American Horror Story is known for its chilling plots, but many viewers may not realize that several storylines are based on real events. Tragedies, crimes, and eerie historical tales have inspired some of the series' darkest episodes. Here are five disturbing real-life cases behind the show.
Murder House
The first season follows the Harmon family, who move into a haunted mansion. One of the ghosts, Tate Langdon, is a grim echo of a real tragedy that shook the U.S. in 1999. On April 20, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold carried out the Columbine High School massacre, killing 13 people and injuring 36 others. The library scene in the show eerily mirrors these real events, though the creators never directly stated Tate was based on the shooters.
Asylum
Season two is set in Briarcliff Psychiatric Hospital, where Dr. Arthur Arden conducts horrific experiments on patients. Arden’s character is inspired by Josef Mengele, one of the most notorious criminals of World War II. At Auschwitz, Mengele performed gruesome experiments on prisoners without anesthesia, earning the nickname “Angel of Death.” Though he evaded justice for years, his legacy remains a chilling reminder of inhumanity.
Hotel
Season five, starring Lady Gaga as a mysterious countess, draws from the real Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles (now Stay on Main), infamous for its dark history of murders, suicides, and disappearances. One of its most disturbing stories is that of Elisa Lam, whose odd elevator behavior in 2013 was caught on camera. She appeared to speak to an unseen presence before her body was later found in the hotel's rooftop water tank, leaving behind a mystery that remains unsolved.
Murder House
The tale of Elizabeth Short, the “Black Dahlia,” is another gruesome true story reflected in the series. In the show, she is killed by Dr. Charles Montgomery, while in reality, the 22-year-old actress’s mutilated body was discovered in Los Angeles on January 15, 1947. Her murderer was never found, making it one of Hollywood’s most notorious unsolved cases.
Asylum
Season two also features a patient claiming to be Anne Frank, the young girl whose diary became a vital historical document of World War II. Anne and her family were discovered by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps, with only her father surviving to publish her diary. While the show leaves the character’s fate ambiguous, Anne Frank’s real story remains one of history’s most poignant reminders.
Conclusion
American Horror Story is more than just a horror series — it’s a reflection of real nightmares from history. The creators skillfully adapt these chilling events, transforming them into haunting tales that send shivers down our spines. If these stories intrigued you, it’s time to rewatch the series with fresh eyes.
