10 Most Disturbing American Horror Story Episodes

5. “Halloween Part 1” – Season 1, Episode 4

American Horror Story Smouldering Children
FX

Back to Season One for what is perhaps one of the outright scariest episodes of American Horror Story. Placed relatively early in the season, Halloween Part 1 utilises the mystery that the murder house is still shrouded in to great effect. As an audience, at this point we know very little about the spectral inhabitants of the house, and this episode sheds some light on them, much to our disgust.

Firstly, we are shown the backstory of Chad and Patrick, former owners of the Murder House; we witness a horrible fate befall them at the hands of the sinister Rubber Man. Chad and Patrick's deaths are unsightly, and without going into too much grisly detail, an iron poker is forcefully inserted in a supremely uncomfortable place.

Next, we have the crowning jewel of horrifying basement-dwelling ghost babies: Thaddeus. In another flashback, young-Tate heads down to the Murder House’s basement, and what transpires is one of TV’s most spine-chilling moments. As Tate stares into the shadows, a gnarled, demented face slowly reveals itself – the hideous visage of Thaddeus. Good luck getting that image out of your mind any time soon.

Contributor
Contributor

Dan is a writer and actor originally from South Australia who now lives in a constant state of anxiety... and Los Angeles. Whether writing about movies, watching movies, or binging the Great British Bake-off, Dan approaches any endeavour with a steely resolve which is rivalled only by his ability to lie about his strengths. For professional inquiries, call Melissa Cropley - Dan's mum; she wishes he would call more often and you'd really be doing him a favour.