When you think about the horror movie-to-show ratio, it’s clear that films vastly outnumber series in the genre. However, it's creatives like Ryan Murphy who keep the TV landscape alive and thrilling by consistently delivering fresh and captivating horror series.
But while all of his horror shows deliver plenty of chills, not all of them hit the same highs. Some of his series will keep you hooked from start to finish, while others struggle to find their footing. As of right now, Murphy has seven horror series in total. Below, we decided to rank all seven from worst to best. The series in the No. 1 spot is, of course, our top pick out of all of them. As for the show in the No. 7 spot, it just didn’t resonate with us.
7. Monster
I really don’t get the hype surrounding this anthology series. It’s meant to explore high-profile criminal cases involving real-life serial killer(s), yet Murphy chooses to take a sensationalized approach, focusing more on entertainment and shock value rather than offering a respectful and accurate portrayal of the victims and their families.
Another aspect of this series that bothers me is the inclusion of fictionalized elements by Murphy. I get that it’s a TV show, so some creative liberties are expected, but with a show tackling sensitive subjects, it’s important to be careful. The problem is that Murphy doesn’t hesitate to invent scenes or exaggerate details that may not be true, further sensationalizing the horror and distorting the real events for dramatic effect.
I watched the entire first season, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and couldn't stand it. Despite that, I decided to give the second season, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a shot. That was a huge mistake! I've officially wiped my hands with this series and will not be tuning in for the third season, Monster: The Original Monster.
6. Grotesquerie
Grotesquerie is Murphy's latest horror series. So, here's the thing with this show. Although it boasts a star-studded cast with strong performances, the series is hindered by a convoluted and disjointed narrative. It places its focus on shock value and graphic imagery over a well-crafted story, which ultimately made it hard for me to enjoy. Like Murphy's Monster series, this is another show I recommend skipping. Don't worry! We're about to get into the horror shows Murphy created that are actually worth watching soon.
Here's what the horror series is about via the official FX website:
"In Ryan Murphy’s 10-episode drama series Grotesquerie for FX, a series of heinous crimes have unsettled a small community. Detective Lois Tryon feels these crimes are eerily personal, as if someone—or something—is taunting her. At home, Lois grapples with a strained relationship with her daughter, a husband in long-term hospital care and her own inner demons. With no leads and unsure of where to turn, she accepts the help of “Sister Megan,” a nun and journalist with the Catholic Guardian.
Sister Megan, with her own difficult past, has seen the worst of humanity, yet she still believes in its capacity for good. Lois, on the other hand, fears the world is succumbing to evil. As Lois and Sister Megan string together clues, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers."
5. The Watcher
While The Watcher isn't as bad as Monster or Grotesquerie, it still falls short of living up to the high expectations set by Ryan Murphy's previous work, with its uneven pacing, lack of depth in character development, and predictable plot. Then, there's the underwhelming ending that left us with unresolved questions. Instead of delivering on its intriguing premise, the ending focused more on shock and sensationalism. That said, I'm still open to giving the show another chance with its upcoming second season. If it doesn't improve, though, I’m done.
Here's the official logline for The Watcher via the Netflix Media Center:
"After the Brannock family moves into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home, it quickly becomes a living hell. Ominous letters from someone calling themself “The Watcher” are just the beginning as the neighborhood’s sinister secrets come spilling out."
4. American Horror Stories
I’d describe American Horror Stories as a more watered-down version of American Horror Story (AHS), as it generally lacks the same intensity. However, if you're a fan of AHS, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this spinoff too. It includes plenty of references, Easter eggs, and occasional crossovers that connect it to the original series. Plus, many of the actors from AHS return, portraying entirely new characters.
If you're a fan of horror but prefer not to commit to lengthy seasons, American Horror Stories is the perfect show for you. This series features shorter, self-contained episodes that each tell a different horror story.
3. Ratched
Whenever I think about Ratched and how it turned out, I get frustrated. It deserved so much better, and I'll never be okay with its cancellation after only one season. Sarah Paulson, who many will know from the various characters she played in American Horror Story, gave one of her best performances ever as Nurse Mildred Ratched. Supporting cast members Cynthia Nixon and Finn Wittrock also shine in their roles.
From its strong visuals and highly stylized aesthetic to its intriguing plot exploring the origin story of a young nurse turned monstrous figure, Ratched delivers a chilling and immersive experience. Regardless of its cancellation, I still find myself going back to rewatch the first season.
2. Scream Queens
Oh, you just had to be there when Scream Queens was airing. This show is for the people who are fans of campy, over-the-top humor. It's not meant to be taken seriously. But don't be fooled! While it leans into its playful tone, it's also filled with tons of suspense and offers plenty of surprises along the way. Each season revolves around a gripping murder mystery, keeping you on edge.
Plus, the star-studded cast, which includes Emma Roberts, Keke Palmer, Billie Lourd, Niecy Nash, Glen Powell, Lea Michele, Jamie Lee Curtis, Abigail Breslin, and more, adds to the fun. Unfortunately, this slasher series didn't make it past two seasons. However, don't let that deter you from giving it a chance!
The first season centers around a group of sorority sisters who become the target of a mysterious killer known as the "Red Devil." The second season shifts the setting from a college campus to a hospital where some of the surviving characters from the first season are faced with a new serial killer called the "Green Meanie."
1. American Horror Story
Let's be real—there’s no way you didn’t expect American Horror Story to take the top spot. It’s the show that marked Ryan Murphy’s big plunge into the horror genre, setting the stage for everything that followed. There's a reason why it currently has 12 seasons, with a thirteenth season on the way. I'm just saying!
In my honest opinion, the best seasons of this horror anthology series were seasons 1 through 6. Look, I'm not saying the newer seasons are bad. They just don’t quite live up to the high standards set by the first six. Again, this is only my opinion. If I could somehow go back in time and experience seasons 1-6 for the first time, I would in a heartbeat! I'm really looking forward to the thirteenth season and hoping we’ll get to see the return of some of the original cast members, like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Connie Britton, Taissa Farmiga, Jessica Lange, Denis O'Hare, and Dylan McDermott.
Each season of AHS presents a fresh horror story, featuring themes such as haunted houses, insane asylums, covens, and the end of the world.