American Horror Story: 10 Most Insane Fan Theories

10 wicked American Horror Story fan theories that you need to know.

Cult AHS Dandy
FX

Ever since American Horror Story first hit our screens back in 2011, series co-creators Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy have treated fans to a gleefully pulpy horror anthology that has paid tribute to various flavours of the genre.

From the twisted history of a haunted home, the struggles faced by a modern coven of witches, a meta-horror take on the real-life mystery of the lost Roanoke colony, to an all-out 80s-inspired slasher, this multi Golden Globe and Emmy-winning series has continued to delight horror fans with its unique and wicked style.

Equal parts playful, sexy, and genuinely disturbing, it’s no surprise that AHS has gathered a dedicated cult fanbase over the years as speculation begins to bubble on what the upcoming tenth season could be.

Of course, the fan theories and speculation surrounding the show go a lot further than what the next season may bring. With each of the interconnected seasons taking place in the same universe, there are plenty of fan theories that dig deeper into this horrific world. And just like the show itself, some of these theories are utterly insane.

Beware of massive spoilers ahead for all nine seasons.

10. The Nine Circles Of Hell

Cult AHS Dandy
FX

If you’re a long-time fan of American Horror Story, it’s likely you’ve already heard of this fascinating fan theory.

Originally surfacing online in 2014, this theory proposes that each season of the show depicts one of the nine circles of hell from in Dante’s Inferno. Part 14th century epic poem by Dante Alighieri, it chronicles the titular Dante, guided by the Roman poet Virgil, as he traverses through each circle: Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, and Treachery.

While the series chronology doesn’t match with the order of the circles, series creator Ryan Murphy has nevertheless acknowledged the theory. In an Instagram post in 2017, he matched the following series to their corresponding version of hell: Murder House (Limbo), Asylum (Fraud), Coven (Treachery), Freak Show (Greed), Hotel (Gluttony), Roanoke (Anger), and Cult (Heresy).

Since then, two more seasons have been released, Apocalypse and 1984, and they too fit in with this theory. Though there’s still some debate about which circle each relates to, the consensus is Apocalypse equates to Violence whereas 1984 represents Lust.

With all nine circles accounted for, the question now is how will future seasons fit into this theory?

Contributor
Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Masters degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.