The BEST episodes of American Horror Story season 2

Every episode of American Horror Story season 2, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Horror Story season 2!

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
The Name Game
star
8.09
3461 votes

#1 - The Name Game

Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 1/2/2013

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

Directors: Michael Lehmann
Watch Now:Amazon
Madness Ends
star
8.07
3408 votes

#2 - Madness Ends

Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired 1/23/2013

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

Writer: Tim Minear
Watch Now:Amazon
I Am Anne Frank (2)
star
8.02
3996 votes

#3 - I Am Anne Frank (2)

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/14/2012

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

Writer: Brad Falchuk
Watch Now:Amazon
The Coat Hanger
star
7.87
3492 votes

#4 - The Coat Hanger

Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 12/12/2012

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.

Directors: Jeremy Podeswa
Watch Now:Amazon
I Am Anne Frank (1)
star
7.85
4123 votes

#5 - I Am Anne Frank (1)

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/7/2012

A new patient claiming to be Anne Frank exposes Arden's past. Kit learns why Grace was admitted to Briarcliff.

Watch Now:Amazon
Spilt Milk
star
7.78
3582 votes

#6 - Spilt Milk

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 1/9/2013

Grace brings Kit devastating news about the aliens' experiments on Alma. Dr. Thredson receives an unexpected visitor. The Monsignor goes to extreme lengths to silence Jude.

Writer: Brad Falchuk
Watch Now:Amazon
Unholy Night
star
7.77
3631 votes

#7 - Unholy Night

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/5/2012

A murderous Santa wreaks havoc on Briarcliff. Sister Jude faces off with the Devil. Arden has a shocking encounter in the Death Chute.

Directors: Michael Lehmann
Writer: James Wong
Watch Now:Amazon
Nor'easter
star
7.77
4067 votes

#8 - Nor'easter

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/31/2012

A violent storm hits Briarcliff, allowing a group of patients to plan a daring escape. Sister Jude is haunted by her past.

The Origins of Monstrosity
star
7.73
3550 votes

#9 - The Origins of Monstrosity

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/21/2012

A mysterious little girl is abandoned at Briarcliff. The Monsignor makes a Faustian pact with Dr. Arden. The origin of Bloody Face is revealed.

Directors: David Semel
Writer: Ryan Murphy
Tricks and Treats
star
7.71
4318 votes

#10 - Tricks and Treats

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/24/2012

An Exorcist is summoned to Briarcliff to help save a troubled farm boy. Sister Jude's darkest secret is revealed.

Directors: Bradley Buecker
Writer: James Wong
Watch Now:Apple TV
Dark Cousin
star
7.66
3748 votes

#11 - Dark Cousin

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/28/2012

Sister Mary Eunice is terrified to discover a dark angel has descended on Briarcliff. Kit makes a bold move to be reunited with Grace.

Directors: Michael Rymer
Writer: Tim Minear
Welcome to Briarcliff
star
7.64
4781 votes

#12 - Welcome to Briarcliff

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/17/2012

Welcome To Briarcliff Manor, a notorious insane asylum home to the deranged serial killer, Bloody Face. Lurking in the shadows of this "sanctuary of healing" are terrifying evils that blur the boundaries between reality and insanity.

Directors: Bradley Buecker
Writer: Tim Minear
Continuum
star
7.63
3246 votes

#13 - Continuum

Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 1/16/2013

A deadly new inmate threatens Sister Jude's chance of release from Briarcliff. Grace's obsession with the aliens turns violent.

Directors: Craig Zisk
Writer: Ryan Murphy