10 Shows and Movies Similar to American Horror Story (2011)

Description: Twin Peaks shares American Horror Story's surreal and often unsettling tone, blending horror, mystery, and drama. Both shows feature a small-town setting with dark secrets and supernatural elements. The storytelling is similarly unconventional, with a focus on mood and atmosphere over straightforward narrative.

Fact: The series was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, and is known for its unique, dreamlike quality. The show's iconic line 'Who killed Laura Palmer?' became a cultural phenomenon. Twin Peaks was revived for a third season in 2017, 25 years after the original series ended.

Description: The X-Files, like American Horror Story, blends horror, science fiction, and mystery, often exploring paranormal and supernatural themes. Both shows feature a mix of standalone episodes and serialized storytelling, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense. The tone is similarly dark and mysterious, with occasional moments of humor.

Fact: The series was created by Chris Carter, who was inspired by real-life UFO conspiracy theories. The show's theme music is one of the most recognizable in television history. The X-Files has influenced numerous other TV shows and films, including 'Stranger Things' and 'Fringe'.

Description: Supernatural shares American Horror Story's episodic and seasonal exploration of various horror tropes and myths. Both shows feature a mix of standalone horror stories and overarching narratives, with a blend of supernatural and psychological horror. The tone can shift from dark and terrifying to darkly humorous, much like American Horror Story.

Fact: The series originally planned to end after five seasons but continued for a total of 15 seasons. The show's iconic car, a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, is nicknamed 'Baby' by fans. Supernatural has a dedicated fanbase known as the 'SPN Family', which has supported various charitable causes.

Description: While primarily a zombie apocalypse series, The Walking Dead shares American Horror Story's focus on survival horror and the breakdown of society. Both shows explore the darker aspects of human nature under extreme stress and feature intense, often graphic, horror elements. The emotional tone is similarly bleak and suspenseful.

Fact: The series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman. The show's first season had the highest ratings of any series in cable television history at the time. The Walking Dead has spawned several spin-offs, including 'Fear the Walking Dead' and 'The Walking Dead: World Beyond'.

Description: Black Mirror, like American Horror Story, is an anthology series that explores dark and often disturbing themes. While Black Mirror focuses more on technology and its impact on society, both shows share a penchant for psychological horror and twisted storytelling. The tone is similarly bleak and thought-provoking.

Fact: The series was created by Charlie Brooker, who was inspired by 'The Twilight Zone'. Each episode is a standalone story with a different cast and setting. The show's title refers to the black screens of our devices, which act as mirrors reflecting our society.

Description: Bates Motel, like American Horror Story, is a psychological horror series with a strong focus on character development and twisted family dynamics. Both shows explore themes of madness, murder, and the supernatural, with a visually striking and unsettling aesthetic. The storytelling is similarly dark and suspenseful.

Fact: The series is a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film 'Psycho'. Freddie Highmore, who plays Norman Bates, also served as a writer and director for several episodes. The show was filmed in British Columbia, Canada, standing in for the fictional town of White Pine Bay, Oregon.

Description: Hannibal shares American Horror Story's dark and visually stunning aesthetic, with a focus on psychological horror and complex characters. Both shows explore themes of madness, murder, and the supernatural, with a similarly intense and suspenseful tone. The storytelling is rich and layered, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere.

Fact: The series is based on the characters from Thomas Harris's novels, particularly 'Red Dragon'. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after three seasons due to low ratings. The show's elaborate food scenes were created by a professional food stylist, Janice Poon.

Description: Penny Dreadful shares American Horror Story's anthology-like structure, with each season exploring different horror themes and characters. Both shows feature a mix of historical and fictional horror elements, with a strong emphasis on gothic horror and psychological depth. The storytelling is rich and layered, with complex characters and intricate plots.

Fact: The series title refers to the penny dreadfuls, cheap 19th-century British horror literature. Eva Green's performance as Vanessa Ives earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The show incorporates characters from classic literature, including Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray.

Description: The Terror, like American Horror Story, blends historical drama with supernatural horror, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative. Both shows explore themes of survival, madness, and the unknown, with a similarly dark and suspenseful tone. The storytelling is rich and character-driven, with a strong emphasis on psychological horror.

Fact: The series is based on the novel of the same name by Dan Simmons, which fictionalizes the lost Franklin Expedition. The show's first season features a supernatural creature inspired by Inuit mythology. The Terror is an anthology series, with each season focusing on a different historical horror story.

Description: Similar to American Horror Story, The Haunting of Hill House blends psychological horror with family drama, featuring a non-linear narrative and deep character development. Both shows explore themes of trauma, the supernatural, and the breakdown of family under supernatural pressures. The visual aesthetics are rich and atmospheric, with a focus on creating a sense of dread and unease.

Fact: The series is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson. The show's creator, Mike Flanagan, is known for his work in the horror genre, including films like 'Hush' and 'Doctor Sleep'. The series features several hidden ghosts in the background of scenes, adding to the eerie atmosphere.