best episodes of Game of Thrones poster

Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.

8 Seasons
73 Episodes
Ended
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Drama Action & Adventure
Cast & Characters
episode image The Rains of Castamere
9.9/10 (128611 votes)

#1 The Rains of Castamere

S3:E9

Robb presents himself to Walder Frey, and Edmure meets his bride. Jon faces his harshest test yet. Bran discovers a new gift. Daario and Jorah debate how to take Yunkai. House Frey joins with House Tully.

episode image Battle of the Bastards
9.9/10 (237166 votes)

#2 Battle of the Bastards

S6:E9

As the Starks prepare to fight, Davos loses something dear. Ramsay plays a game. Daenerys faces a choice.

episode image The Winds of Winter
9.9/10 (170257 votes)

#3 The Winds of Winter

S6:E10

Tyrion counsels Daenerys on the upcoming campaign. Jon and Sansa discuss their future. Trials begin in King's Landing.

episode image Hardhome
9.8/10 (114470 votes)

#4 Hardhome

S5:E8

Arya makes progress in her training. Sansa confronts an old friend. Cersei struggles. Jon travels.

episode image Blackwater
9.7/10 (60208 votes)

#5 Blackwater

S2:E9

Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis’ fleet assaults King’s Landing.

episode image The Lion and the Rose
9.7/10 (66054 votes)

#6 The Lion and the Rose

S4:E2

Tyrion lends Jaime a hand. Joffrey and Margaery host a breakfast. At Dragonstone, Stannis loses patience with Davos. Ramsay finds a purpose for his pet. North of the Wall, Bran sees where they must go.

episode image The Laws of Gods and Men
9.7/10 (65172 votes)

#7 The Laws of Gods and Men

S4:E6

Stannis makes a deal with the Iron Bank of Braavos. Yara and her troops storm the Dreadfort to free Theon. Meanwhile, Daenerys meets Hizdar zo Loraq and her other supplicants. And the day of Tyrion's trial has come where Tyrion faces his father.

episode image The Mountain and the Viper
9.7/10 (65855 votes)

#8 The Mountain and the Viper

S4:E8

Unexpected visitors arrive in Mole's Town. With assistance from Theon, Ramsay proves himself to his father, Lord Bolton. Littlefinger's motives are questioned when Sansa reveals the fate of Lysa Arryn to other lords of the Vale. Daenerys finds out a secret about Jorah Mormont. Tyrion's fate is decided.

episode image The Children
9.7/10 (56961 votes)

#9 The Children

S4:E10

Circumstances change after an unexpected arrival from north of the Wall. Dany must face harsh realities. Bran learns more about his destiny. Tyrion sees the truth about his situation.

episode image The Door
9.7/10 (83578 votes)

#10 The Door

S6:E5

Tyrion seeks a strange ally. Bran learns a great deal. Brienne goes on a mission. Arya is given a chance to prove herself.

episode image The Spoils of War
9.7/10 (99747 votes)

#11 The Spoils of War

S7:E4

Daenerys fights back. Jaime faces an unexpected situation. Arya comes home.

episode image Baelor
9.6/10 (56142 votes)

#12 Baelor

S1:E9

Robb goes to war against the Lannisters. Jon finds himself struggling on deciding if his place is with Robb or the Night's Watch. Drogo has fallen ill from a fresh battle wound. Daenerys is desperate to save him.

episode image The Watchers on the Wall
9.6/10 (58722 votes)

#13 The Watchers on the Wall

S4:E9

Jon Snow and the Night's Watch face a big challenge.

episode image And Now His Watch Is Ended
9.5/10 (46252 votes)

#14 And Now His Watch Is Ended

S3:E4

Trouble brews among the Night's Watch at Craster's. Margaery takes Joffrey out of his comfort zone. Arya meets the leader of the Brotherhood. Varys plots revenge on an old foe. Theon mournfully recalls his missteps. Daenerys deftly orchestrates her exit from Astapor.

episode image Fire and Blood
9.4/10 (48688 votes)

#15 Fire and Blood

S1:E10

With Ned dead, Robb vows to get revenge on the Lannisters. Jon must officially decide if his place is with Robb or the Night's Watch. Daenerys says her final goodbye to Drogo.

episode image The Dance of Dragons
9.4/10 (51858 votes)

#16 The Dance of Dragons

S5:E9

Stannis confronts a troubling decision. Jon returns to The Wall. Mace visits the Iron Bank. Arya encounters someone from her past. Dany reluctantly oversees a traditional celebration of athleticism.

episode image The Dragon and the Wolf
9.4/10 (72862 votes)

#17 The Dragon and the Wolf

S7:E7

A meeting is held in King's Landing. Problems arise in the North.

episode image Valar Morghulis
9.3/10 (41896 votes)

#18 Valar Morghulis

S2:E10

Tyrion awakens to a changed situation. King Joffrey doles out rewards to his subjects. As Theon stirs his men to action, Luwin offers some final advice. Brienne silences Jaime. Arya receives a gift from Jaqen. Dany goes to a strange place. Jon proves himself to Qhorin.

episode image Home
9.2/10 (53764 votes)

#19 Home

S6:E2

Bran trains with the Three-Eyed Raven. In King’s Landing, Jaime advises Tommen. Tyrion demands good news, but has to make his own. At Castle Black, the Night’s Watch stands behind Thorne. Ramsay Bolton proposes a plan, and Balon Greyjoy entertains other proposals.

episode image A Golden Crown
9.1/10 (42001 votes)

#20 A Golden Crown

S1:E6

While recovering from his battle with Jamie, Eddard is forced to run the kingdom while Robert goes hunting. Tyrion demands a trial by combat for his freedom. Viserys is losing his patience with Drogo.

episode image You Win or You Die
9.1/10 (42471 votes)

#21 You Win or You Die

S1:E7

Robert has been injured while hunting and is dying. Jon and the others finally take their vows to the Night's Watch. A man, sent by Robert, is captured for trying to poison Daenerys. Furious, Drogo vows to attack the Seven Kingdoms.

episode image Mhysa
9.1/10 (38871 votes)

#22 Mhysa

S3:E10

Bran and company travel beyond the Wall. Sam returns to Castle Black. Jon says goodbye to Ygritte. Jaime returns to King's Landing. The Night's Watch asks for help from Stannis. Daenerys waits to see if she is a conqueror or a liberator.

episode image Mother's Mercy
9.1/10 (50657 votes)

#23 Mother's Mercy

S5:E10

Stannis marches. Dany is surrounded by strangers. Cersei seeks forgiveness. Jon is challenged.

episode image The Queen's Justice
9.1/10 (53418 votes)

#24 The Queen's Justice

S7:E3

Daenerys holds court. Tyrion backchannels. Cersei returns a gift. Jaime learns from his mistakes.

episode image The Wolf and the Lion
9.0/10 (42574 votes)

#25 The Wolf and the Lion

S1:E5

Catelyn has captured Tyrion and plans to bring him to her sister, Lysa Arryn, at The Vale, to be tried for his, supposed, crimes against Bran. Robert plans to have Daenerys killed, but Eddard refuses to be a part of it and quits.

episode image Two Swords
9.0/10 (42054 votes)

#26 Two Swords

S4:E1

Tyrion welcomes a guest to King’s Landing. At Castle Black, Jon Snow finds himself unwelcome. Dany is pointed to Meereen, the mother of all slave cities. Arya runs into an old friend.

episode image Mockingbird
9.0/10 (38051 votes)

#27 Mockingbird

S4:E7

Tyrion gains an unlikely ally; Daario asks Dany to allow him to do what he does best; Jon's warnings about the vulnerability of the Wall are ignored; Brienne follows a new lead.

episode image Book of the Stranger
9.0/10 (43421 votes)

#28 Book of the Stranger

S6:E4

Tyrion strikes a deal. Jorah and Daario undertake a difficult task. Jaime and Cersei try to improve their situation.

episode image Beyond the Wall
9.0/10 (72677 votes)

#29 Beyond the Wall

S7:E6

Jon and his team go beyond the wall to capture a wight. Daenerys has to make a tough decision.

episode image Winter Is Coming
8.9/10 (60271 votes)

#30 Winter Is Coming

S1:E1

Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, is dead. King Robert Baratheon plans to ask his oldest friend, Eddard Stark, to take Jon's place. Across the sea, Viserys Targaryen plans to wed his sister to a nomadic warlord in exchange for an army.

episode image The Pointy End
8.9/10 (39838 votes)

#31 The Pointy End

S1:E8

Eddard and his men are betrayed and captured by the Lannisters. When word reaches Robb, he plans to go to war to rescue them. The White Walkers attack The Wall. Tyrion returns to his father with some new friends.

episode image The Old Gods and the New
8.9/10 (35966 votes)

#32 The Old Gods and the New

S2:E6

Theon seizes control of Winterfell. Jon captures a wildling, named Ygritte and is given a chance to prove himself. At King's Landing, after the Lannisters send Myrcella off to be married, the people begin to turn against King Joffrey. Arya comes face to face with a surprise visitor. Daenerys looks to buy ships to sail for the Seven Kingdoms.

episode image Kissed by Fire
8.9/10 (35474 votes)

#33 Kissed by Fire

S3:E5

The Hound is judged by the gods. Jaime is judged by men. Jon proves himself. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion learns the cost of weddings.

episode image Second Sons
8.9/10 (34526 votes)

#34 Second Sons

S3:E8

King’s Landing hosts a wedding, and Tyrion and Sansa spend the night together. Daenerys tries to persuade the Second Sons to join her against Yunkai. Stannis releases Davos from the dungeons. Sam and Gilly meet an older gentleman.

episode image A Man Without Honor
8.8/10 (34934 votes)

#35 A Man Without Honor

S2:E7

Jamie meets a distant relative. Daenerys receives an invitation to the House of the Undying. Theon leads a search party. Jon loses his way in the wilderness. Cersei counsels Sansa.

episode image The Gift
8.8/10 (35746 votes)

#36 The Gift

S5:E7

Jon prepares for conflict. Sansa tries to talk to Theon. Brienne waits for a sign. Stannis remains stubborn. Jaime attempts to reconnect with family.

episode image Stormborn
8.8/10 (50782 votes)

#37 Stormborn

S7:E2

Daenerys receives an unexpected visitor. Jon faces a revolt. Tyrion plans the conquest of Westeros.

episode image What is Dead May Never Die
8.7/10 (35299 votes)

#38 What is Dead May Never Die

S2:E3

At the Red Keep, Tyrion plots three alliances through the promise of marriage. Catelyn arrives in the Stormlands to forge an alliance of her own, but King Renly, his new wife Margaery, and her brother Loras Tyrell have other plans. At Winterfell, Luwin tries to decipher Bran’s dreams.

episode image Walk of Punishment
8.7/10 (34276 votes)

#39 Walk of Punishment

S3:E3

Tyrion shoulders new responsibilities. Jon is taken to the Fist of the First Men. Daenerys meets with the slavers. Jaime strikes a deal with his captors.

episode image The Climb
8.7/10 (34840 votes)

#40 The Climb

S3:E6

Tywin plans strategic unions for the Lannisters. Melisandre pays a visit to the Riverlands. Robb weighs a compromise to repair his alliance with House Frey. Roose Bolton decides what to do with Jaime Lannister. Jon, Ygritte, and the Wildlings face a daunting climb.

Cast & Chracters

character image Tyrion 'The Halfman' Lannister

Tyrion 'The Halfman' Lannister

Actor: Peter Dinklage

Tyrion Lannister, often referred to as 'The Halfman' due to his dwarfism, is the youngest son of Tywin Lannister and a member of the powerful House Lannister. Despite facing prejudice and scorn, Tyrion is known for his sharp intellect, wit, and political acumen. He serves as Hand of the King and later as Hand of the Queen, navigating the treacherous politics of Westeros with cunning and resourcefulness. Tyrion's complex relationships with his family, particularly his father Tywin and sister Cersei, as well as his deep bond with his brother Jaime, significantly influence his character arc throughout the series.

character image Jon Snow

Jon Snow

Actor: Kit Harington

Jon Snow is introduced as the illegitimate son of Eddard 'Ned' Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and half-brother to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. Described as having strong Stark features with a lean build, long face, dark brown hair, and dark grey eyes, Jon is raised at Winterfell but joins the Night's Watch to find his place in the world. He is known for his strong sense of honor, leadership qualities, and compassion. Jon's journey involves complex relationships with his family, the Night's Watch, and the Wildlings, as he grapples with questions of identity and duty.

character image Sir Jaime 'Kingslayer' Lannister

Sir Jaime 'Kingslayer' Lannister

Actor: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Ser Jaime Lannister, known as the 'Kingslayer' for killing King Aerys II Targaryen during Robert's Rebellion, is the eldest son of Tywin Lannister and twin brother to Cersei Lannister. A member of the Kingsguard, Jaime is renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and martial prowess. His complex character is marked by a deep, secretive relationship with his sister Cersei and a gradual transformation influenced by his experiences, including captivity and the loss of his sword hand. Jaime's journey explores themes of honor, redemption, and identity.

character image Cersei Lannister

Cersei Lannister

Actor: Lena Headey

Cersei Lannister is the daughter of Tywin Lannister and twin sister to Jaime Lannister. She becomes Queen of the Seven Kingdoms through her marriage to King Robert Baratheon. Cersei is known for her ambition, political cunning, and protective nature towards her children. Her character is marked by a complex relationship with her brother Jaime and a deep-seated desire for power and control. Cersei's actions and decisions significantly impact the political landscape of Westeros.

character image Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen

Actor: Emilia Clarke

Daenerys Targaryen, also known as 'Daenerys Stormborn' and 'Mother of Dragons,' is one of the last surviving members of House Targaryen. Exiled to Essos after Robert's Rebellion, she is initially timid and submissive but grows into a strong and determined leader. Daenerys is known for her compassion towards the oppressed and her desire to reclaim the Iron Throne. Her journey is marked by the hatching of three dragons, which become symbols of her power and legitimacy. Daenerys's character explores themes of leadership, justice, and the burdens of power.

character image Davos Seaworth

Davos Seaworth

Actor: Liam Cunningham

Davos Seaworth, known as the 'Onion Knight,' is a former smuggler who becomes a loyal advisor to Stannis Baratheon. Raised in the slums of King's Landing, Davos is pragmatic, honest, and deeply loyal. He serves as Stannis's Hand of the King and is known for his strong moral compass and dedication to justice. Davos's character provides a grounded perspective on the events of the series, often serving as a voice of reason and conscience.

character image Arya Stark

Arya Stark

Actor: Maisie Williams

Arya Stark is the youngest daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. A tomboy with a strong independent streak, Arya rejects traditional gender roles and aspires to be a warrior. She is known for her resourcefulness, determination, and resilience. Arya's journey takes her across Westeros and beyond, as she trains to become a skilled assassin with the Faceless Men. Her character explores themes of identity, vengeance, and the loss of innocence.

character image Brandon 'Bran' Stark

Brandon 'Bran' Stark

Actor: Isaac Hempstead Wright

Brandon 'Bran' Stark is the second son of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. After a fall that leaves him paralyzed from the waist down, Bran develops mystical abilities, including prophetic visions and the ability to warg into animals. Guided by the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran's journey is one of self-discovery and understanding the deeper mysteries of the world. His character explores themes of destiny, knowledge, and the supernatural.

character image Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark

Actor: Sophie Turner

Sansa Stark is the eldest daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. Initially portrayed as naive and eager to embrace the ideals of courtly life, Sansa's character undergoes significant development as she faces numerous hardships and betrayals. She becomes politically astute and resilient, learning to navigate the dangerous politics of Westeros. Sansa's journey explores themes of survival, identity, and the loss of innocence.

character image Samwell 'Sam' Tarly

Samwell 'Sam' Tarly

Actor: John Bradley

Samwell Tarly, or simply Sam, is the elder son of Lord Randyll Tarly of Horn Hill. A self-professed coward with a love for books and songs, Sam is forced by his father to join the Night's Watch. Despite his lack of martial skills, Sam's intelligence, resourcefulness, and loyalty make him a valuable member of the Watch. He becomes a close friend and confidant to Jon Snow and plays a crucial role in uncovering important information about the White Walkers and the history of Westeros.

character image Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane

Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane

Actor: Rory McCann

Sandor Clegane, known as 'The Hound,' is the younger brother of Gregor Clegane and serves as a retainer to House Lannister. He is regarded as one of Westeros's most dangerous and skilled fighters. His face is marked by gruesome burn scars he received as a child when his brother forced his head into a brazier, leading to a deep-seated fear of fire and a fierce hatred for his brother. Initially appearing brutal and fatalistic, Sandor later proves to be more honorable, sympathetic, and compassionate, particularly through his relationships with Sansa and Arya Stark.

character image Gendry

Gendry

Actor: Joe Dempsie

Gendry is the illegitimate son of King Robert Baratheon, raised in King's Landing without knowledge of his true parentage. He is described as tall and muscular, with blue eyes and thick black hair, bearing a strong resemblance to his father in youth. Gendry is apprenticed as a blacksmith and becomes skilled in his trade. His journey intertwines with that of Arya Stark, and he becomes involved in the larger political struggles of Westeros. Gendry's character explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the impact of lineage.

character image Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth

Actor: Gwendoline Christie

Brienne of Tarth is the only living child of Lord Selwyn Tarth. Unconventionally tall and muscular for a woman, Brienne is often mocked for her appearance and interest in martial pursuits. Despite societal expectations, she becomes a skilled warrior and is known for her unwavering sense of honor and loyalty. Brienne's journey involves a quest to find and protect the Stark daughters, leading to complex relationships with characters like Jaime Lannister. Her character explores themes of gender roles, honor, and the nature of true knighthood.

character image Grey Worm

Grey Worm

Actor: Jacob Anderson

Grey Worm is the leader of the Unsullied, an elite group of eunuch slave soldiers. Freed by Daenerys Targaryen, he becomes one of her most loyal and trusted commanders. Grey Worm is known for his discipline, bravery, and tactical acumen. His character explores themes of freedom, identity, and the search for humanity beyond a life of servitude.

The highest rated episode of Game of Thrones is "The Rains of Castamere" (S3E9) with a rating of 9.90.

This episode received 128,611 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "The Iron Throne" (S8E6) with a rating of 4.00.

This episode received 270,861 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Baelor" (S1E9) with a rating of 9.60.

This episode received 56,142 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Lord Snow" (S1E3) with a rating of 8.50.

This episode received 42,906 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Blackwater" (S2E9) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 60,208 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "The Night Lands" (S2E2) with a rating of 8.30.

This episode received 35,734 votes.

The highest rated episode is "The Rains of Castamere" (S3E9) with a rating of 9.90.

This episode received 128,611 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Dark Wings, Dark Words" (S3E2) with a rating of 8.40.

This episode received 33,873 votes.

The highest rated episode is "The Lion and the Rose" (S4E2) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 66,054 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "First of His Name" (S4E5) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 34,590 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Hardhome" (S5E8) with a rating of 9.80.

This episode received 114,470 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken" (S5E6) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 37,330 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Battle of the Bastards" (S6E9) with a rating of 9.90.

This episode received 237,166 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Blood of My Blood" (S6E6) with a rating of 8.30.

This episode received 39,941 votes.

The highest rated episode is "The Spoils of War" (S7E4) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 99,747 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Dragonstone" (S7E1) with a rating of 8.50.

This episode received 57,520 votes.

The highest rated episode is "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" (S8E2) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 141,062 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "The Iron Throne" (S8E6) with a rating of 4.00.

This episode received 270,861 votes.

Name Department Job
Deborah Riley Art Production Design
Barrie Gower Costume & Make-Up Prosthetic Designer
Michele Clapton Costume & Make-Up Costume Design
Rowley Irlam Crew Stunt Coordinator
Yusuf Chaudhri Crew Stunts
Bryan Cogman Production Co-Executive Producer
Carolyn Strauss Production Executive Producer
Christopher Newman Production Producer
David Nutter Production Executive Producer
Duncan Muggoch Production Producer
Frank Doelger Production Executive Producer
Greg Spence Production Producer
Guymon Casady Production Co-Executive Producer
Lisa McAtackney Production Producer
Miguel Sapochnik Production Executive Producer
Nina Gold Production Casting
Robert Sterne Production Casting
Vince Gerardis Production Co-Executive Producer
Ramin Djawadi Sound Original Music Composer
Ben Shepherd Visual Effects Visual Effects
Brooke Lyndon-Stanford Visual Effects Visual Effects Supervisor
Devin Stoutley Visual Effects Visual Effects
Martin Hill Visual Effects Visual Effects Supervisor
Paul Zeke Visual Effects Visual Effects
Ronan Binding Visual Effects Animation
Shaila Tobin Visual Effects Visual Effects
George R. R. Martin Writing Novel

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