American Horror Story Ranked From Worst to Best Season
Los Angeles CA (Elevation Magazine) 01/14/2026
We’ve all heard the exciting news: “American Horror Story” is returning for Season 13! It’s set to premiere on Halloween, October 31, 2026, and while we still have some time until the release, I personally can’t wait. This upcoming season will feature returning stars like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, and Billy Lourd, along with the highly anticipated return of Jessica Lange, the queen of “American Horror Story” herself. Additionally, newcomer Ariana Grande is joining the cast. There are rumors of a tie to “Coven” in this season, but we don’t have all the details yet.
As we await the premiere this Halloween, I’ve taken the liberty of ranking every season from worst to best. There’s been a lot of discussion about the recent seasons, which have had a different vibe than the earlier ones, but they are still great in their own right. This is just my opinion please don’t come for me! I’ve rewatched all the seasons, which, by the way, are streaming on Amazon Prime for free. Watching them again after a decade made me catch things I missed the first time around. Here’s my ranking from worst to best.
My least favorite season of American Horror Story is Hotel Season 5 . I know a lot of die-hard Lady Gaga fans might disagree, but I find her presence a bit distracting. The storyline feels all over the place, with scenes featuring Gaga that resemble music videos rather than fitting seamlessly into the season’s narrative. Ultimately, it’s supposed to be a haunted hotel story with a police twist, but it just doesn’t come together.
It hurts me to say this, especially since I love Wes Bentley, but I really think it’s the worst season. The story is a mix of a ghost tale and a police drama, randomly tying in serial killers with the hotel, along with vampires for no apparent reason. It feels like the show was initially heading in the direction of a police story, only to be last-minute rewritten to include Lady Gaga’s character. While she is a talented actress and won several awards for her role, I don’t believe this was her best performance. Bah humbug!
NYC: AHS Season 11 continues the tradition of previous American Horror Story seasons by drawing from urban legends and American conspiracy theories, bringing real-life horrors to life. While I appreciate the cast in this season and the way it tackles a disturbing conspiracy involving the AIDS crisis, it ultimately fell short for me. I do love that it serves as an educational experience for younger viewers who may not know anyone who lived through that time in history. It was a terrible period, and just like many other parts of history, it has been largely forgotten, which is the scariest aspect of it. The season also depicts the police in a typical manner, showing them as ineffective in addressing crimes against minority groups.
Double Feature: AHS Season 10
This season features a unique concept, as it is split into two halves. The first part is titled “Red Tide,” which follows a family that moves to Provincetown, Massachusetts, escaping from New York City in search of creative freedom. The husband is there to write, while the wife aims to decorate their rental home to expand her interior design portfolio. This season, guest stars include Macaulay Culkin. As the family interacts with the peculiar inhabitants of this quiet seaside town, they uncover a dark secret: vampires living among them. However, this is not a typical vampire story of immortality. Instead, it explores the theme of creatives becoming immortal through their works, aided by a chemist who studies the effects of her magic pills. These pills transform talented individuals into geniuses in their respective fields while turning the untalented into vacant, soulless demons. I genuinely enjoyed this storyline, as it humorously critiques Hollywood and the aspirations of aspiring personalities.
The second half, titled “Death Valley,” revolves around aliens, Area 51, and long-standing legends about government takeover by extraterrestrials. While this story starts off strong and is entertaining, it quickly falls flat and feels incomplete. I would rank “Double Feature” as the third worst season of American Horror Story, not because of the first half, but due to the unsatisfactory second half that ends abruptly and feels unfinished.
Delicate: AHS Season 12
There has been much discussion about the latest season of American Horror Story being the worst, but I don’t agree. It is indeed very different and not directly connected to the other seasons. At times, I wondered if it could have ties to “Coven,” as there are witches; however, they act more like demon worshipers than traditional witches. The acting in this season is excellent, and Emma Roberts does an amazing job in her role. Even though I’ve never been pregnant, I can sense that there is always a constant anxiety that something could go wrong.
This season also introduces Kim Kardashian as Emma’s publicist, showcasing that she is more than just a reality star and media personality; she can be a real Hollywood actress. I loved her casting in this role. Some people believe she is playing herself, while others think she is portraying her mother. Either way, she brought a new side of herself to the screen that we hadn’t seen before, and I absolutely loved her performance.
Moreover, this season is not solely conceived by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk; it is based on the book “Delicate Condition” by Danielle Rollins. Interestingly, this marks the first season of American Horror Story where Ryan Murphy is not the showrunner. It feels different not just because it’s based on a book and isn’t tied to previous seasons, but also due to Murphy’s absence. Reminiscent of the first season, akin to “Rosemary’s Baby.”
1984: AHS Season 9
I loved the look of American Horror Story: 1984, the ninth season that takes place at Camp Redwood. The fashion, costumes, and intro were really fun and totally embraced the 80s vibe. While it’s considered the fifth-worst AHS season, I believe it’s not only a campy story about a haunted camp but also a tribute to 80s horror films like Friday the 13th and Halloween. Many elements of the plot feel oddly familiar, with ties to Camp Crystal Lake and other stories we’ve seen in films.
I think the cast was really attractive, and a lot of the storylines were ironically funny. Like other seasons of American Horror Story, this one features the recurring theme that if you die at Camp Redwood, you become a ghost and haunt the place in a purgatory-like fashion, though others can see you, and you can hurt people from beyond the grave. This cheesiness seems intentional, so I didn’t take it too seriously and found it enjoyable to watch. However, I am tired of the Richard Ramirez storylines on the show. This season also introduced me to the charming Gus Kenworthy, and I quickly became a fan of his.
Freakshow: AHS Season 4 may be a controversial pick for me, as I’m ranking it as the sixth worst season instead of one of the best. While it has an outstanding cast and is by no means the worst season, I have some mixed feelings about it. I really love Finn Wittrock’s character; I think he’s a striking man who fits perfectly in a role set in 1952. I’ve also heard Jessica Lange considers this her best role in the American Horror universe. She showcases a lot of depth and range, and I particularly enjoy the musical scenes where she demonstrates her various talents.
Initially, I always thought of this season as one of the best, but after rewatching it, I realized that I had never actually finished it. Somewhere along the way, I lost interest. Watching it again was interesting because I finally saw the second half, including the parts where Wes Bentley plays a somewhat grim reaper-like character. I did find some parts boring, though.
After rewatching, I noticed the connections between Freakshow and other seasons, particularly how Pepper’s journey relates to Briarcliff. Additionally, there’s a link between Dr. Arden and Elsa Mars. However, I’m baffled by the fact that she would forget he sawed her leg off; it’s quite confusing.
Apocalypse AHS Season 8 of , marks a significant improvement as we transition from the less favorable seasons to the better ones. This season is a crossover event that connects Murder House, Hotel, and Coven. It focuses on the Antichrist, Michael Langdon, and the battle between good and evil, specifically the conflict between witches and demons.
Michael Langdon, the child raised by Constance Langdon from Season 1, is depicted as he rises to power as the Antichrist and the harbinger of the end of times. The story begins with the onset of a nuclear war, leading to a nuclear winter, where survivors find refuge in a bunker run by Ms. Venable. The survivors are comprised of both elite individuals and the “chosen,” but the details of how this situation unfolds are revealed gradually as Michael’s ascent is explained.
The Coven is alerted to the emergence of a new Supreme, Michael, who, with the assistance of tech geniuses, brings about the apocalypse. In response, the witches do everything they can to travel back in time to prevent this grim outcome. The season is entertaining, particularly because the witches are so engaging, and revisiting the Murder House to see past events come full circle is particularly satisfying.
Asylum: AHS Season 2
I really love Asylum; it features one of the most star-studded casts ever, including Chloe Sevigny, Joseph Fiennes, and James Cromwell, along with special guest stars like Jenna Dewan and Lizzie Brocheré, who I think should return in a future season.
The season tells the story of an asylum run by nuns and priests that houses not only the criminally insane but also individuals who, by society’s standards at the time, were considered “crazy,” such as those who identified as gay or were deemed overly sexual. The asylum is overseen by Sister Jude, played by Jessica Lange, who ultimately finds herself committed to her own hospital.
The facility is notorious for housing a serial killer known as Bloody Face. As the story unfolds, we discover that Bloody Face isn’t who we initially think but is actually Dr. Oliver Thredson, who has framed a patient for the killings in connection to his wife’s mysterious disappearance she was, as it turns out, abducted by aliens.
Meanwhile, a reporter gets herself locked up in the asylum not only because she is gay but also in pursuit of a scoop about the institution. She is eventually kidnapped by a man she believes is trying to help her, only to find herself back in the asylum. After being freed, she becomes a prominent figure by exposing the asylum as a renowned reporter and talk show host, earning celebrity status with her book based on her experience at Briarcliff. This character, Lana Winters, becomes a recurring presence throughout the seasons.
Cult: AHS Season 7
American Horror Story Season 7, titled “Cult,” has often been labeled as the worst season of the series. However, I strongly disagree and find it to be one of the most entertaining seasons. Set in the fictional suburb of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, during the year 2017, “Cult” explores the impact of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 election on the town’s residents.
This season stands out because it does not feature any supernatural elements; instead, it focuses on phobias, fears, and the uncertainty of the times. It delves into the stories of various cults throughout history, illustrating the complex relationship between individuals and the vulnerable members of these groups. Additionally, it touches upon Valerie Solanas infamous act of shooting Andy Warhol.
The narrative presents a compelling “men vs. women” storyline, revealing how both genders often operate under the influence of the same powerful forces. The season is both humorous and frightening, showcasing exceptional performances from the cast.
“Cult” reflects how the media manipulates society, creating a divisive and fearful environment, which resonates with our contemporary world. It encourages the audience to examine the reality around them closely. The story is not only clever but also highly entertaining, which is why I’ve watched this season multiple times.
Roanoke: AHS Season 6
we are going from bad to good so this is my third favorite season, I dont think people give it the credit it deserves, its three parts, the first part we see a unsolved crime type show, its a dramatization of a something that happened apparently it was a sensational crime with supernatural occurances that happened to actual people, we later see the backlash and celebrity, and impact of the show on the public which leads us to the second part, where they film a reality show brining together the actors of the dramatization plus the “real life survivors of the story into a reality show production, what the actors don’t know or believe is that what they reinacted actually happened to those people and the survivors should of not returned but for their own reasons return to tape the reality show, one wants to prove she had nothing to do with the death of her husband, the other wants reunite with her ex ultimately the whole thing goes wrong, we then see clips of other news specials involving the actual survivors and court trials, and the celebrity brought upon her from her not guilty conviction. It also brings the element of streamers and bloggers, all of which lose their lives and end finally on the Lana Winters show, the once resident of Briarcliff, turned tv show host. It’s entertaining and unique, and in a way, it is making fun of celebrity, crime reporting, and reenactments. Some say it’s one of the worst seasons; I think it’s one of the best, and Lady Gaga’s role is actually amazing.
Coven: AHS Season 3
Coven is by far one of the best seasons of American Horror Story. It introduces us to witches who foresee the apocalypse, and I hear they are making a comeback in season 13. The narrative follows a coven of young witches in present-day New Orleans, led by Fiona Goode and her daughter Cordelia, who manage a school for gifted witches while battling a centuries-old feud with local Voodoo witches.
The story explores the folklore, legends, and myths of Louisiana witchcraft, including the experiences of enslaved witches, deities, and the burdensome responsibility of being the Supreme the leader of the witches. Emma Roberts delivers her best performance as Madison Montgomery, whose lineage is intertwined with a legend in the American Horror universe. All the witches in the coven are descendants of the Salem witches, and the season features flashbacks to the Salem witch trials.
Adding to the horror, Kathy Bates portrays Madame Delphine Lalaurie, a New Orleans socialite and serial killer known for torturing and murdering enslaved people in her household.
American Horror Story: Murder House, Season 1
Of course, the best is the original. I remember watching Season One; it had such a significant impact on me. At the time, I didn’t have cable, and there weren’t many ways to watch the show. I started watching it during a seven-day trial of Hulu, I think, on my computer. I was instantly mesmerized. Everyone was talking about the show, and I heard so many things about it. Luckily, no one gave me any spoilers, but everyone encouraged me to watch it. After a few episodes, I had to see it on TV, so I went out and bought a DVD player along with the season on DVD. I still have it, even though I no longer own a DVD player.
This show was incredibly impactful and changed television forever. It takes place in Los Angeles and mixes urban legends with American folklore. It follows the Harmond family, who move into a house unaware that it is haunted. The ghosts they encounter are unlike any seen before. Throughout the series, you remain unaware that the Harmonds themselves would ultimately become ghosts.
The Harmonds interact with the ghosts of their house without knowing that they are ghosts. We also see the story of Constance Langdon, the sinister neighbor of the Harmonds, who has a checkered history and a deep attachment to their house. Her role is iconic; she delivered an epic performance that earned her both a Golden Globe and an Emmy, reminding us of the star that Jessica Lange is. Murder House became iconic, and its lore is revisited in later seasons. It established a platform for the anthology series, incorporating real-life events and adding a dark layer that resonates with audiences.
There you have it, my ranking of American Horror Story from worst to best. If you haven’t seen the show yet, it’s not too late! You can stream it on Amazon Prime for free with commercials.
