All ‘American Horror Story’ Seasons, Ranked By IMDb

All ‘American Horror Story’ Seasons, Ranked By IMDb
Image credit: FX

Don't know where to start with American Horror Story? This is a complete guide to the iconic anthology.

American Horror Story has become a cultural phenomenon with 12 seasons under its belt and a 13rd one confirmed.

IMDb still doesn't have overall ratings for seasons, which is unfortunate, especially for anthologies like AHS. But fear not! We've done the math and compiled the ultimate ranking of all AHS seasons. For seasons with the same overall rating, we used their highest-rated episodes as tiebreakers.

12. ‘Delicate’ (Season 12)

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  • IMDb Rating: 5.3/10.

Delicate featured a surprising AHS debut from none other than Kim Kardashian. But if you're not really a fan of Kim or just getting into the series, save this season for later.

The season follows Anna, an actress who is trying to maintain her rising career while also desperately wanting to become a mother. Although the concept is intriguing, the execution lacks depth. The rushed pacing frustrated and left fans wanting more.

11. ‘NYC’ (Season 11)

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  • IMDb Rating: 5.8/10.

Despite strong performances from Joe Mantello and Billie Lourd, the season didn't quite hit the mark.

Set in the 80s New York City, this season attempted to blend serial killer horror with the early days of the AIDS crisis. Although it addressed significant issues of the time, the story felt disjointed and the final twist was disappointing to say the least.

10. ‘Double Feature’ (Season 10)

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  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10.

Double Feature split into two mini-seasons: “Red Tide” and “Death Valley.” The first part featured vampires in a creepy town and the second part involved an alien conspiracy.

“Red Tide” started strong with its exploration of art, inspiration and addiction. “Death Valley,” however, left many fans confused. The split format of the season was an interesting experiment, but perhaps some stories are better told in their entirety.

9. ‘Cult’ (Season 7)

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  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10.

Taking a different approach to horror, Cult explored the real-life paranoia fueled by the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson gave some of their most intense performances to date.

While the political commentary may be too on-the-nose for some, the season successfully tapped into collective anxieties and phobias.

8. ‘Roanoke’ (Season 6)

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  • IMDb Rating: 7.6/10.

Roanoke took a creative risk with its unique format: a show within a show. The first half played out as a documentary reenactment, while the second half turned the tables on both the actors and the “real” people they portrayed.

7. ‘Hotel’ (Season 5)

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  • IMDb Rating: 7.8/10. Highest-rated episode: 8/10.

Hotel managed to shine thanks to Lady Gaga's Golden Globe-winning performance as The Countess. This season is glamorous, intoxicating and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Although some criticized the season for its excessive gore, the exploration of addiction, sexuality and immortality gave the show more substance than its surface would suggest.

6. ‘1984’ (Season 9)

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  • IMDb Rating: 7.8/10. Highest-rated episode: 8.3/10.

1984, a love letter to '80s slasher films, showed that AHS could still deliver something new nine seasons in. It nailed the campy fun of classic horror movies. Set at a summer camp (because, of course, it is) the season featured all the genre staples: a mysterious killer, a final girl, and plenty of over-the-top deaths.

5. ‘Freak Show’ (Season 4)

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  • IMDb Rating: 7.9/10.

Through the lens of a 1950s carnival, the season tackled heavy themes such as discrimination and acceptance, and featured some of the most memorable characters in AHS history. Who could ever forget Jessica Lange's Elsa Mars? Or Sarah Paulson playing conjoined twins Bette and Dot?

4. ‘Coven’ (Season 3)

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  • IMDb Rating: 8/10. Highest-rated episode: 8.3/10.

If you're into witchy vibes and female empowerment (with a dash of murder), Coven is your jam. This season turned the show into a true pop culture phenomenon, giving us iconic characters like the Supreme witch Fiona Goode and the voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

3. ‘Murder House’ (Season 1)

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  • IMDb Rating: 8/10. Highest-rated episode: 8.4/10.

The one that started it all! Murder House set the bar incredibly high with its perfect blend of horror, drama and dark humor. The Harmon family moves into a haunted house and that's when the real fun begins. The twist ending is still iconic after all these years.

2. ‘Apocalypse’ (Season 8)

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  • IMDb Rating: 8/10. Highest-rated episode: 9.2/10.

After the world explodes, a group of survivors finds themselves in an underground bunker. This season pulls together previous seasons' storylines into something entirely new.

While some found the time-travel a bit messy, you can't deny the sheer entertainment value of watching our favorite characters come back.

1. ‘Asylum’ (Season 2)

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  • IMDb Rating: 8.3/10.

Coming in at number one, Asylum is the epitome of American Horror Story. Set in the 1960s at Briarcliff Manor, this season threw everything at us, including aliens, demons, Nazi doctors, and serial killers.

If you're just getting started with the anthology, this is your go-to season. Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, and our beloved Jessica Lange are all at the top of their game in this one.

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