The Top 7 Ryan Murphy Series Ranked: From Glee to American Horror Story

Ryan Murphy creates so many limited and anthology series that one wonders how he finds time to start his day.

His latest project, the third entry in his Monster anthology series, zeroes in on the notorious Ed Gein (to be portrayed by Charlie Hunnam), the serial killer who wreaked havoc in the 1950s and became the inspiration behind numerous pop culture villains.

To commemorate yet another Ryan Murphy creation, Watch With Us highlights seven of his most notable series. Given that many of his shows are anthologies, we treated each season like a distinct series.

Check to see if your favorites are featured!

7. ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ (2013)

The third standalone season of American Horror Story is set in contemporary New Orleans at a witch academy headed by the unyielding supreme, Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange). A disjointed group of women, including new pupil Zoe (Taissa Farmiga), who unintentionally killed her boyfriend, Cordelia (Sarah Paulson), the school’s headmistress, and Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts), a self-absorbed actress, navigate their challenges as witches are facing extinction.

Unlike the first two seasons of AHS — Asylum and Murder House — Coven offers a unique mix of horror and comedy. The tense dynamics among the school’s witches provide both tension and humor, and Gabourey Sidibe as the witch Queenie particularly stands out. True to Murphy’s style, Coven is provocative, vulgar, violent, yet consistently entertaining, with an exceptional cast.

6. ‘Feud: Bette and Joan’ (2017)

The inaugural season of Feud features Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, illustrating their famed rivalry during the making of the 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, which continued even after filming concluded. The series portrays the struggles of these aging stars to maintain their fame and beauty while confronting misogyny and ageism.

With standout performances from Sarandon and Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan was lauded for its campy tone and the lavish indulgence characteristic of Murphy’s productions. Yet, it also serves as a poignant exploration of the challenges women face in Hollywood.

5. ‘Glee’ (2009-2015)

If you attended high school in the late 2000s, you were likely captivated by Glee. This groundbreaking series challenged television’s boundaries of representation while delivering catchy musical covers and dramatic twists. Though sometimes ridiculed for its absurd plotlines, this was part of its charm. Glee was a vibrant musical melodrama, and it’s easy to see why fans flocked to it.

Focusing on the misfit glee club at William McKinley High School in Ohio (featuring characters like Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, and Dianna Agron), the series reveals their conflicts with peers and teachers. However, the true drama often comes from within, as the diverse backgrounds of the members lead to unexpected tensions. Ultimately, the group’s shared passion for music unites them as they strive to win on the show choir circuit.

4. ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’ (2012-2013)

The second season of American Horror Story occurs in 1964 at the eerie Briarcliff Manor, a Catholic-run psychiatric institution for the criminally insane that mistreats its patients. It begins with Kit Walker (Evan Peters) confined here after being accused of a notorious murder, intertwining his story with that of fellow inmates and a journalist named Lana Winters (Paulson), who investigates the facility’s dark secrets.

Asylum is both terrifying and emotionally impactful, featuring more disturbing visuals than its predecessor, Murder House. Yet the excess is not without purpose; it is driven by outstanding performances and a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists.

3. ‘Scream Queens’ (2015-2016)

Perhaps Murphy’s most underrated series, Scream Queens was cancelled after just two seasons but remains notable for introducing Glen Powell. Powell plays the buff Chad Radwell, boyfriend of Emma Roberts’ sorority queen Chanel Oberlin. As Kappa Kappa Tau adapts its exclusivity policy, they also face the threat of a serial killer.

Equal parts hilarious and grotesque, Scream Queens is a delightful exaggeration featuring impressive comedic performances, with Powell emerging as a standout even before hitting mainstream stardom. It occupies a unique niche in tastelessness that is remarkably enjoyable.

2. ‘American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson’ (2016)

The first season of American Crime Story details the infamous O.J. Simpson trial regarding the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson. Based partly on Jeffrey Toobin’s book The Run of His Life: The People v. O. J. Simpson, it stars Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simpson, exploring the events leading up to and during the trial, including issues surrounding defense strategies, witnesses, and the LAPD’s treatment of the Black community.

Thanks to its compelling storytelling and outstanding performances, notably from Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark and Courtney B. Vance as Simpson’s lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, The People v. O.J. Simpson provides a riveting and nuanced depiction of a pivotal moment in American culture that is both informative and captivating.

1. ‘American Horror Story: Murder House’ (2011)

After Glee had viewers singing along to hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Teenage Dream,” American Horror Story emerged to silence them with fear. The inaugural season transports audiences to suburban Los Angeles, where the seemingly average Harmon family relocates from Boston, only to discover that their new home hides terrifying secrets and a dark history that could endanger them and provoke sinister neighbors.

Murder House stands out as the pinnacle of Ryan Murphy’s work; a tightly woven horror narrative filled with effective jump scares, haunting imagery, and a gripping storyline that captures you from start to finish. This series marked the beginning of Murphy’s fruitful collaborations with Jessica Lange, who plays the troubled Constance Langdon, along with compelling performances from Taissa Farmiga as Violet Harmon and Evan Peters as Tate Langdon—his breakout role.

Overseen by Senior Editor and seasoned critic Jason Struss, Watch With Us’ team strives to assess nearly every movie and TV series from the past to present, determining what merits your time and resources. Their extensive media consumption, combined with years in the entertainment industry, equips them to identify the standout films and television shows worth streaming now.  
 
To earn a spot on the “best” list, these selections must be visually stunning, intellectually engaging, or simply enjoyable, but the one quality they all share is entertainment value. We also check which streaming platform they’re available on for subscribers. No algorithm gimmicks or sponsored content here — our suggestions stem solely from our genuine enthusiasm for the films and shows we love.