American Horror Story has been going for 11 seasons, and it remains as iconic as ever. From its gripping and terrifying storylines to its developed and vastly different supply of characters, American Horror Story is a staple in today's television.
One thing that makes AHS truly horrifying is its villains. In each season, there is a new, horrifying villain, with each being just as scary as the one before. Every villain is unique, from serial killers to unhinged cult leaders. These people and things ignite the horror within the show through vile and repulsive acts. Whether murder or manipulation, each decision and action is cold, calculated, and memorable. Being able to explore their own emotional backstory and how it lends itself to their sadistic nature is how the viewers can suspend belief whilst watching AHS, and these villains are the driving force behind the show's success.
10 Dr. Arden
"Asylum" is the chapter of American Horror Story that boasts the widest range of excellent and scary villains, including the unsettling Dr. Arden. What makes Arden so scary is the easy way he can manipulate his power at Briarcliff asylum and perform horrific and twisted experiments on the residents.
As the head doctor at Briarcliff, Dr. Arden has a powerful presence and uses this to his advantage for his sick mind. Whilst only being a human, Arden still manages to remain just as scary as any ghost or creature in American Horror Story.
9 Mr. James Patrick March
James March is a wealthy serial killer and one of the most memorable monsters in American Horror Story. What makes him even more horrific is that he's based on a very real monster, H.H Holmes. Holmes is widely regarded as America's first serial killer, and his infamous 'Murder Castle' is known all over the world. In the world of AHS, James March turns to this very real method of killing and designs his hotel, known as 'Cortez Hotel.'
What makes him so terrifying is even after his death, he continues to haunt the Cortez Hotel and turn some of its guests into horrific and bloodthirsty serial killers. His legacy continues to live on, and his actions have had huge ramifications for years, even after his death.
8 Madame Lalaurie
Like James March, Madame Lalaurie is based on a real-life person. The unspeakable acts and cruel racism that she displays throughout "Coven" are enough to terrify and shock the audience. Throughout the 1830s, she was a slave owner who sadistically tortured and killed her slaves. Not only that, but she would often drink blood to try and maintain her youth.
Due to being forced to drink an immortality potion, Madame Lalaurie was able to maintain her vile ways in the present day and was a constant threat in "Coven." The third season dealt with a lot of terrifying characters, but Madame Lalaurie was certainly one of the scariest.
7 Papa Legba
Another terrifying villain from season 3, Papa Legba is a spirit who stands between the world of the living and the dead. Not only does he hold tremendous power, but his terror resides in his appearance. From his haunting red eyes and intimidating attire, Papa Legba strikes fear into all he encounters.
His power comes from his ability to strike deals with humans and manipulate them into doing what he desires. This is apparent when he makes a deal with Marie Laveau. To gain immortality, she must sacrifice an innocent soul every year. Throughout "Coven," Papa Legba has a foreboding presence over the entire show.
6 The Countess
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The owner of modern-day Hotel Cortez in season 5, Elizabeth (better known as the Countess) is a beautiful vampire-like woman with a thirst for human blood. As the owner, she has a literal revolving door of potential food and an interest in turning people into what she is. Beautiful on the outside, her terror and horror stem from how vicious and bloodthirsty she is.
A woman with her moral code, the countess will not harm children, but this is what makes her so dangerous to the unsuspecting adults within Hotel Cortez. When she is on the hunt, there is no one more terrifying in American Horror Story than the Countess.
5 Sister Mary Eunice
Whilst looking innocent on the surface, Sister Mary Eunice has the literal devil inside her. At the start of season 2, better known as "Asylum," Mary is a sweet, kindhearted woman trying to help the residents of Briarcliff.
What makes her so unique and terrifying as a villain, is the juxtaposition of her appearance to her actions as the season goes on. Whilst looking innocent and being an emotional soul for the people who reside in Briarcliff to confide in, her devilish and horrific actions make you forget instantly she was once a normal woman.
4 Kai Anderson
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An example of creating fear with words, Kai Anderson is the cult leader and main antagonist in season 7 of American Horror Story. A man who manipulates and coerces everyone in his sight, Kai manages to create hysteria and terror whilst looking predominantly normal.
Thriving on people's fears, Kai is everything evil within the real world. Representing the evil within people, this master of manipulation takes joy in creating mass panic. Well-spoken, confident, and sly, people like Kai exist in the real world, and this is what makes him so terrifying.
3 The Butcher
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Following the show's tradition of taking real-life stories for its antagonists, The Butcher is primarily a work of fiction, but with very real roots. Despite being set loose by the witch Scathach, The Butcher is terrifying and horrific enough without her. Her eerie smile and butcher's knife send a shiver up the spine of anyone watching season 6.
Trading her soul to survive a boar attack, the woman previously known as Thomasin Whitebecomes the witch's puppet, killing and chopping up plenty of people to sacrifice for the old gods. Having abilities such as invisibility and her brutality in each kill is what makes the butcher so scary.
2 Bloody Face
Season 2 of American Horror Story introduces viewers to Dr. Oliver Thresdon, better known as Bloody Face. The kills are terrifying enough, but what makes Bloody face so scary is his unemotional demeanor and his habit of decorating his furniture with the skin of his victims.
Oliver was appointed to Briarcliff as a psychiatrist and used his power and position to claim more victims. Initially coming across as a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark season that is "Asylum," Oliver devolves and makes each kill as brutal as the last.
1 Twisty The Clown
A creation that claims the title of the scariest clown ever, Twisty is a sad and tragic example of a good man turned towards murder and evil. His backstory is a heartbreaking tale of a misunderstood individual who was tormented for being different.
Before he was known as Twisty the murderous clown, he was subjected to rumors about him hurting kids. He ultimately tried to commit suicide, blowing off half his mouth in his failed attempt. After this, his rage and pain took over. All of this, mixed with his terrifying appearance, help create American Horror Story's most compelling, heartbreaking, horrifying villain.