Game of Thrones gave us rare moments of genuine connection that stood out all the more starkly against the show’s grim backdrop. Some couples burned fast and bright, others simmered for seasons, and a few never got the resolution fans were hoping for, but all left a mark. Whether canon or fan-favorite, tragic or triumphant, these relationships offered more than just romance. They featured unforgettable moments that continue to resonate long after the final credits rolled.
10. Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow
Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and Jon (Kit Harington) don’t meet until close to the end of the series. Jon had initially traveled to Dragonstone to seek Daenerys’ help in the fight against the White Walkers. Initially, the two are at odds, since Daenerys demands Jon bend the knee and acknowledge her claim to the Iron Throne. Over time, they develop mutual respect and attraction, especially after battling the undead together beyond the Wall.
9. Brienne of Tarth and Tormund Giantsbane
Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) and Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) meet in Game of Thrones Season 6, when Brienne arrives at Castle Black with Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner). Tormund, a Wildling warrior, is instantly smitten with Brienne and impressed by her strength and presence. Brienne, meanwhile, is mostly uninterested in his intense and silent admiration. Their relationship is more of a one-sided crush that turns into a comedic subplot.
From the beginning, it’s clear that Tormund appreciates what an incredible woman Brienne is. He sees her as a warrior, not just as a potential wife. Unlike most men in Westeros, he admired her strength, her skill, and her fierceness without trying to diminish her. While it never turned into a romance, it showcased Tormund’s surprisingly soft side and gave fans a humorous, endearing subplot. Despite the lack of payoff, their dynamic remains one of the show’s most memorable and endearing pairings.
8. Margaery Tyrell and Sansa Stark
Although they were never a canon romantic couple, they certainly had potential. In particular, the way they were able to talk frankly about matters of the heart showcases how easy it was always for them to connect. Their scenes together are some of the only ones where Sansa is truly seen and comforted during her time of intense vulnerability. A romantic relationship between them would have been revolutionary in Westeros since it would have featured two highborn women choosing one another in defiance of patriarchal expectations.
7. Arya Stark and Gendry Baratheon
Immediately, it was clear these two had a connection. Gendry didn’t treat Arya like a noble lady or a child. He treated her like the strong, capable person that she always was. That foundation of friendship, trust, and equality gave their relationship a natural, sincere depth that felt earned. When they reunited in Season 8, it wasn’t just a nostalgic moment. It was a meeting of two changed people who still shared a deep connection.
6. Ygritte and Jon Snow
Jon (Kit Harington) meets Ygritte (Rose Leslie) in Game of Thrones Season 2, while on a mission beyond the Wall with the Night’s Watch. He captures her, but hesitates to kill her, and she later escapes. This sets off a chain of events that leads to him being captured by the Wildlings. Ygritte, a fiery and independent Wildling, becomes Jon’s guide, and, eventually, his lover. Their relationship blossoms in the third season, as Jon pretends to join the Wildlings to spy on them.
5. Robb Stark and Theon Greyjoy
Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) was taken as a ward, essentially a hostage, by Ned Stark (Sean Bean) after his father’s failed rebellion, and raised at Winterfell alongside the Stark children. Though technically a prisoner, Theon was treated like family, and he and Robb (Richard Madden) developed a close, almost brotherly bond. In Game of Thrones Season 2, Theon returns to the Iron Islands but is pressured by his father to prove his loyalty to House Greyjoy. Theon betrays Robb by seizing Winterfell.
In a universe filled with doomed and tragic romances, a love story between Theon and Robb would have stood out. In all the years these two knew each other, Robb never treated Theon as an outsider, and the two grew up hunting, fighting, and laughing together. This relationship gave Theon a sense of belonging he never found among his own people. The contrast between betrayal and loyalty would have made this romance one of the most memorable, and it makes sense that fans of the series ask “what if?” about them.
4. Gilly and Samwell Tarly
Sam and Gilly’s relationship stands out in Game of Thrones because it’s about love without manipulation, ambition, or violence. It’s a quiet, sincere connection between two unlikely survivors who find strength in each other. Sam never sees Gilly as property or a burden. Instead, he sees her as someone worth protecting, and later, worth loving. Gilly, in turn, sees Sam for who he truly is, and how brave, loyal, and good-hearted he always was, even when he doesn’t see it in himself.
3. Missandei and Grey Worm
Missandei and Grey Worm are considered one of Game of Thrones‘ greatest ships because their relationship is a rare, tender light in an otherwise brutal and cynical world. Their relationship is about rediscovering humanity, tenderness, and emotional freedom, which are all things they were taught to suppress. Their love stands out because it’s restorative. This couple brought peace to a story that desperately needed it.
2. Catelyn Stark and Ned Stark
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Ned and Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) Stark are among Game of Thrones‘ most recognizable couples. When they’re introduced, it seems they are in a comfortable marriage built on respect. As time went on, it was revealed that their marriage was arranged and that they faced many challenges together. As Warden of the North and Lady of Winterfell, Ned and Catelyn always ruled together, raising five children and managing the responsibilities of their house.
1. Brienne of Tarth and Jaime Lannister
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Brienne of Tarth’s relationship is one of the most emotionally complex ones featured in Game of Thrones. Jaime and Brienne meet in Season 2, when Catelyn Stark tasks Brienne with escorting the captive Jaime back to King’s Landing as a hostage exchange. Initially, they despise each other. Jaime mocks Brienne’s appearance and honor, while Brienne sees him as an arrogant, dishonorable knight. During their journey, they slowly begin to respect and understand one another.
Jaime and Brienne are one of Game of Thrones‘ greatest ships because their relationship is a masterclass in slow-burning connection, emotional transformation, and tragic depth. Brienne sees the real Jaime. To her, Jaime isn’t just the Kingslayer, Cersei’s (Lena Headey) twin, or an arrogant knight, but is a man capable of honor, sacrifice, and change. Jaime, in turn, sees Brienne not as a joke or an outsider, but as the most honorable person he’s ever known.
