American Horror Story: 10 Scariest Villains Ranked

The American Horror Story villain who answers the question of just how terrifying clowns can be, Twisty (John Caroll Lynch) is one of the initial antagonists from Freak Show.

Instantly recognisable thanks to his disturbing mask that places a permanent grotesque grin on his face, the mute killer clown was first introduced to fans in the opening episode when he violently murders teenage sweethearts enjoying a romantic picnic. Soon after, it's revealed that Twisty likes to kidnap children and keep them as his captive audience.

With a not dissimilar resemblance to notorious creepy clown serial killer John Wayne Gacy, Twisty is easily one of the most frightening sights to have graced the show. Likewise, his appearance is made even more unnerving thanks to his silence and unpredictable behaviour. It's impossible to tell whether Twisty's going to show his reluctant audience one of his magic tricks or beat them over the head with it instead.

However, this clown has a tragic backstory that paints him as a sympathetic character by the time he makes his exit from the show. He might not be the most devious villain to appear in Freak Show, but he is the most memorable.