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The Best Episodes of American Horror Story

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 Return to Murder House
    9.2/10(6.6k votes)

    #1 - Return to Murder House

    S8:E6

    Madison and Behold travel to the Murder House to uncover the origins of Michael Langdon.

    Director:Sarah Paulson
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  2. Background image for The Name Game
    8.8/10(6.8k votes)

    #2 - 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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  3. Background image for I Am Anne Frank (2)
    8.7/10(6.1k votes)

    #3 - 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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  4. Background image for Madness Ends
    8.7/10(6.5k votes)

    #4 - 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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  5. Background image for Orphans
    8.7/10(5.2k votes)

    #5 - 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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  6. Background image for Could It Be... Satan?
    8.7/10(4.8k votes)

    #6 - Could It Be... Satan?

    S8:E4

    Michael's history as a teenager, and how he came to find himself at the Hawthorne Boy's school, is revealed.

    Writer:Tim Minear
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Horror Story

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  8. Background image for Edward Mordrake (2)
    8.6/10(5.0k votes)

    #7 - Edward Mordrake (2)

    S4:E4

    Edward Mordrake continues his search for a Freak to add to his ghostly coterie. Elsa tells the grisly story of her days in Germany. Jimmy and Maggie have a run-in with the Twisted Clown.

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  9. Background image for Smoldering Children
    8.4/10(6.3k votes)

    #8 - 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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  10. Background image for Unholy Night
    8.4/10(5.5k votes)

    #9 - 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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  11. Background image for Birth
    8.3/10(6.1k votes)

    #10 - 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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  12. Background image for Tricks and Treats
    8.3/10(5.9k votes)

    #11 - Tricks and Treats

    S2:E2

    An exorcist is called to Briarcliff to help save a troubled farm boy; Sister Jude's darkest secret is revealed.

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  13. Background image for Spilt Milk
    8.3/10(5.2k votes)

    #12 - Spilt Milk

    S2:E11

    Grace tells Kit devastating news about the aliens' experiments on Alma; Dr. Thredson receives an unexpected visitor; the Monsignor goes to extreme lengths to silence Jude.

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  14. Background image for Bitchcraft
    8.3/10(7.2k votes)

    #13 - 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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  15. Background image for Head
    8.3/10(5.1k votes)

    #14 - 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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  16. Background image for Chapter 6
    8.3/10(4.3k votes)

    #15 - Chapter 6

    S6:E6

    After the wrap of the show My Roanoke Nightmare, the producer creates a follow up show called Return to Roanoke, bringing the actors of the previous show and the real Shelby, Matt, and Lee, back to the house.

    Writer:Ned Martel
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  17. Background image for Boy Wonder
    8.3/10(4.2k votes)

    #16 - Boy Wonder

    S8:E5

    After witnessing the Apocalypse, Coredelia must act quickly to stop Michael or face the end of days.

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  18. Background image for Final Girl
    8.3/10(3.5k votes)

    #17 - Final Girl

    S9:E9

    Camp Redwood draws in a lost soul looking for closure.

    Director:John J. Gray
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  19. Background image for Gaslight
    8.3/10(3.5k votes)

    #18 - Gaslight

    S10:E5

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

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  20. Background image for Welcome to Briarcliff
    8.2/10(7.0k votes)

    #19 - Welcome to Briarcliff

    S2:E1

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

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  21. Background image for Nor'easter
    8.2/10(5.6k votes)

    #20 - Nor'easter

    S2:E3

    A violent storm allows a group of patients to plan a daring escape; Sister Jude is haunted by her past.

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  22. Background image for I Am Anne Frank (1)
    8.2/10(5.5k votes)

    #21 - I Am Anne Frank (1)

    S2:E4

    A new patient exposes Arden's past; Kit learns why Grace was admitted to Briarcliff.

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  23. Background image for Dark Cousin
    8.2/10(5.1k votes)

    #22 - Dark Cousin

    S2:E7

    Sister Mary Eunice is terrified to discover a dark angel at Briarcliff; Kit makes a bold move to be reunited with Grace.

    Director:Michael Rymer
    Writer:Tim Minear
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  24. Background image for The Coat Hanger
    8.2/10(5.1k votes)

    #23 - The Coat Hanger

    S2:E9

    The Monsignor takes an unlikely convert under his wing; Lana secures a new piece of evidence that can exonerate Kit; Dr. Arden witnesses a miraculous return.

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  25. Background image for Fearful Pranks Ensue
    8.2/10(5.0k votes)

    #24 - Fearful Pranks Ensue

    S3:E4

    Fiona's choices rattle a decades-long truce between the Salem witches and Marie Laveau; the Council of Witchcraft pays a surprise visit to the academy with disturbing allegations.

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  26. Background image for Burn, Witch. Burn!
    8.2/10(5.0k votes)

    #25 - Burn, Witch. Burn!

    S3:E5

    Besieged by Marie Laveau's army, Zoe unleashes a new power; Fiona and Myrtle clash over control of the coven; Madame LaLaurie is confronted by old ghosts.

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Best Episodes Summary

"Return to Murder House" is the best rated episode of "American Horror Story". It scored 9.2/10 based on 6630 votes. Directed by Sarah Paulson and written by Crystal Liu, it aired on 10/17/2018. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Name Game".