A Definitive Ranking of All the 'American Horror Story' Seasons

The eighth season of "American Horror Story" is right around the corner. "American Horror Story: Apocalypse" also happens to be one of the most interesting season of the FX horror series to date: It will be a crossover season between "Murder House" (Season 1) and "Coven" (Season 3). Though there have been references to different seasons throughout the last few seasons, "AHS: Apocalypse" is the first time the series will make its own history important to the plot of the season.

Now is a good time as ever to look back and rank the seven seasons of "AHS" from worst to best. Check out the list below and sound off in the comments section with your own ranking or if you disagree with EDGE's placement.

7. "American Horror Story: Hotel" (Season 5)

The first season without Jessica Lange, the show's leading lady since "AHS: Asylum" (Season 2), is the worst season of "AHS" to date. No fault of Lady Gaga, who made her acting debut here as an ageless, horny vampire countess and holds her own, "AHS: Hotel" is a confusing (yet sexy) mess (let's never mention Hypodermic Sally again, but let's never forget Denis O'Hare's brilliant performance as Liz Taylor) that tried to blend "Se7en," with the "Twilight" saga, "The Shining" and Old Hollywood tropes. It just didn't work.

6. "American Horror Story: Freak Show" (Season 4)

Jessica Lange's last leading performance on "AHS: Freak Show" had its moments (and musical numbers!) but it was ultimately a forgettable season. Though it introduced audiences to then-newcomer Finn Wittrock, "Freak Show" was a problematic and bumpy ride.

5. "American Horror Story: Coven" (Season 3)

Trying to follow "Murder House" and "Asylum" was no easy task for co-creator Ryan Murphy, and "Coven" was the first time the show's cracks started to show in an unforgivable way. Though the season has its defenders and is arguably one of the most meme'd seasons of "AHS," "Coven" tries to pack way too much into its 13 episodes. Still, its cast was solid, welcoming Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, and Steven Nicks to the "AHS" family.

4. "American Horror Story: Roanoke" (Season 6)

After stumbling over three consecutive seasons ("Coven," "Freak Show" and "Hotel") "AHS" finally found its footing again with the streamlined and mysterious "Roanoke." Half the season plays out as a found footage/reality TV show meta-narrative before turning and twisting with some truly horrifying moments. This lean and mean season took unexpected risks and had massive payoffs - and that's saying something for a show as wild as "AHS."

3. "American Horror Story: Cult" (Season 7)

The latest installment of "AHS" was a freaky political satire that took a real-life horror story and gave it the old Ryan Murphy treatment. It was smart, funny, campy and exciting, featuring stellar performances from Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, and Billy Lorde. "Cult" gave us confidence that "AHS" could still be relevant despite being on the air for nearly seven years.

2. "American Horror Story: Murder House" (Season 1)

The first season of "AHS" simultaneously launched Ryan Murphy's career and reinvented the way TV operates. The anthology series became a trend after the success of "Murder House," which remains a stellar season of television.

1. "American Horror Story: Asylum" (Season 2)

It doesn't get better than "AHS: Asylum." Everyone involved is at the top of their game, with both Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson giving fabulous performances. The show got weird (thanks to Chole Sevigny's nymphomaniac Shelly, the "Name Game" number, aliens and much more), but struck the perfect balance of horror, comedy, cinematic thrills and storytelling.