American Horror Story: What horror movies will it pay homage to?

Thus far in American Horror Story: 1984, a few horror film franchises have been shouted out but which franchises should get some love next?

The season premiere of American Horror Story: 1984 was chilling, to say the least. Set in 1984 at a summer camp, there was bound to be parallels to other franchises. Most notably, the series is paying homage to the Friday the 13th series. They aren’t completely identical but it’s obvious that AHS is taking a page from their book while also forging their own path.

Friday the 13th wasn’t the only franchise that AHS showed some love to. The scene where the gang is going up to camp is similar to I Know What You Did Last Summer even though the results were a lot different. Those were just a few of the films that AHS featured in the premiere, but what other movies might Ryan Murphy and co. be showing some love to this season?

A Nightmare on Elm Street

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Setting the series during 1984 was incredibly smart as a lot of beloved horror franchises were birthed in that era. One franchise that hasn’t yet been tackled but AHS could go for next is A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Famously known for bringing Freddy Kreguer into our nightmares, AHS: 1984 could employ a similar tacit. While Mr. Jingles probably can’t go into dreams, the counselors and campers might see a few appearances from him in their nightmares, possibly resulting in their deaths.

Considering that A Nightmare on Elm Street was released in 1984, it makes perfect sense to include it in the series. Having it released that same year could make the appearance even more meta with characters talking about the film and its characters. Of all the horror franchises out there, A Nightmare on Elm Street should hopefully be at the top of the list but it’s not the only one that AHS has to work with.

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Scream and Sleepaway Camp

Known as one of the kings of the horror genre, another Wes Craven film that AHS could pay homage to is Scream. Known for reviving the slasher franchise in the 1990s, Scream follows a masked killer who is stalking Sidney Prescott and the ensuing murders he commits to exact his revenge. Those motives sound incredibly similar to those of Mr. Jingles as he could be coming back to deal with some unfinished business he has with Margaret.

Moving back to 1983, an underrated horror film that would be perfect for this season is Sleepaway Camp. The film follows a girl who has a secret and the murders that happen after she starts attending the camp. The film is known for its twist ending and that’s something that American Horror Story usually nails. While I don’t think that AHS will go the same route, it would be difficult for them not to show some love to the film as their settings are basically identical.

Modern horror movies

Since the films featured so far aren’t all from the ’80s, there are a few modern franchises that AHS might show some love. While we don’t know much about Mr. Jingles, he might come up with some traps such as Jigsaw from the Saw franchise. Another movie that could get featured is The Strangers but instead of focusing on the content, they’d take a page from how the film used suspense.

The series will no doubt have multiple chances to feature other horror franchises, both past, and present. Of all the franchises listed though, paying homage to A Nightmare on Elm Street would be especially cool. Either way, Ryan Murphy always finds a way to give us all the chills and have us wanting to sleep with the lights on. American Horror Story: 1984 might only be one episode in, but it’s already introduced us to another creepy killer so only time will tell where it goes next.

Which other films do you think AHS should feature this season? What do you think about the slasher theme for this season? Be sure to let me know in the comments!

American Horror Story: 1984 airs Wednesdays on FX at 10/9c.