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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!

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...
  1. Background image for Smoldering Children
    8.4/10(6.2k votes)

    #1 - 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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  2. Background image for Birth
    8.3/10(6.0k votes)

    #2 - 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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  3. Background image for Halloween (1)
    8.1/10(6.6k votes)

    #3 - 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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  4. Background image for Halloween (2)
    8.1/10(6.4k votes)

    #4 - 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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  5. Background image for Murder House
    8.0/10(7.0k votes)

    #5 - Murder House

    S1:E3

    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.

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  6. Background image for Pilot
    7.9/10(9.5k votes)

    #6 - 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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  8. Background image for Home Invasion
    7.9/10(7.2k votes)

    #7 - 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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  9. Background image for Piggy, Piggy
    7.9/10(6.2k votes)

    #8 - Piggy, Piggy

    S1:E6

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

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  10. Background image for Rubber Man
    7.9/10(5.9k votes)

    #9 - Rubber Man

    S1:E8

    The man in the rubber suit is revealed.

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    Director:Miguel Arteta
  11. Background image for Afterbirth
    7.9/10(6.2k votes)

    #10 - Afterbirth

    S1:E12

    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.

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  12. Background image for Open House
    7.8/10(6.2k votes)

    #11 - Open House

    S1:E7

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

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    Director:Tim Hunter
  13. Background image for Spooky Little Girl
    7.8/10(5.8k votes)

    #12 - Spooky Little Girl

    S1:E9

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

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    Director:John Scott

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Smoldering Children" is the best rated episode of "American Horror Story" season 1. It scored 8.4/10 based on 6177 votes. Directed by Michael Lehmann and written by James Wong, it aired on 12/7/2011. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Birth".