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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!

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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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    American Horror Story Season 13 Episode 11 - Madison's Happy Ending
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    S13:E11

    When a charming stranger draws close to the Coven, Madison discovers an unexpected side to him.

    Director:Adam Penn
    Writers:Ryan Murphy, Ned Martel, Charlie Carver

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  2. American Horror Story Season 8 Episode 6 - Return to Murder House
    9.2/10(6985 votes)

    S8:E6

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

    Director:Sarah Paulson
    Writer:Crystal Liu

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  3. American Horror Story Season 13 Episode 12 - Sisters in Arms
    9.0/10(4 votes)

    S13:E12

    Fiona confronts a family secret, while the Coven prepares for a foe worse than any they've faced.

    Director:Gillian Robespierre
    Writers:Ned Martel, Charlie Carver

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  4. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 10 - The Name Game
    8.8/10(6995 votes)

    S2:E10

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

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:Jessica Sharzer

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  5. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 5 - I Am Anne Frank (2)
    8.7/10(6261 votes)

    S2:E5

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

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  6. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 13 - Madness Ends
    8.7/10(6644 votes)

    S2:E13

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

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Tim Minear

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Horror Story

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  7. American Horror Story Season 4 Episode 10 - Orphans
    8.7/10(5314 votes)

    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.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:James Wong

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  8. American Horror Story Season 8 Episode 4 - Could It Be... Satan?
    8.7/10(5008 votes)

    S8:E4

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

    Director:Sheree Folkson
    Writer:Tim Minear

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  9. American Horror Story Season 4 Episode 4 - Edward Mordrake (2)
    8.6/10(5131 votes)

    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.

    Director:Howard Deutch
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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  10. American Horror Story Season 1 Episode 10 - Smoldering Children
    8.4/10(6554 votes)

    S1:E10

    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

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  11. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 8 - Unholy Night
    8.4/10(5637 votes)

    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.

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:James Wong

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  12. American Horror Story Season 8 Episode 5 - Boy Wonder
    8.4/10(4395 votes)

    S8:E5

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

    Director:Gwyneth Horder-Payton
    Writer:John J. Gray

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  13. American Horror Story Season 1 Episode 11 - Birth
    8.3/10(6386 votes)

    S1:E11

    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

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  14. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 2 - Tricks and Treats
    8.3/10(6139 votes)

    S2:E2

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

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:James Wong

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  15. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 11 - Spilt Milk
    8.3/10(5377 votes)

    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.

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  16. American Horror Story Season 3 Episode 1 - Bitchcraft
    8.3/10(7417 votes)

    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.

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writers:Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk

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  17. American Horror Story Season 3 Episode 9 - Head
    8.3/10(5171 votes)

    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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  18. American Horror Story Season 6 Episode 6 - Chapter 6
    8.3/10(4559 votes)

    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.

    Director:Angela Bassett
    Writer:Ned Martel

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  19. American Horror Story Season 9 Episode 9 - Final Girl
    8.3/10(3810 votes)

    S9:E9

    Camp Redwood draws in a lost soul looking for closure.

    Director:John J. Gray
    Writer:Crystal Liu

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  20. American Horror Story Season 10 Episode 5 - Gaslight
    8.3/10(3770 votes)

    S10:E5

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

    Director:John J. Gray
    Writers:Brad Falchuk, Manny Coto

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  21. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 1 - Welcome to Briarcliff
    8.2/10(7403 votes)

    S2:E1

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

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:Tim Minear

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  22. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 3 - Nor'easter
    8.2/10(5843 votes)

    S2:E3

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

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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  23. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 4 - I Am Anne Frank (1)
    8.2/10(5719 votes)

    S2:E4

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

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Jessica Sharzer

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  24. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 7 - Dark Cousin
    8.2/10(5375 votes)

    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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  25. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 9 - The Coat Hanger
    8.2/10(5268 votes)

    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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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Best Episodes Summary

"Madison's Happy Ending" is the best rated episode of "American Horror Story". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Adam Penn and written by Ryan Murphy, Ned Martel, Charlie Carver, it aired on 10/22/2026. This episode scored 0.8 points higher than the second highest rated, "Return to Murder House".