The BEST episodes of American Horror Story season 1

Every episode of American Horror Story season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Horror Story season 1!

An anthology series centering on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an insane asylum, a witch coven, a freak show, a haunted hotel, a possessed farmhouse, a cult, the apocalypse and a slasher camp.

Last Updated: 5/3/2024Network: FXStatus: Continuing
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Smoldering Children
star
7.89
5185 votes

#1 - 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.

Directors: Michael Lehmann
Writer: James Wong
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Birth
star
7.85
4845 votes

#2 - 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.

Writer: Tim Minear
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Afterbirth
star
7.81
4776 votes

#3 - 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. Violet and Vivien accustom themselves to their new living arrangements, Constance raises Tate's child as her own. A new family buys the house.

Directors: Bradley Buecker
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Spooky Little Girl
star
7.77
5174 votes

#4 - 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.

Directors: John Scott
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Halloween (1)
star
7.77
6263 votes

#5 - 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.

Directors: David Semel
Writer: James Wong
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Murder House
star
7.75
6722 votes

#6 - 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.

Directors: Bradley Buecker
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Rubber Man
star
7.70
5260 votes

#7 - Rubber Man

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/23/2011

The man in the rubber suit is revealed.

Directors: Miguel Arteta
Writer: Ryan Murphy
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Home Invasion
star
7.68
7261 votes

#8 - Home Invasion

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/12/2011

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

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Pilot
star
7.65
8569 votes

#9 - 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.

Directors: Ryan Murphy
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Halloween (2)
star
7.64
6216 votes

#10 - Halloween (2)

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/2/2011

Tate comes face to face with his past. Ben and Vivien are haunted by a new houseguest before Halloween night comes to an end.

Directors: David Semel
Writer: Tim Minear
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Open House
star
7.62
5552 votes

#11 - Open House

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/16/2011

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

Directors: Tim Hunter
Writer: Brad Falchuk
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Piggy, Piggy
star
7.54
5741 votes

#12 - 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.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV