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The Best Episodes of American Horror Story

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Every episode of American Horror Story ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of American Horror Story!

The Best Episodes of American Horror Story

An anthology horror drama series centering on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an asylum, a witch coven, a freak...
  1. Background image for Cape Fear
    8.5/10(43 votes)

    #1 - Cape Fear

    S10:E1

    A struggling writer, his pregnant wife, and their daughter move to an isolated beach town for the winter. Once they're settled in, the town's true residents begin to make themselves known.

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  2. Background image for Pale
    8.3/10(26 votes)

    #2 - Pale

    S10:E2

    A quick fix for Harry's writer's block has unexpected side effects. Two eccentric locals offer Harry a helping hand.

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  3. Background image for The Lady in White
    8.2/10(26 votes)

    #3 - The Lady in White

    S9:E7

    A hidden chapter of Camp Redwood is revealed. The survivors help a stranded hitchhiker.

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  4. Background image for The Name Game
    8.1/10(62 votes)

    #4 - The Name Game

    S2:E10

    The Monsignor confronts the Devil. Dr. Arden’s experiments reach a shocking conclusion. Dr. Thredson facilitates a surprising reunion for Kit.

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  5. Background image for Thirst
    8.1/10(20 votes)

    #5 - Thirst

    S10:E3

    Harry's newfound talent brings an unexpected visitor to town. Alma decides to take matters into her own hands.

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  6. Background image for I Am Anne Frank (2)
    8.0/10(61 votes)

    #6 - I Am Anne Frank (2)

    S2:E5

    Sister Jude employs a renowned Nazi hunter to gather evidence against Arden; Kit makes a surprising confession; Bloody Face is unmasked.

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Horror Story

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  8. Background image for Orphans
    8.0/10(42 votes)

    #7 - Orphans

    S4:E10

    The death of a Freak sparks troubling behavior in Pepper. Elsa reveals the history of the Freak Show. Desiree grows suspicious of Maggie.

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  9. Background image for Final Girl
    8.0/10(28 votes)

    #8 - Final Girl

    S9:E9

    Camp Redwood draws in a lost soul looking for closure.

    Director:John J. Gray
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  10. Background image for Smoldering Children
    7.9/10(73 votes)

    #9 - Smoldering Children

    S1:E10

    Violet learns about the rules of the house. The truth about Larry's condition is explained. Constance is interrogated by the police.

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  11. Background image for Madness Ends
    7.9/10(60 votes)

    #10 - Madness Ends

    S2:E13

    Johnny sets out to complete his father's work; Lana leads the charge to finally shut down Briarcliff.

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  12. Background image for Bitchcraft
    7.9/10(64 votes)

    #11 - Bitchcraft

    S3:E1

    A young girl discovers she possesses a strange genetic affliction tracing back to the dark days of Salem; Fiona Goode returns to town.

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  13. Background image for Slashdance
    7.9/10(30 votes)

    #12 - Slashdance

    S9:E3

    Imitation is the best form of tragedy. Coming clean can be pretty messy.

    Director:Mary Wigmore
    Writer:James Wong
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  14. Background image for True Killers
    7.9/10(30 votes)

    #13 - True Killers

    S9:E4

    Mr. Jingles closes in on the one who got away as the counselors rally to escape Camp Redwood.

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  15. Background image for Gaslight
    7.9/10(18 votes)

    #14 - Gaslight

    S10:E5

    Harry struggles to keep Alma under control. Doris is pushed past her limits.

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  16. Background image for Pilot
    7.8/10(202 votes)

    #15 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    A therapist and his family move across the country to escape their troubled past but quickly discover that their new home comes with its own horrific baggage.

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  17. Background image for Halloween (2)
    7.8/10(77 votes)

    #16 - Halloween (2)

    S1:E5

    Tate comes face to face with his past, and Ben and Vivien are haunted by a new houseguest before Halloween night comes to an end.

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  18. Background image for Unholy Night
    7.8/10(58 votes)

    #17 - Unholy Night

    S2:E8

    A murderous Santa wreaks havoc on Briarcliff; Sister Jude faces off with the devil; Arden has a shocking encounter in the death chute.

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  19. Background image for The Replacements
    7.8/10(48 votes)

    #18 - The Replacements

    S3:E3

    Fiona takes on an unlikely protégé; a guilt-ridden Zoe tries to give Kyle his old life back; Madison has a fiery exchange with Joan Ramsey.

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  20. Background image for Head
    7.8/10(49 votes)

    #19 - Head

    S3:E9

    Cordelia’s attacker is revealed. Fiona looks to form an alliance with Marie Laveau. Nan learns a disturbing truth about Luke’s past.

    Director:Howard Deutch
    Writer:Tim Minear
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  21. Background image for Go to Hell
    7.8/10(44 votes)

    #20 - Go to Hell

    S3:E12

    Cordelia's latest vision puts the coven's future in question; the girls manifest powerful new gifts; Queenie's search for Marie Laveau leads her to hell and back.

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  22. Background image for Camp Redwood
    7.8/10(41 votes)

    #21 - Camp Redwood

    S9:E1

    In the summer of 1984, five friends escape Los Angeles to work as counselors at Camp Redwood. As they adjust to their new jobs, they quickly learn that the only thing scarier than campfire tales is the past coming to haunt you.

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  23. Background image for Home Invasion
    7.7/10(105 votes)

    #22 - Home Invasion

    S1:E2

    Vivien and Violet get themselves caught in a dangerous situation. Meanwhile, Ben goes back to Boston to fix a mistake that he made.

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  24. Background image for Halloween (1)
    7.7/10(81 votes)

    #23 - Halloween (1)

    S1:E4

    The line between the living and the dead blurs on Halloween. Two of the house's previous residents give the Harmons decorating advice.

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  25. Background image for Birth
    7.7/10(73 votes)

    #24 - Birth

    S1:E11

    Vivien gives birth. Tate and Violet attempt to rid the house of some of its ghosts for good.

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  26. Background image for Welcome to Briarcliff
    7.7/10(80 votes)

    #25 - Welcome to Briarcliff

    S2:E1

    Terrifying evils blur the boundaries between reality and insanity at the Briarcliff Manor.

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Best Episodes Summary

"Cape Fear" is the best rated episode of "American Horror Story". It scored 8.5/10 based on 43 votes. Directed by John J. Gray and written by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, it aired on 8/25/2021. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Pale".