Top 10 American Horror Story Villainesses
#10: Moira O’Hara “American Horror Story: Murder House” (2011)
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Moira is one of the most physically interesting characters in the entire “American Horror Story” canon. Her maid outfit and striking red hair makes her an unforgettable physical presence, and her altering between young and sexy and old and partially blind makes her one of the most unique “American Horror Story” villains. She is also a strong female character, a femme fatale who despises men’s penchant for lying and sex. Therefore, she uses her sexuality against Ben to test his commitment and resolve. Of course, she also has a strong motive in wanting her bones removed from the house. That doesn’t justify murdering a guy, but we can certainly understand her frustration.
#9: Elsa Mars “American Horror Story: Freak Show” (2014-15)
Elsa Mars was yet another standout character brilliantly portrayed by Jessica Lange. Elsa acted as the dangerously ambitious manager of the freak show who holds a dark and potentially damaging secret. Elsa is a great villain, from the extravagant clothing that makes her appear firm and professional to her cold, greedy personality that solidifies her as a rather selfish and inconsiderate individual. However, she also shows a soft side towards the freaks, which nicely rounds out her character and makes her much more than a one-dimensional villain. And, like usual, Jessica Lange plays the duality of her character to perfection, which allows us to feel both sympathy and hatred towards Elsa.
#8: Marie Laveau “American Horror Story: Coven” (2013-14)
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Marie Laveau is undoubtedly one of the most unique villains of “American Horror Story.” She is both a powerful and dark voodoo queen and a woman who wears bright outfits along with various antiquated hairstyles. It’s an interesting concoction that makes Marie both threatening and endearing. She also comes equipped with a tragic backstory - she made a deal with Papa Legba, who in turn took away her newborn baby. She’s the ultimate badass and a terrifying character who literally kills babies, but yet she is somehow ultimately relatable. It’s not easy to make a baby killer sympathetic, but such is the weirdness of “American Horror Story.”
#7: Bette & Dot Tattler “American Horror Story: Freak Show” (2014-15)
While you could argue that these two aren’t villains, they are still murderers. “Freak Show” is full of interesting characters, and conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler are two for the ages. What makes this pair of characters so fascinating is that we get two for the price of one – Bette is ambitious and sweet (minus, you know, murdering her mother), whereas Dot is cynical, cold, and compulsive - enough so that she stabs Bette with a pair of scissors. And while they certainly have an extremely violent and temperamental side, they were also abused by their mother, which adds dimension to their motivations and personalities.
#6: Fiona Goode “American Horror Story: Coven” (2013-14)
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Fiona Goode is the Supreme Witch of the Salem descendants, and damn if she isn’t one of the vilest characters of “American Horror Story.” Her actions somewhat betray her last name, as she is a despicable person who commits despicable acts, including murder and physically abusing her daughter. She is also utterly deceitful and is not afraid to kill literally everyone in her way to remain Supreme. But no matter how vile she may be, her charisma, intelligence, and beauty are enough to warrant her a few adoring fans. When one thinks of the most loathsome characters in the show’s history, one undoubtedly thinks of Fiona Goode. But you really love to hate her.
#5: The Butcher [aka Thomasin White] “American Horror Story: Roanoke” (2016)
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If there is one actress who can consistently portray utter depravity, it’s Kathy Bates. For the show’s sixth season, Bates took on the role of Thomasin White, the brutal leader of the lost colony of Roanoke. Well, OK, she took on the role of an actress PLAYING Thomasin White, but whatever. The Butcher is a terrifying villain with absolutely no remorse or heart, as she mercilessly butchers anyone who stands in the way of her land - even her own son. She also regularly appears covered in blood, and in real life, has cracked green skin and reddened eyes. The Butcher is evil incarnate, and she makes for a horrifying villain.
#4: Delphine LaLaurie “American Horror Story: Coven” (2013-14)
“Coven” is full of malicious and depraved villains, but Delphine LaLaurie is arguably the worst of the bunch. Delphine is one of the most heartless and violent characters of “American Horror Story,” as she regularly tortures and experiments on her slaves, turns one into the Minotaur, and makes a balm out of their organs. She also has a vicious tongue and is not afraid to speak her mind, and is openly racist in the modern world - fearing God’s abandonment after learning of Barack Obama’s presidency. There are few, if any, redeeming qualities to Delphine. She is an utterly contemptible person, but that is exactly what makes her such an intriguing villain.
#3: Constance Langdon “American Horror Story: Murder House” (2011)
Constance Langdon is a sympathetic figure. She absolutely refused to do nudity for films, an objection that resulted in the end of her acting career. She also lost the house after it was repossessed, and she was present when her son was killed by S.W.A.T. That said, she did murder her husband and Moira and secretly disposed of their bodies, sooooo, yeah... not a good person either. Jessica Lange’s performance is pitch perfect, as she nails the duality between Constance’s ugly past and motivations and her morose longing for the return of her prosperous youth. She is one of the OG “American Horror Story” villains and remains one of its best.
#2: Elizabeth [aka The Countess] “American Horror Story: Hotel” (2015-16)
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When it was announced that Lady Gaga was going to be in “American Horror Story,” everyone had a good little judgemental chuckle. However, she was the one who had the last laugh, as she gave us one of the best villains of the entire show and earned herself a Golden Globe in the process. Her win was well deserved, as she beautifully conveyed Elizabeth’s three-dimensional complexity and mystique. She sustains herself on sex, blood, and murder. Though everyone sees her as some sort of manipulative Devil, she also displays incredible fear, compassion, and vulnerability, ensuring that she is horrifying and enthralling in equal measure. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Madison Montgomery “American Horror Story: Coven” (2013-14) Scáthach “American Horror Story: Roanoke” (2016) Joan Ramsey “American Horror Story: Coven” (2013-14)
#1: Sister Mary Eunice [aka The Devil] “American Horror Story: Asylum” (2012-13)
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How could we give it to anyone else? She’s literally the Devil. It doesn’t get much worse than that. Sister Mary Eunice herself is a very meek, pure, and agreeable individual who only wishes to please those around her. However, she is quickly possessed by the Devil and becomes…well, pure, unfiltered evil. She drives Jude mad, manipulates others for her own gain, murders and feeds patients to Arden’s creatures, and even attempts to control the Vatican. Mary’s literal Devilish personality and actions, coupled with her cute and innocent physical appearance, makes her the most distinctive, bizarre, and utterly enjoyable villain of the entire series.
