8 Best ‘American Horror Story’ Episodes, Ranked by IMDb

Heading into its 13th season, American Horror Story has become a pop culture favorite. By constantly reinventing itself, the show excels at keeping it fresh even after 10+ seasons in. You never know exactly what you're getting next, and that's exactly what keeps us all coming back for more.

These 8 episodes are the absolute best ones of the entire series. The list is just begging for a rewatch!

“Gaslight” (Season 10, Episode 5)

• IMDb score: 8.4/10.

Harry desperately tries to control his daughter Alma, while his wife Doris faces her own terrifying reality.

The highlight of the episode: the hospital scene. Harry getting dizzy from his need for blood was 10/10 uncomfortable. You could also feel Doris's tension thanks to Lily Rabe's portrayal. And it was disturbing to watch Harry squeeze bloody towels to ease his thirst.

The bigger picture: Unfortunately, this season flopped due to its second part, “Death Valley.” If they had stuck with “Red Tide” and taken the story even further, this season could have been as iconic as the earlier ones.

“Edward Mordrake: Part 2” (Season 4, Episode 4)

• IMDb score: 8.6/10.

Mordrake digs deep into the dark past of the circus folks. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Maggie play hero by saving some kids from the super-creepy Twisty's trailer.

The highlight of the episode: Twisty's backstory reveal. He had a whole tragic past that'll make you feel things you didn't expect to feel about a murderous clown.

Plus, Jimmy gets his hero moment and the freak show finally gets some love from the townspeople.

“Could It Be... Satan?” (Season 8, Episode 4)

• IMDb score: 8.7/10.

This episode takes us through Michael's experience at Hawthorne School. It fills in the blanks we didn't know needed to be filled.

The highlight of the episode: Michael accomplishing what not even Cordelia could do. He rescued Queenie from the Hotel Cortez and brought Madison back from her personal hell of retail.

Honorable mention: Hotel Cortez making an appearance made a lot of us realize how much we miss the vibe of Season 5 (some of us still hope that Lady Gaga returns one day).

“Orphans” (Season 4, Episode 10)

• IMDb score: 8.7/10.

Pepper's whole world comes crashing down when her husband Salty dies. We get to see Elsa's soft side as she tells Desiree how she started the freak show. She wanted to give these special folks the respect they deserve.

The highlight of the episode: honestly, everything. The writing, the acting and the setting itself are top-tier American Horror Story.

“Madness Ends” (Season 2, Episode 13)

• IMDb score: 8.7/10.

In this episode, we follow Lana Winters, currently a renowned TV reporter, as she reveals all the details about her extraordinary experience. She discusses how she exposed Briarcliff's dark secrets and revealed Dr. Arden's Nazi past.

The highlight of the episode: A plot twist no one saw coming. The intense face-off between Lana and Johnny (her son).

Plus, we find out what happened to Kit and Sister Jude. Kit rescued Jude and she became like family to his children before passing away.

“I Am Anne Frank: Part 2” (Season 2, Episode 5)

• IMDb score: 8.7/10.

Things get wild at Briarcliff when Sister Jude brings in a Nazi hunter to check out Dr. Arden's shady past. Meanwhile, Kit makes a shocking confession and “Anne Frank” gets sent back to the asylum after some scary stuff at home.

The highlight of the episode: Dr. Thredson showing his true colors. Plot twist: he's actually Bloody Face! The reveal scene with Lana is pure nightmare fuel.

“The Name Game” (Season 2, Episode 10)

• IMDb score: 8.8/10.

Grace is protected from Dr. Arden's creepy experiments by aliens and an intelligent Pepper. Meanwhile, poor Sister Jude (now just Judy) is falling apart after experiencing the brutal treatments of her own asylum firsthand.

The highlight of the episode: Sister Jude daydreaming about performing “The Name Game.” Seriously, how many more talents does Jessica Lange have?

“Return to Murder House” (Season 8, Episode 6)

• IMDb score: 9.2/10.

Madison and Behold pretend to be a couple and buy the Murder House to dig up some dirt on Michael. They do a little magic to make all the ghosts show up and who do they find? Constance Langdon herself!

The highlight of the episode: The details Constance tells about Michael is wild. Even a priest couldn't help him and Michael just added him to his body count.

Fun fact: Return to Murder House is Sarah Paulson's directorial debut. It looks like she should direct more episodes since this is our number one.