American Horror Story: Top 5 characters Evan Peters played in Ryan Murphy's horror series

Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story premiered in 2011 and has been among the acclaimed horror TV shows since then. Over the years, actors like Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lilly Rabe, and Zachary Quinto, among many others, have appeared in multiple seasons of American Horror Story. From stories about ghosts, aliens, serial killers, and even cults, the show has depicted numerous stories and characters that have become fan-favorites.

Among all those, several characters played by Evan Peters are among the most beloved in the AHS fandom. Every time Peters appeared in the horror series, he played a different, complex character that captured fan attention. Whether a psychopathic serial killer, a cult leader, or a pure victim of circumstances around him, Peters has played various types of characters on AHS, some of which are even considered his best works.

Here’s a list of the top 5 characters Evan Peters played in American Horror Story.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

Top 5 characters Evan Peters played in American Horror Story

5) James Patrick March (American Horror Story: Hotel)

Evan Peters in American Horror Story: Hotel | Image via FX

AHS: Hotel is the 5th season of the anthology horror series, and premiered in 2015. The story revolved around a mysterious hotel called Hotel Cotez in LA, which was known for paranormal activities. Peters played the character of James March, who built the hotel in 1926. The purpose of building the hotel was to be able to kill his prey easily.

Peters’s role as a sadistic and psychopathic serial killer could easily frighten viewers. However, the character was also known for his charm and eccentricity, which made him skip the most hated or terrifying characters in the AHS universe. March, who was one of the ghosts in his own hotel, is among the actor’s popular roles due to his grim portrayal of the serial killer who had the best and humorous dialogue in the whole season.

4) Jimmy Darling (American Horror Story: Freak Show)

Evan Peters in American Horror Story: Freak Show | Image via FX

Freak Show is the 4th season of American Horror Story and premiered in 2014. The story in this season revolved around the characters of one of the last remaining freak shows in the US. It depicted their struggle to survive and earn money through their shows, and also depicted the discrimination they faced.

Evan Peters played the character of Jimmy Darling, who was also known as Lobster Boy due to his deformed hands. This was one of those characters Peters played where he was one of the good guys through and through.

He was fond of his members and took care of them until his father came there and wreaked havoc. Jimmy Darling was loved by many due to his protective nature and leadership qualities that began to shine during teh end of the season.

3) Kai Anderson (American Horror Story: Cult)

Evan Peters in American Horror Story: Cult | Image via FX

Discussing Peters’ characters in AHS can never be complete without mentioning the cult leader Kai Anderson, who appeared in the 7th season called AHS: Cult. The Season revolved around a small town in Michigan where residents were scared by a cult, led by Peters’ Kai Anderson.

This was one of Peters’ most harrowing and complex characters that showcased the ability of the American actor as he played the monstrous character brilliantly. While Peters also appeared as various other cult leaders, such as Charles Manson and David Koresh, among several others, the character of Kai was a version that appeared too close to being real, as the series depicted the political environment of the US right after Donald Trump won and became the president.

While the character was negative through and through, it also displayed the versatility of the actor and proved why he is currently one of the most celebrated actors in the industry.

2) Tate Langdon (American Horror Story: Murder House)

Evan Peters in American Horror Story: Murder House | Image via FX

Murder House and Evan Peters’ character Tate Langdon rank number one in many of the fans' lists for best season and Peters’ best characters. Murder House revolved around the story of the Harmon family, the new residents of the haunted house who are unaware that the house is infested with the ghosts of its previous owners and their victims as well.

Peters plays Tate Langdon, one of the ghosts living in the house, who falls for Violet, the new resident of the house. While the character was the antagonist in the series, he is still considered one of the best characters played by Peters due to his heartbreaking backstory. Tate was a troubled teenager who shot and killed several of his schoolmates in 1994, before being killed in his own house.

The vulnerability and the complexity that Peters displayed as Tate made him a fan favorite character and also the one that Peters is known for till now, as it was also his first role in the AHS universe.

1) Kit Walker (American Horror Story: Asylum)

Evan Peters in American Horror Story: Asylum| Image via FX

AHS: Asylum is regarded as one of the best AHS seasons due to its compelling and gritty narrative. In Season 2, Asylum, Peters’s character was a victim of false accusation. After his wife was abducted by aliens, he was suspected of killing her and several other people and was sent to Briarcliff Manor, a mental institution.

He is framed as a serial killer called Bloody Face, even after his multiple attempts to refute the accusations. While being kept in the institution, Kit, with two of the other patients, tries to escape the terrifying place several times. He even begins to question if he was really the serial killer due to his skewed memory.

This was the second role of Peters in the series, which perfectly showcased his acting range and became another of the best characters played by the American actor.