Hint: Jessica Lange sure helps.
But more importantly, it showed that horror could be just as effective on television as in film.
So without further ado, here’s our list of everyAmerican Horror Storyseason, ranked from worst to best.
Frank Ockenfels/FX
Season 7: Cult (2017)
Let’s be clear:Cultis utter chaos.
That said,Cult’schaos is somewhat enjoyable if you stop trying to understand it and simply indulge.
But a premature ending from the shortened episode scope ultimately made this compelling narrative fall flat.
FX
One look at his mangled, toothy mask, and it’s easy to see why.
That’s not to say it’s completely directionless, though.
Its cardinal sin: the writers biting off more than they could chew.
Michele K. Short/FX
I felt really kind of trapped by my responsibility and my contractual obligation to do [AHS]."
Season 3: Coven (2013)
Covenhas its work cut out for itself.
Even so, we see stellarAHSdebuts from talents likeGabourey Sidibe, Kathy Bates, andAngela Bassett.
Prashant Gupta/FX
Enter:Apocalypse, a creative, inter-season cross-over featuring characters and continued storylines fromMurder HouseandCovenwith whispers ofHotel.
That may sound like a lot to take in because, well, it is.
But it’s also a rich treat for fanatics who have been following the show for years.
Russell Tovey as Patrick in ‘AHS:NYC’.FX
Remember,ApocalypsetrailedCultandRoanoke, which are both widely considered among the worst anthologies.
Yes, she is that good, and she always has been.
As a sleepaway screamer,1984is delightfully campy (pun probably intended by the show’s powers that be).
Suzanne Tenner/FX
Oh, plus alternate universes and whatnot.
As far as the best seasons ofAHSgo,AsylumandMurder Houseare neck and neck.
Beyond those glass-ceiling superlatives, we’re still left in awe ofMurder Houseand all its haunted L.A. glory.
Michele K. Short/FX
Kurt Iswarienko/FX
Kurt Iswarienko/FX
Michael Yarish/FX
Lewis Jacobs/FX
