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The Best Episodes of American Horror Story Season 1

Every episode of American Horror Story Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Horror Story Season 1!

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 show, a hotel, a farmhouse in Roanoke, a cult, the apocalypse and a summer camp.

Genres:DramaMysterySci-Fi & Fantasy
Network:FX

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "American Horror Story" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 7.9/10 from 9159 user votes. It was directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk. "Pilot" aired on 10/5/2011 and is rated 0.0 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Home Invasion".

  • Pilot
    7.9/10 9,159 votes

    #1 - Pilot

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/5/2011

    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.

    Director: Ryan Murphy

    Writer: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk

  • Home Invasion
    7.9/10 6,954 votes

    #2 - Home Invasion

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/12/2011

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

    Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

    Writer: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk

  • Murder House
    8.0/10 6,823 votes

    #3 - Murder House

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/19/2011

    Vivien learns the horrific truth about the house's first residents and Ben's visitor causes him to further unravel about what really happened in the haunted house. Constance and Moira have their history revealed.

    Director: Bradley Buecker

    Writer: Jennifer Salt

  • Halloween (1)
    8.1/10 6,389 votes

    #4 - Halloween (1)

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/26/2011

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

    Director: David Semel

    Writer: James Wong, Tim Minear

  • Halloween (2)
    8.1/10 6,208 votes

    #5 - Halloween (2)

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 11/2/2011

    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.

    Director: David Semel

    Writer: James Wong, Tim Minear

  • Piggy, Piggy
    7.9/10 6,040 votes

    #6 - Piggy, Piggy

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 11/9/2011

    Constance enlists Violet's assistance with Tate. Ben helps a new patient confront his fears.

    Director: Michael Uppendahl

    Writer: Jessica Sharzer

  • Open House
    7.8/10 5,986 votes

    #7 - Open House

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/16/2011

    Moira persuades a buyer to make an offer while Constance and Larry work against her efforts.

    Director: Tim Hunter

    Writer: Brad Falchuk

  • Rubber Man
    7.9/10 5,684 votes

    #8 - Rubber Man

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/23/2011

    The man in the rubber suit is revealed.

    Director: Miguel Arteta

    Writer: Ryan Murphy

  • Spooky Little Girl
    7.8/10 5,607 votes

    #9 - Spooky Little Girl

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 11/30/2011

    One of history's most famous murder victims pays the house a visit. Constance discovers more of Tate's bad behavior.

    Director: John Scott

    Writer: Jennifer Salt

  • Smoldering Children
    8.4/10 5,975 votes

    #10 - Smoldering Children

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 12/7/2011

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

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: James Wong

  • Birth
    8.3/10 5,835 votes

    #11 - Birth

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 12/14/2011

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

    Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

    Writer: Tim Minear

  • Afterbirth
    7.9/10 6,017 votes

    #12 - Afterbirth

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 12/21/2011

    In the aftermath of family tragedy, Ben tries to take his child out of the Murder House. Meanwhile, Violet and Vivien accustom themselves to their new living arrangements, Constance raises Tate's child as her own and a new family buys the house.

    Director: Bradley Buecker

    Writer: Jessica Sharzer