Every Ryan Murphy Horror Series, Ranked Worst To Best

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Television horror has evolved significantly, and Ryan Murphy is a key figure in that evolution. Though he’s worked across many genres, he truly excels at building intensely atmospheric and unsettling shows. Whether it’s with American Horror Story or his more unusual projects, Murphy consistently blends scares with striking visuals and compelling, often unlikeable, characters. While not everything he creates is a hit with everyone, he consistently delivers shows that are hard to ignore – you might love them or be frustrated by them, but they always make an impact.

Ryan Murphy’s horror shows are known for their surprising twists, so you never quite know what’s coming. If you’re new to his work, or just want to know which series are the best, this list will guide you through them all, ranked from best to worst.

7) The Watcher

Ryan Murphy is known for experimenting with different types of horror, and his latest series, The Watcher, attempts a psychological thriller. While it’s enjoyable, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The show starts with a compelling idea: a family moves into their dream home only to receive disturbing letters from someone calling themselves “The Watcher.” It immediately creates a sense of unease, but the writing isn’t always polished. It often feels like the series prioritizes building suspenseful scenes over developing a clear and consistent narrative – which explains why many critics have focused their complaints on the script.

The series boasts a talented cast, but a confusing and disjointed plot ultimately holds it back. While The Watcher is watchable, it doesn’t deliver the consistently gripping experience you’d expect from a well-made thriller – and that’s why it’s ranked where it is. It starts strong, but many viewers will likely find the ending unsatisfying. It’s enjoyable enough, but it doesn’t stand out as one of Ryan Murphy’s strongest works.

6) Grotesquerie

Unlike The Watcher, this show throws a lot at the audience all at once. Grotesquerie centers on a town dealing with disturbing murders and extreme religious beliefs, and its characters are intensely affected by these events. While it features striking visuals, strong acting, and a dark, unsettling mood, the show suffers from a complicated plot and inconsistent pacing. Unfortunately, impressive imagery isn’t enough to make it truly compelling.

Okay, so Grotesquerie is definitely more about how it looks and feels than a tightly woven plot. When it’s good, it’s genuinely creepy and visually arresting. But honestly, there were times I felt totally lost, not knowing what was happening or what the point even was. If you’re into horror that’s more atmospheric and a little unsettling, you’ll probably dig it. And if you’re already a fan of director Murphy’s work, you’ll likely have an easier time with it. Ultimately, that’s why I’m including it – it’s undeniably him. Love it or hate it, it’s a clear example of his unique style.

5) Monster

Ryan Murphy’s series Monster is perhaps his most talked-about work. Each season focuses on a different true crime case, beginning with Jeffrey Dahmer, then the Menéndez brothers, and even Ed Gein. While the show can be gripping, it’s also often disturbing. Now entering its fourth season, Monster doesn’t hold back on graphic details. The first season was a hit, proving the show’s concept worked, but it also raised questions about whether it sensationalizes true crime. Subsequent seasons haven’t quite struck the same balance between suspense and meaningful storytelling.

The show is intentionally shocking and can be deeply disturbing, leading some to call it sensationalistic. It’s often unclear whether the creator is trying to offer criticism or simply provoke a reaction. While the series occasionally seems to delve into the killer’s psychology, it often feels less concerned with factual accuracy. This inconsistency, repeated over several seasons, is problematic given the show’s basis in real events, which deserve sensitive treatment. Monster delivers a frightening experience, but relies more on making viewers uncomfortable than building genuine psychological suspense or telling a carefully crafted story. Ultimately, a series should be known for its consistency and quality, not just for causing controversy.

4) American Horror Stories

Ryan Murphy decided to expand the American Horror Story universe with American Horror Stories. This new series delivers self-contained horror stories in individual episodes, freeing it from the need for a continuous storyline. While some episodes are truly memorable and stand out as modern horror gems, others don’t leave much of an impression. The unpredictability is a plus, but it also means you might not always be invested in what happens. Ultimately, American Horror Stories feels like an enjoyable addition to the original series, created primarily for dedicated fans.

American Horror Stories is an enjoyable and inventive show that will likely satisfy fans of the original series. While it’s a good option if you’re craving more of that familiar style, it’s best enjoyed as individual episodes rather than a series to binge. It’s not a deeply unsettling or emotionally powerful horror experience – think of it as a varied collection of stories, with some hits and some misses. This show is for viewers who appreciate quirky and unusual content, rather than those seeking a consistently scary or gripping narrative. Ultimately, it succeeds in what it aims to be: a fun and experimental horror anthology.

3) Ratched

I honestly think Ratched is one of Evan Murphy’s best works, and it doesn’t get enough credit! The show dives into the backstory of Nurse Ratched, the terrifying character from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, showing how she became the woman we all fear. It’s set in a 1940s mental hospital and watching her climb the ranks is just chilling. The acting is fantastic, as always with this showrunner, but Sarah Paulson is incredible – she is this show. She manages to be both charming and deeply unsettling, and I found myself completely drawn in. It’s a really well-made series that expertly builds suspense and discomfort, mixing psychological horror with a compelling character study.

The show is visually striking, as you’d expect from Ryan Murphy, and it aims for more than just surface-level appeal. However, it occasionally gets bogged down in overly dramatic storylines, even though those storylines also contribute to the show’s rich world-building. It won’t appeal to all viewers – critics have pointed that out – but it’s undeniably a very “Murphy” production: bold, open to interpretation, and highly stylized. Despite some imbalances, the show perfectly demonstrates Murphy’s ability to transform visual style into a form of storytelling, and storytelling into a grand spectacle. It’s a complete and immersive experience.

2) Scream Queens

Murphy really hit it out of the park with Scream Queens because it never tries to be more than a fun, over-the-top ride – and that’s what makes it so good. It’s like a comedy-horror blend set on a college campus, with a killer stalking fraternities and sororities. The acting is intentionally exaggerated, and the show leans into its absurdity with confidence, making it both hilarious and shocking. Unlike something like Scary Movie, it still feels like it has stakes. It simply understands how to do the horror genre well.

While Scream Queens isn’t truly frightening and lacks the serious tone of some of its creator’s other work, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. The show features over-the-top deaths, witty banter, and creates a delightfully chaotic experience. It cleverly deconstructs common horror tropes, and shows that are willing to break the mold often succeed. It’s a daring series that stays true to the style Ryan Murphy’s fans love.

1) American Horror Story

Ryan Murphy’s most famous creation is undoubtedly American Horror Story. The show has truly shaped television horror, consistently offering fresh takes on the genre with each season’s new setting and story – from haunted houses and asylums to hotels and apocalyptic events. Murphy has always understood what viewers want, giving the show a distinctive style and feel that’s remained consistent throughout its run. While some seasons have been more successful than others, the show’s cultural influence and consistent quality are undeniable, making it his most ambitious and well-known work.

Few shows reach the heights of American Horror Story because it perfectly showcases Ryan Murphy’s strengths: delivering shocking moments, insightful social commentary, and pure enjoyment, all in one package. The show truly shaped the horror genre, both by trying new things with television storytelling and by giving horror fans exactly what they craved. It proved Murphy’s creative vision, and remains a bold, unforgettable series that grabs your attention right from the start of each season.

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2025-10-22 20:14