupid sl*t!”
Ghosts and Halloween and psychic mediums, this season’s got it all. With Jessica Lange’s golden seal of approval within her portrayal of Constance Langdon, there’s just something special about the season.
Number 2: Coven
“Coven” is a smash! This season is classic AHS by imagining the trivial and supernatural horrors present in New Orleans amidst witches, witch hunters, immortals and voo-doo queens. From costuming to concept, Coven embodies what makes AHS great and delivers complicated, gruesome and satirical storylines in an intoxicating way.
There are even cameos of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Broadway’s Patti Lapone. With some of the best of AHS acting in Coven, it is no wonder this season is a perfect October binge-watch and a comfort amongst fans. The jazz, the magic, and witchy vibes are truly supreme.
Number 1: Asylum
In first place is AHS’ second season — the creepy and captivating “Asylum.” Truly, this groundbreaking season has it all: demonic possession, aliens, ghosts, human experimentation and even Adam Levine. Set in 1964, this season explores the horrors of a mental institute run by the Catholic Church and discusses the inhumane treatment of mentally ill patients, as well as the inadequate reasons why certain members of society were forced to inhabit the asylum.
With Jessica Lange anchoring the season as Sister Jude, Lily Rabe playing a demon-possessed nun and Sarah Paulson holding the season together as women-loving-women reporter-turned-patient — Lana Winters — the female-led story is top notch and offers interesting commentary on good and evil, and devil and angel through Catholic symbolism.
“Asylum” also gives us a plethora of popular memes and Tik Tok sounds including “Help! He’s escaping! The killer is escaping!” and “The Name Game.” If this happens to be your personal favorite as well, the Netflix original “Ratched” is a stunning cinematic counterpart to the iconic “Asylum.”
With over a decade of “American Horror Story” done and more on its way, now is a terrific time to rewatch old seasons. Perhaps you’ll be surprised by the real life commentary embedded within the horror AHS encapsulates.
Though the fright and fear are always expected, the satire and relevance of “American Horror Story” might just spark something unexpected within first-time watchers and long-time fans alike.
Clairesse Schweig is an Arts & Entertainment Editor for the fall 2022 quarter. They can be reached at cschweig@uci.edu.
