Every season of Netflix's Monster series ranked by critics from Ed Gein to Jeffrey Dahmer

Netflix's Monster anthology series never fails to stir up conversation with each new season, and The Ed Gein Story is no different.

Premiered earlier this month, the eight-part series is the latest instalment in Ryan Murphy's notorious true crime dramas.

Each season delves into the bizarre and shocking stories of convicted or suspected criminals who took America by storm.

The recounting of Ed Gein's story in the latest season has left some viewers deeply unsettled, while others were riveted to their screens.

For those eager to delve into the Monster series, here's a definitive ranking of the shows so far based on critics' reviews, from the 'worst' to the best, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Despite a compelling lead performance from Charlie Hunnam, The Ed Gein Story failed to impress critics.

It delves into the life of serial killer and grave robber Ed Gein, whose horrific crimes inspired Alfred Hitchcock's iconic horror film Psycho.

Throughout its eight episodes, the series alternates between Gein's terrifying deeds and the creation of Hitchcock's (played by Tom Hollander) legendary horror film.

Despite Gein's undeniable impact on pop culture, the series received a disappointing 17% Rotten Tomatoes score, with viewers giving it a more generous rating of 53%. Critics criticised the crime drama for its sympathetic portrayal of Gein.

Film critic Joel Harley penned: "It's an alarming take on the true crime biopic, and one which throws everyone under the bus, from Gein's victims to the filmmakers he allegedly inspired. In the end, Monster: The Ed Gein Story is insulting to just about everybody except Ed Gein himself."

Claiming second spot, with a somewhat harsh 45% Rotten Tomatoes score, is The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

This series centres on two alleged monsters, Lyle and Erik, who carried out the 1989 murders of their parents Jose and Kitty.

Whilst the drama sparked Netflix audiences' fascination with the Menendez brothers' offences and current imprisonment, critics remained unimpressed.

Rotten Tomatoes critics observed: "Well-acted but off-puttingly sordid, Monsters leaves viewers feeling guilty without enough pleasure to compensate."

On the other hand, ordinary viewers awarded the programme a decent 58% rating.

Leading performers Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch received widespread acclaim for their depictions of the eponymous siblings, regardless of the series' failings.

Securing the top position is the narrative that launched the franchise, The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

Emmy-winning actor Evan Peters headlines the cast as Dahmer, a notorious American serial murderer and sexual predator.

This edition achieved a 57% score from Rotten Tomatoes critics and a remarkable 82% from general audiences.

The critics' consensus reads: "While Monster is seemingly self-aware of the peril in glorifying Jeffrey Dahmer, creator Ryan Murphy's salacious style nevertheless tilts this horror story into the realm of queasy exploitation."

In contrast, one viewer's review enthuses: "Emotionally devastating yet captivating, Dahmer masterfully depicts tragedy with exceptional storytelling and rewatchable intensity."

The entire Monster anthology is available to stream now on Netflix.