If you’re hooked on the macabre, the theatrical, and the wickedly stylish tapestry that is American Horror Story (AHS), you’re likely craving more of that unique blend of horror, camp, and social commentary. Luckily, the entertainment landscape is brimming with series and films that capture similar unsettling vibes.
Diving Deeper: Alternatives to AHS’s Unique Appeal
AHS’s enduring popularity lies in its anthology format, its exploration of deep-seated fears, and its penchant for outrageous characters and situations. To find worthy successors, we need to consider the core elements that make AHS so addictive: strong ensemble casts, historical settings, supernatural elements, and a healthy dose of psychological terror.
Here’s a breakdown of what to watch if you’re seeking to scratch that AHS itch:
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For the Anthology Enthusiast: The Twilight Zone (both the original and the Jordan Peele reboot), Tales from the Crypt, Inside No. 9, Black Mirror, and Channel Zero. These shows offer self-contained stories, often with a twist, exploring various aspects of the human condition through a lens of horror and suspense. Channel Zero, in particular, is worth highlighting for its creeping dread and atmospheric horror, leaning heavily into psychological themes.
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For the Gothic Horror Lover: Penny Dreadful, Crimson Peak (film), The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Interview with the Vampire (AMC series). These offerings emphasize atmosphere, historical settings (often Victorian or earlier), and creatures of the night. Penny Dreadful is a particularly strong recommendation for its intricate plotting and exploration of classic literary monsters.
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For the Camp and Gore Fanatic: Scream Queens, Ash vs Evil Dead, What We Do in the Shadows (both the film and series), Final Destination (film series). If you enjoy the darkly comedic and over-the-top aspects of AHS, these titles deliver on the gore and humor, often with a self-aware wink to the audience.
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For the Psychological Horror Devotee: Hannibal, Mr. Robot, Maniac, Servant. These delve into the complexities of the human psyche, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and madness. Hannibal, in particular, is a masterclass in building suspense and creating a disturbing atmosphere, even with minimal gore.
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For the Social Commentary Buff: Get Out (film), The Purge (film series and series), Lovecraft Country. These options tackle societal issues through the lens of horror, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, class, and power. Lovecraft Country, though canceled too soon, is a particularly powerful example of blending historical horror with social commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About What To Watch Next
Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you navigate the world of horror and find the perfect show or film to fill that AHS-shaped void:
H3: What if I especially loved the supernatural aspects of AHS?
If you’re drawn to the ghosts, witches, and demons of AHS, try shows like “Being Human” (the UK version is generally considered superior), “Supernatural”, or “The Vampire Diaries”. For something a bit more mature and complex, consider “The Secret History of Twin Peaks” and “The X-Files”. These options offer long-form storytelling and delve deep into the lore and mythology of their respective supernatural worlds.
H3: I am looking for a show with a similar dark and twisted aesthetic. Any suggestions?
“Ratched”, also created by Ryan Murphy, shares a similar visual style to AHS, with its retro setting and vibrant colors. Another option is “The Knick”, a historical medical drama that doesn’t shy away from graphic imagery and explores the darker side of human innovation. For a more stylized and surreal aesthetic, consider “Legion”, a superhero series with a heavy emphasis on psychological horror.
H3: Which show captures the ensemble cast dynamics of AHS?
Several shows feature strong ensemble casts, but for a similar blend of horror and drama, “Lost” is a great choice. While not strictly horror, it involves supernatural mysteries and complex character relationships that mirror the dynamics often found in AHS. “Sense8” is another excellent option, offering a diverse cast and exploring themes of connection and identity in a fantastical setting.
H3: Are there any international horror series that resemble AHS?
Absolutely! “Marianne” (France), “Kingdom” (South Korea), and “The Rain” (Denmark) are all critically acclaimed horror series with unique cultural perspectives and compelling storylines. “Marianne” is particularly effective in its atmosphere of dread and psychological horror, while “Kingdom” blends zombie horror with political intrigue.
H3: What if I loved the historical settings and period pieces of AHS?
Beyond “Penny Dreadful” and “The Knick”, mentioned earlier, consider “The Terror” (AMC), an anthology series with each season set in a different historical period and exploring themes of survival and the unknown. The first season, set during a disastrous Arctic expedition, is particularly chilling.
H3: I liked the over-the-top camp and humor in AHS. What else delivers on that?
“Santa Clarita Diet” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” are comedic series that, while not strictly horror, embrace the absurd and the unexpected. “Evil Dead 2” and “Braindead” (films) are classic examples of splatter comedies that are both hilarious and horrifying.
H3: Where can I find more shows like AHS that explore social commentary?
“Watchmen” (HBO) is a superhero series that grapples with issues of race, power, and justice in a complex and thought-provoking way. “They’ve Gotta Have Us” (Netflix) is a documentary series that examines the history of Black actors and filmmakers in Hollywood, offering a critical perspective on representation and power.
H3: What if I am looking for something that’s genuinely scary and unsettling?
“The Exorcist” (Fox series) builds on the classic film with a truly terrifying and suspenseful narrative. “Hill House” and “Bly Manor” (both Netflix) are incredibly atmospheric and effectively creepy, focusing on psychological horror rather than jump scares.
H3: Are there any podcasts that capture the spirit of AHS?
Many horror podcasts can scratch a similar itch. Check out “Lore”, which explores the dark historical tales that fuel our nightmares, or “The Magnus Archives”, a fictional anthology podcast that builds a complex and unsettling world of supernatural horror.
H3: I really like the horror anthology format. Is that common?
While not as ubiquitous as other genres, the horror anthology has seen a resurgence in recent years. Beyond the titles already mentioned, consider “Slasher” (Netflix), “Room 104” (HBO), and “Creepshow” (Shudder).
H3: What recent films have similar themes to AHS?
“Barbarian” is a recent horror film that blends suspense, mystery, and social commentary in a surprising and effective way. “Malignant” is another option for fans of the over-the-top and gory aspects of AHS.
H3: What about shows that are similar to Ryan Murphy’s other works?
If you enjoy Ryan Murphy’s distinctive style, try “Pose”, a drama series about the ballroom culture of 1980s New York, or “Feud”, an anthology series that explores famous rivalries. While these aren’t horror, they share Murphy’s signature blend of drama, humor, and social commentary.
By exploring these alternative options, you can expand your horror horizons and discover new favorites that capture the same unsettling, stylish, and thought-provoking spirit as American Horror Story. Remember to consider what specific elements of AHS you enjoy the most – the anthology format, the supernatural themes, the campy humor, or the social commentary – to find the perfect show or film to watch next. Happy viewing!