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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!

Binge this in 4d 3h•Peaking at 9.2/10

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 8 Episode 6 - Return to Murder House
    9.2/10(6729 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
    Writer:Crystal Liu

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  2. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 10 - The Name Game
    8.8/10(6974 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.

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:Jessica Sharzer

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  3. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 5 - I Am Anne Frank (2)
    8.7/10(6202 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.

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  4. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 13 - Madness Ends
    8.7/10(6587 votes)

    #4 - Madness Ends

    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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  5. American Horror Story Season 4 Episode 10 - Orphans
    8.7/10(5291 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.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:James Wong

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  6. American Horror Story Season 8 Episode 4 - Could It Be... Satan?
    8.7/10(4821 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.

    Director:Sheree Folkson
    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 4 - Edward Mordrake (2)
    8.6/10(5107 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.

    Director:Howard Deutch
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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  8. American Horror Story Season 1 Episode 10 - Smoldering Children
    8.4/10(6412 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.

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:James Wong

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  9. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 8 - Unholy Night
    8.4/10(5624 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.

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:James Wong

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  10. American Horror Story Season 8 Episode 5 - Boy Wonder
    8.4/10(4225 votes)

    #10 - Boy Wonder

    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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  11. American Horror Story Season 10 Episode 5 - Gaslight
    8.4/10(3603 votes)

    #11 - Gaslight

    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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  12. American Horror Story Season 1 Episode 11 - Birth
    8.3/10(6248 votes)

    #12 - Birth

    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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  13. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 2 - Tricks and Treats
    8.3/10(6027 votes)

    #13 - 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.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:James Wong

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  14. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 11 - Spilt Milk
    8.3/10(5358 votes)

    #14 - 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.

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  15. American Horror Story Season 3 Episode 1 - Bitchcraft
    8.3/10(7295 votes)

    #15 - 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.

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

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  16. American Horror Story Season 3 Episode 9 - Head
    8.3/10(5185 votes)

    #16 - 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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  17. American Horror Story Season 6 Episode 6 - Chapter 6
    8.3/10(4407 votes)

    #17 - 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.

    Director:Angela Bassett
    Writer:Ned Martel

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  18. American Horror Story Season 9 Episode 9 - Final Girl
    8.3/10(3628 votes)

    #18 - Final Girl

    S9:E9

    Camp Redwood draws in a lost soul looking for closure.

    Director:John J. Gray
    Writer:Crystal Liu

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  19. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 1 - Welcome to Briarcliff
    8.2/10(7191 votes)

    #19 - Welcome to Briarcliff

    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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  20. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 3 - Nor'easter
    8.2/10(5699 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.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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  21. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 4 - I Am Anne Frank (1)
    8.2/10(5588 votes)

    #21 - I Am Anne Frank (1)

    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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  22. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 7 - Dark Cousin
    8.2/10(5261 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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  23. American Horror Story Season 2 Episode 9 - The Coat Hanger
    8.2/10(5203 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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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  24. American Horror Story Season 3 Episode 4 - Fearful Pranks Ensue
    8.2/10(5135 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.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Jennifer Salt

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  25. American Horror Story Season 3 Episode 5 - Burn, Witch. Burn!
    8.2/10(5119 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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Jessica Sharzer

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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 6729 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".