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: 11/22/2025Network: FXStatus: Continuing
Smoldering Children
star
7.86
5139 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:Amazon
Birth
star
7.83
4805 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:Amazon
After Birth
star
7.80
4742 votes

#3 - After Birth

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/21/2011

Constance schemes to raise Tate's baby as her own.

Directors: Bradley Buecker
Watch Now:Amazon
Halloween (1)
star
7.75
6218 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.

Directors: David Semel
Writer: James Wong
Spooky Little Girl
star
7.75
5129 votes

#5 - 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:Apple TV
Murder House
star
7.74
6680 votes

#6 - Murder House

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/19/2011

After putting the house back on the market, Vivien learns about its first residents. Ben's visitor causes him to further unravel. Constance and Moira's history is revealed.

Directors: Bradley Buecker
Rubber Man
star
7.68
5220 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
Home Invasion
star
7.65
7219 votes

#8 - Home Invasion

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

Vivien and Violet find themselves in a dangerous situation eerily similar to a past event. Ben goes back to Boston to fix a mistake.

Pilot
star
7.63
8521 votes

#9 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/5/2011

A therapist moves his wife and teenage daughter across the country to escape their troubled past. The Harmon family quickly discovers their new home comes with its own kind of baggage.

Directors: Ryan Murphy
Halloween (2)
star
7.62
6179 votes

#10 - Halloween (2)

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

While on a date with Violet, Tate is harassed by a group of bloody teens. Ben and Vivien are haunted by one of the house's newest guests.

Directors: David Semel
Writer: Tim Minear
Open House
star
7.60
5521 votes

#11 - Open House

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

Moira persuades a prospective buyer to make an offer. Constance and Larry work against her efforts. Vivien and Luke grow closer.

Directors: Tim Hunter
Writer: Brad Falchuk
Piggy Piggy
star
7.52
5704 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.