Game of Thrones might’ve ended on a painfully sour note but there’s no doubting that the rest of the series provided some of the best television of the last decade. From setting new standards for massive battle sequences on TV to the excellent writing in its first (near-perfect) five seasons, HBO’s golden child delivered plenty of memorable episodes that earned its pop culture phenomenon status. To celebrate the show’s legacy, here are the 10 best Game of Thrones episodes ranked, in our opinion.
Before we begin, this ranking is purely subjective and doesn’t reflect the consensus or episode ratings online. While ten is a lot of slots to fill, we also have some honourable mentions that unfortunately didn’t make the list: The Spoils of War (season 7, episode 4), The Door (season 6, episode 5), The Children (season 4, episode 10), And Now His Watch Has Ended (season 3, episode 4), Fire and Blood (season 1, episode 10) and A Golden Crown (season 1, episode 6). Also, massive spoiler warning ahead.
10 Best Game of Thrones Episodes Ranked
10. Baelor (Season 1, Episode 9)
Baelor was the first episode in Game of Thrones that proved one thing: no character is safe. Ned Stark, the proud and honourable lead of the series, faced a grim fate with his untimely beheading and death – a harrowing scene that established Joffrey as a truly vile character and the Lannister family as a force to be reckoned with. Ned’s death was the catalyst for the rest of the show’s heated conflicts. Sadly, it was a tragedy that needed to happen.
9. The Laws of Gods and Men (Season 4, Episode 6)
Arguably one of the best-written episodes in television history, The Laws of Gods and Men mainly focuses on Tyrion’s long-awaited trial. If the writing didn’t already cement it as an all-timer, then Peter Dinklage’s award-winning performance certainly sealed the deal. It’s an hour of riveting TV where words carry heavier consequences than the swing of a sword.
8. The Mountain and the Viper (Season 4, Episode 8)
The success of The Mountain and the Viper wasn’t just thanks to its impressive fight choreography (and truly shocking climax) but also Pedro Pascal’s dedicated performance. It’s almost criminal that his character, the very likeable Oberyn Martell, was given only one season to shine. The fight itself is nail-biting and intense with a lot more personal drama on the line than a mere trial by combat. Season 4 had plenty of outstanding episodes and it’s not the last time that we’ll see it on this list.
7. The Lion and the Rose (Season 4, Episode 2)
Speaking of season 4, what a way to kick off a season. After experiencing the PTSD-inducing Red Wedding, we have yet another wedding to attend in The Lion and the Rose – thankfully, this one ends in a very satisfying death. We knew Joffrey’s demise was coming but nobody expected how it would end for the character. His death raises a fantastic mystery that eventually ends with the reveal of a very unexpected culprit. Most of all, you probably shouldn’t hire George R.R. Martin to be your wedding planner.
6. The Winds of Winter (Season 6, Episode 10)
After the immense Battle of the Bastards, season 6 showed that it still had some big surprises left in Game of Thrones. By that, we mean more death. The first half of The Winds of Winter is the definition of white-knuckled suspense. backed by composer Ramin Djawadi‘s best work to date. Cersei’s plans fall into place as we’re left holding our breaths waiting for the axe to drop. The result is, well, quite an explosive finale.
5. Blackwater (Season 2, Episode 9)
The big battle sequences in Game of Thrones are usually the highlights of the series and Blackwater is no exception. Starting off with a fiery green inferno with all the power of a nuke, Stannis’ battle to take King’s Landing from Joffrey is action-packed from start to finish. Tyrion’s charge leading the remaining troops into battle is uplifting and a big turning point for the character. Blackwater tops fan lists for a good reason.
4. The Watchers on the Wall (Season 4, Episode 9)
While we’re on the subject of big battle sequences, The Watchers on the Wall is another standout episode. Moving away from King’s Landing and travelling all the way far north, this episode pits the Night’s Watch against the fearsome Wilding army on their march against the wall. Neil Marshall’s excellent direction takes centre stage, delivering the same intensity of Blackwater on a slightly larger scale (and with terrific camera work to boot).
3. The Rains of Castamere (Season 3, Episode 9)
The most famous (or infamous) episode of Game of Thrones, The Rains of Castamere is what many fans lovingly call the “Red Wedding.” The episode really needs no introduction. It’s a bloodbath. In one swoop, most of the Starks are wiped out. It left viewers utterly speechless but as a whole, it’s a very well-directed hour of television that doesn’t hold back on the brutality of its violence. It’s almost Shakespearean with its tragic twist – a stroke of genius, bold storytelling on George R.R. Martin’s part too.
2. Battle of the Bastards (Season 6, Episode 9)
One of the best battles in the series, Battle of the Bastards pits Jon Snow against Ramsay Bolton who, up until this point, had pretty much surpassed Joffrey as the most hated character of the entire show. Starting off with the death of a Stark (naturally), the battle heats up as Jon and his army attempt to retake Winterfell from Ramsay. Well-directed, brutal and so cathartic, Battle of the Bastards is a high point in the show before its downward spiral in subsequent seasons.
1. Hardhome (Season 5, Episode 8)
You’ll probably find Hardhome frequently mentioned as the best Game of Thrones episode. It absolutely is. North of the wall, Jon and the Wildlings confront the true horrifying power of the White Walkers. Hardhome is beautifully directed and on par with most big-budget Hollywood blockbusters. Jon Snow solidifies himself as a leading hero in this episode but most of all, it makes the political strife and butting of heads in Westeros look like a squabble when faced against the White Walker threat. It’s just a pity that all this incredible build-up leads to The Long Night (sigh), but that doesn’t really take away from Hardhome‘s brilliance.
