Honestly, both can be equally scary in different ways. American Horror Story's multi - episode arcs can make you feel trapped in a nightmarish world for weeks as you follow the story. But American Horror Stories' standalone episodes can shock you with their sudden and unexpected scares. Some people might find the long - form horror of American Horror Story scarier because it lingers in your mind, while others might be more frightened by the quick - hitting scares in American Horror Stories.
I think American Horror Story has the potential to be scarier. Because it has more time to develop its characters and the horror elements. It can create a more atmospheric and disturbing environment. For example, some seasons like 'Murder House' really make you feel the dread as you get to know the characters and their fates in the haunted house over time. American Horror Stories, while still scary, is more like a series of horror vignettes that don't have the same level of build - up.
It depends on personal preference. American Horror Story can be extremely terrifying as it builds up the horror over an entire season. The slow - burn and complex storylines can really get under your skin. However, American Horror Stories can also be very spooky with its short, sharp bursts of horror in each episode. If you like a more gradual and in - depth scare, American Horror Story might be scarier. But if you prefer quick, intense scares, American Horror Stories could be it.