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American Horror Story is kind of an institution, at this point. Seasons may vary in impact and the precise tone of the horror may fluctuate, but we’ve come to count on its gonzo sensibility and commitment to the bit. With its anthology approach and rotating troupe of semi-permanent actors (including Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson), AHS has delivered plenty of twisted stories to keep you up at night. If you’ve watched them all (and the streamalike shows that offer similar chills), it’s time to dive into long-form horror on the same wavelength—starting with what might be the first (and still one of the best) horror anthologies ever made: Dead of Night.
The best movie to watch if you’re a fan of American Horror Story
Without Dead of Night, released in 1945, there might not be an American Horror Story. Hugely influential, the movie is regarded as one of (if not the) first horror anthology films widely released, and more than 80 years later it’s still considered one of the best. Watching it is an exercise in noting everything that the horror anthologies that followed—including AHS—have freely borrowed from it. If you love the anthology aspect of AHS, the way each season (or half-season) is a self-contained story with its own tone, visuals, and style of horror, this is the movie you should watch.
The frame story involves architect Walter Craig (Mervyn Johns), who travels to a remote cottage for a potential renovation project. When he arrives, he finds himself one of several guests—all of whom have appeared in dreams experienced by their host, Elliot Foley (Roland Culver). Craig experiences what seem like psychic visions, which prompts the guests to tell tales of supernatural experiences they’ve had, all of which are presented as apparently standalone episodes. The most famous of these is the story of a ventriloquist whose dummy, Hugo, seems to have a will of its own, but all the stories are well-made and effectively scary.
What really sets Dead of Night apart—and makes it perfect for AHS fans—is the way the guests’ tales and the frame story merge into a truly unsettling whole. The film conveys both a sense of dream logic and visceral fright that’s surprisingly powerful and modern for a film of its vintage, and AHS fans will see the clear line of inspiration that starts here and ends with Jessica Lange leading an insane asylum in “The Name Game” (among many, many other insane moments from the show). If you’re looking for a feature film that will slot into the same pleasure centers in your brain as American Horror Story, this is the one to start with. Stream Dead of Night on Kanopy, Plex, or Fawesome, or rent it on Prime Video.
More movies for fans of American Horror Story
Horror is addictive, and the only cure for the end of a horror movie is … more horror movies. Here are a few more that any fan of AHS will love.
The Shining (1980)
One of the more obvious points of inspiration (especially for Season Five, “Hotel”), The Shining is one of the greatest modern horror films. The combination of Stanley Kubrick’s cold perfection, Jack Nicholson’s volatility (and Shelley Duvall’s criminally underrated desperation), and Stephen King’s wild imagination (despite his reservations about Kubrick’s interpretation) results in a slow burn of insanity as an unstable alcoholic (Nicholson’s Jack Torrance) unravels while working as a winter caretaker in an enormous, haunted mountain hotel. Every scene in this film ramps up the sense of unease and terror, leading to one of the most famous final shots in film history. Rent The Shining on Prime Video.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Season 12 of American Horror Story, “Delicate,” riffs enthusiastically off of Rosemary’s Baby, and the 1968 film could be an entire season of the show itself. The tone, visuals, and story are a perfect match—you can easily imagine most of the usual actors from the AHS troupe showing up as the creepy, devil-worshipping neighbors who manipulate a young woman (Mia Farrow) into conceiving a child under what could be called ominous circumstances. Aside from being an ideal companion film to the series, it’s also a classic that every horror fan should watch (despite some serious implications around marital sexual assault and director Roman Polansky’s gross legacy). Stream Rosemary’s Baby on Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video.
Twisted Nerve (1968)
If you recall the weird whistling theme song associated with serial killer Tate Langdon in Season One, “Murder House,” you’ve already heard the theme song to this movie (you also heard it in Kill Bill: Volume 1). While not overtly gory, Twisted Nerve is a great example of simmering tension as a disturbed man with a split personality, Martin (Hywel Bennett), stalks and ingratiates himself with a young woman named Susan (Haley Mills). The film is dated in many ways (especially its enraging attitude toward Down syndrome), but as a thriller it still works gangbusters. Stream Twisted Nerve on Plex.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The moment Bloody Face shows up in the second season of American Horror Story, the connection to Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film is pretty clear—but The Texas Chainsaw Massacre reverberates throughout American Horror Story (as it does through most of the horror movies that followed it). Ostensibly based on the true crimes of Ed Gein, it follows five teenagers on a road trip as they stumble into the house where a man wearing a skin mask—the legendary Leatherface—proceeds to savagely murder most of them using a hammer and, of course, a chainsaw. The film’s sweaty, gritty style is a long way from Ryan Murphy’s slicker and more composed approach, but it’s a visceral kick of pure horror fans of the show will love (if they don’t already). Stream The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Pluto or Tubi, or rent it on Prime Video.
The Craft (1996)
If “Coven” was your favorite season of American Horror Story, this is the film for you. Four outcast teen girls—played by Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True—discover that they can access supernatural forces, and seek to use this power to punish their enemies and improve their lives. Their spells have unintended consequences, however, and Balk’s character quickly goes power-mad as the girls turn on each other. It’s dark, but anyone who attended high school will 100% understand why things go pear-shaped so fast—and fans of AHS will find a lot to love in this story of teenage angst, rebellion, and occult horrors. Stream The Craft on Plex or rent it on Prime Video.
