The Haunting Hierarchy: Ranking All 11 American Horror Story Seasons, from Dreadful to Devilish

Every ‘American Horror Story’ Season Ranked, From Worst to Best

Introduction

The FX anthology series, “American Horror Story,” has been captivating audiences since its first season, known as “Murder House,” premiered in 2011. Each season offers a unique and twisted nightmare, drawing viewers into its dark and unpredictable world. While some seasons have been more successful than others, the franchise continues to thrive. As the upcoming 12th entry, “American Horror Story: Delicate,” approaches, it’s the perfect time to rank the first 11 seasons from worst to best.

“Double Feature” (Season 10, 2021)

The most recent season of “American Horror Story,” titled “Double Feature,” fell short in terms of cohesiveness. The season divided its ideas into two distinct halves – “Red Tide,” a vampire/opioid cautionary tale, and “Death Valley,” a time-hopping alien saga. Unfortunately, “Death Valley” was confusing and caused viewer engagement to decline. Despite featuring Sarah Paulson and Lily Rabe in captivating roles, this season failed to maintain the viewers’ interest.

“NYC” (Season 11, 2022)

Set in 1980s New York City, “NYC” delved into the city’s dark side, with a focus on the rise of AIDS. While the season touched on important themes, it lacked subtlety. The real horrors faced by the queer community during this time period could have been explored with more depth and nuance. The season’s fixation on sensationalism overshadowed the profound story it could have told.

“Cult” (Season 7, 2017)

“Cult” attempted to reflect the fear and uncertainty surrounding the 2016 presidential election. However, it fell short in its execution. While the season had its moments of high comedy and clever undertones, it relied too heavily on literal interpretations of fear and politics. The inclusion of clown masks and Cheeto-dusted characters detracted from the timely examination of fear’s many forms that the season aimed to achieve.

“1984” (Season 9, 2019)

“1984” started off promisingly as a summer camp slasher story but quickly became repetitive. While the initial episodes featured a thrilling chase sequence through Camp Redwood, the repetitive time loop concept grew tiresome. By the time the focus shifted to the Night Stalker character, the season had lost its momentum. “1984” could have been a fun and straightforward season, but it became convoluted and ultimately disappointing.

“Apocalypse” (Season 8, 2018)

“Apocalypse” was the culmination of years of interwoven storytelling in the “American Horror Story” universe. The season brought together characters from previous seasons and confirmed fan theories about the show’s interconnected mythology. While it was exciting to see familiar faces and explore the continuity between seasons, the complexity of the storyline became overwhelming. The season veered into convoluted territory and lost sight of the appeal of the show’s vivid and distinct worlds.

“Freak Show” (Season 4, 2014)

“Freak Show” stands out for its visually captivating take on horror and its exploration of marginalized communities. Jessica Lange’s final leading role in the series showcased her incredible talent. The season paid tribute to carny films of early Hollywood while highlighting the compassion and empathy within found-family communities. Paulson’s dual role as conjoined twins was exceptional, but Lange’s portrayal of aging show owner Elsa Mars stole the show.

“Hotel” (Season 5, 2015)

“Hotel” immersed viewers in the glamorous yet decaying world of the Hotel Cortez. Lady Gaga’s magnetic performance as the Countess added intrigue and allure to the season. The cohesive and vibrant cast, including Denis O’Hare and Sarah Paulson, elevated the storytelling. Although the season was at times weighed down by a distracting subplot involving the Ten Commandments Killer, it remained a memorable and stylish entry in the franchise.

“Roanoke” (Season 6, 2016)

“Roanoke” is a divisive season that surprised viewers with its unique storytelling format. The season initially presented itself as a gory sendup of true crime documentaries but quickly shifted gears. The second half of the season, focusing on the show-within-the-show and its behind-the-scenes chaos, provided some of the show’s best slasher material. Featuring standout performances from Kathy Bates and Sarah Paulson, “Roanoke” successfully blended horror and meta-commentary.

“Asylum” (Season 2, 2012)

“Asylum” elevated the franchise to a whole new level. Set inside Briarcliff Asylum in 1964, the season delved into the horrors of mental health treatment and abuse of power. Jessica Lange’s portrayal of Sister Jude and Sarah Paulson’s performance as Lana Winters stood out as exceptional. The season expertly blended a variety of horror elements, including aliens, Nazis, and a killer known as Bloody Face, while delivering a satisfying and conclusive story.

“Murder House” (Season 1, 2011)

The first season of “American Horror Story,” “Murder House,” set the foundation for the franchise’s success. It tackled the theme of hidden horrors behind closed doors, featuring a multitude of intertwined storylines. The season expertly incorporated elements of fame, power, and lust, while exploring captivating narratives such as a school shooting and the Black Dahlia murder. “Murder House” showcased the ambitious storytelling that continues to define “American Horror Story.”

“Coven” (Season 3, 2013)

“Coven” remains at the top of the ranking for its cultural relevance and compelling storytelling. The season introduced audiences to the witchy women of Miss Robichaux’s Academy and explored themes of power, identity, and persecution. Jessica Lange’s portrayal of the power-hungry Supreme Fiona Goode set the stage for a balance of horror and whimsy. “Coven” perfectly captured the essence of the “American Horror Story” universe while showcasing the franchise’s ability to strike the right balance between accessibility and coolness.

Conclusion

“American Horror Story” has offered audiences diverse and often chilling seasons since its inception. While some seasons may have fallen short in terms of execution, the franchise as a whole continues to captivate viewers with its unique blend of horror, social commentary, and compelling performances. As we anxiously await the upcoming season, “American Horror Story: Delicate,” let’s appreciate the thrilling and unpredictable journey that this anthology series has taken us on.

Sources:

– Hunter Ingram, “Every ‘American Horror Story’ Season Ranked, From Worst to Best”, Home TV Lists, Sep 20, 2023