Although American Horror Story has been captivating audiences for over a decade, the chilling anthology series continues to thrive. Ryan Murphy’s homage to the horror genre entertains fans with its ensemble cast and unpredictable twists. From the ghostly inhabitants of the Murder House to the eerie residents of the Hotel Cortez, viewers are often surprised by returning characters and locations, which adds to the show’s allure. Throughout the years, many networks and streaming platforms have embraced the anthology format, leading to a surge in horror series inspired by AHS.
The influence of American Horror Story cannot be overstated; it revitalized a genre that had been largely dormant since television’s early days. Its success paved the way for other groundbreaking series such as Fargo, Black Mirror, and True Detective, while also inspiring additional works from Murphy like American Crime Story and Feud. However, AHS owes much to classic anthology shows like The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, alongside pioneering horror series such as Twin Peaks and The X-Files.
Ryan Murphy and his team show a clear passion for horror, blending contemporary themes with nostalgic references. The series cleverly pays tribute to slasher films, creature features, and various aspects of Americana, all served with a side of dark humor. For those craving more thrilling TV experiences, here’s a list of shows that mirror American Horror Story‘s chilling essence. If you’re short on time, start with the AHS spinoff, American Horror Stories, available on Hulu.
These Shows Are Just As Creepy As American Horror Story
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The Haunting of Hill House (2018-2020)
If you loved the Murder House season of AHS, then The Haunting of Hill House and its follow-up Bly Manor will satisfy your craving for haunted houses brimming with spirits. Creator Mike Flanagan utilizes a recurring ensemble cast, crafting unique narratives in each season. The first season centers on family dynamics, while the second unfolds a poignant love story, and just like AHS, they can be watched in any order. -
Castle Rock (2018-2019)
Stephen King’s influence on AHS is undeniable, and Castle Rock serves as a thrilling blend of his iconic tales. Set in the eerie town of Castle Rock, it unites characters from King’s works like Misery and The Shawshank Redemption while delivering gripping performances from actors like Sissy Spacek and Lizzy Caplan. -
Monsterland (2020)
If AHS has shown us anything, it’s that no creature is too bizarre. Hulu’s Monsterland dives into the realm of the supernatural, with standalone stories featuring everything from mermaids to angels, all framed within the context of contemporary America. -
Creepshow (2019- )
The modern revival of Creepshow captures the essence of the original 1982 film, blending humor with horror. Like AHS, each episode offers a fresh narrative, ranging from possessed dolls to apocalyptic scenarios that keep horror enthusiasts engaged. -
Evil (2019- )
Originally airing on CBS before shifting to Paramount+, Evil dives deep into the terrifying. Focusing on a team of investigators dissecting supernatural phenomena, the show features a standout performance from Michael Emerson as a potentially devilish character, making it one of the scariest series on TV.
More Shows Perfect for Fans of American Horror Story
- The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)
- The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
- Slasher (2016- )
- Lore (2017-2018)
- Two Sentence Horror Stories (2019- )
- Black Mirror (2011- )
- Lovecraft Country (2020)
- Channel Zero (2016-2018)
- American Crime Story (2016- )
- Servant (2019- )
- Twin Peaks (1990-1991; 2017)
- The X-Files (1993-2002)
- The Terror (2018- )
- Bates Motel (2013-2017)
- Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)
- Salem (2014-2017)
- Into the Dark (2018- )
- Hannibal (2013-2015)
- Dead Set (2008)
- True Blood (2008-2014)
- Inside No. 9 (2014- )
- Scream Queens (2015-2016)
- Room 104 (2017-2020)
- Bloodride (2020)
- A Discovery of Witches (2018- )
- American Gothic (1995)
- SurrealEstate (2021)
- Ratched (2020)
- Marianne (2019)
- Dead of Summer (2016)
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Summary
If you’re a fan of American Horror Story, the above series are sure to scratch that horror itch with their own unique twists. From haunted houses to psychological thrillers, there’s something for every horror aficionado. Don’t forget to check out our other blog post for more on home insemination and family planning.