10 Best Game of Thrones Episodes, Ranked md20

Game of Thrones‘ format changed in the final two seasons as the creators condensed numerous storylines into significantly shorter episodes, but even then, it still produced some of the most watched television episodes of all time. While the penultimate episodes of the iconic fantasy series are among the series’ most memorable, the best Game of Thrones episodes can be found scattered throughout the show’s eight seasons.

10. An Honorable Woman Becomes the First Female Knight in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

Season 8, Episode 2

Many people might be surprised to see an episode from Season 8 on this list, especially considering how disappointing the season has been overall. However, the second episode stands out as a strong standalone episode, featuring plenty of great scenes before the impending doom. Theon arrives at Winterfell to fight for the Starks, Jaime is allowed to stay and has a scene with Bran trying to make amends, the three remaining Night’s Watch members have a moment to reminisce, and Arya spends the night with Gendry, years after their journey on the Kingsroad took place.

However, the most poignant scene is Brienne’s elevation into Knighthood by Jaime. No knight in this entire show has more honor than Brienne, and it is especially meaningful that she is knighted by Jaime, with whom she shares a deep bond. The entire scene with Jaime, Tyrion, Tormund, Podrick, Ser Davos, and Brienne is quite reflective and reminiscent of previous seasons of the show. At the end, Podrick sings “Jenny of Oldstones,” creating an emotional backdrop for all the characters and the people they share their final moments with before the White Walkers arrive.

9. The Horrifying Murder of the Starks in “The Rains of Castamere”

Season 3, Episode 9

This episode is considered the favorite by many fans because it features the traumatizing Red Wedding. Robb Stark, Talisa, his mother Catelyn, Edmure Tully, and the Blackfish travel to the Twins for the wedding between Edmure and one of Walder Frey’s daughters. However, this mission seemed doomed even before it began, as foreshadowed by Catelyn when she advised her son Robb that ignoring Walder Frey would not be without consequences.

However, most hosts in Westeros honor their guests right, granting visitors safety. After the nuptials, the Freys lock the doors, and the band plays the Lannister song “The Rains of Castamere.” The Freys and Roose Bolton brutally murder all present Starks, including the pregnant Talisa. This heartbreaking plot twist is emphasized by Arya’s arrival with the Hound, as she witnesses the killing of all the Stark men outside the castle, including Robb’s direwolf.

8. Dramatic Conclusions in “The Winds of Winter”

Season 6, Episode 10

The sixth season finale of Game of Thrones opens with a stunning 15-minute montage as Cersei and King Tommen appear to prepare for Cersei’s trial. Set against a hauntingly beautiful and ominous piano-driven score, the atmosphere is filled with tension, signaling that something monumental is about to unfold, and when it does, chaos erupts with devastating impact. Inside the Sept, Ser Loras Tyrell faces his trial first, pledging himself to the Faith Militant. When Cersei fails to appear, Margaery senses something is off, but the High Sparrow dismisses her concerns. Moments later, the Sept is obliterated in a breathtaking explosion of wildfire, while Cersei watches calmly from the safety of the Red Keep.

But this jaw-dropping sequence is only part of the episode’s effectiveness. Episode 10 skillfully ties up numerous storylines, delivering satisfying payoffs. Bran discovers Jon Snow’s true parentage as the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna. Jon is declared King in the North by the Northern houses. Finally, the season concludes with Daenerys’s fleet sailing toward Westeros, setting the stage for the battles to come.

7. Jaime’s Confession to Brienne in “Kissed by Fire”

Season 3, Episode 5

This episode features Jaime Lannister’s best monologue of the entire show. Up to this point, Jaime was known for being a Kingslayer, a moniker that puts a heavy stain on the reputation of a Kingsguard, but when Jamie shares a bathtub with Brienne, he finally tells her the truth. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau delivered a remarkable performance, portraying Jaime as a man with unexpected morals who acted to protect the citizens of King’s Landing from certain death.

But this episode had many other great moments. In King’s Landing, Tywin Lannister plots against the Tyrells to assume control over the North by marrying Sansa to Tyrion. Furthermore, he announces to Cersei that she has to marry Loras Tyrell. And Jon breaks his vows when he gets involved with Ygritte beyond the wall.

6. The Tragic Death of Ned Stark in “Baelor”

Season 1, Episode 9

The penultimate episode of Season 1 set the tone for all future seasons of Game of Thrones. Fans were left in utter shock when the protagonist, Ned Stark, was publicly beheaded in King’s Landing, with his daughters Sansa and Arya forced to witness the horrifying event. Ned had been arrested after trying to prevent Joffrey’s ascension to the throne. Yet, throughout the preceding episodes, it seemed far more likely that he would be spared and sent to the Wall rather than executed. Varys persuaded Ned to sacrifice his honor and confess to treason, assuring him it was the only way to secure peace and protect his daughters. The tragedy lies in the bitter irony: the one time Ned compromises his unwavering honor for the sake of his family, he is punished with death.

Meanwhile, Robb Stark marches south, and Jon Snow is tempted to abandon the Night’s Watch to aid his brother, but is convinced to stay, avoiding the death penalty for desertion. In Essos, Daenerys struggles to save Khal Drogo as his health declines, learning that even magic cannot defy fate. The episode “Baelor” is one of the most significant episodes of the entire series, as it demonstrates that no one is safe in this universe and that unfortunate events can occur to good people.

5. A Perfect Battle in “The Watchers on the Wall”

Season 5, Episode 9

This entire episode takes place at the Wall with Mance Raider attempting to storm Castle Black. Due to the increased budget for the later seasons, the filmmakers had more options to create a stunning battle. Besides breathtaking long shots and dynamic photography following individuals’ one-on-one fights, the audience is treated with mammoths, giants, and plenty of impressive special effects, including a scythe swinging across the wall to wipe off the climbers.

Besides the epic battle, there are great character moments as well. Ser Aliser’s speech to Jon about others questioning leadership is fantastic. Maester Aemon has a great scene in which he talks about love, and Sam realizes that he must do his part despite his fears. Every character has a moment to shine in this episode. Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment is Ygritte’s death in the arms of Jon after being shot by Olly. “The Watcher on the Wall” was absolute perfection.

4. Great Political Intrigue in “The Climb”

Season 3, Episode 6

Episode 6 of Season 3 had many interesting character developments and featured classic Game of Thrones scheming, as many fan favorites shared memorable screen time. Tywin Lannister spars with Lady Olenna over marrying her grandson Ser Loras to Cersei, Sansa experiences a moment of happiness when she talks to Ser Loras, and Tyrion and Cersei share a great scene in which they are actually not fighting each other.

Then there is one of the most infamous scenes between two of the smartest people of Westeros: Littlefinger and Varys. Littlefinger gives his “Chaos is a ladder” speech as it cuts over a montage scene, depicting Ros killed by Joffrey with a crossbow, and a close-up of Sansa expressing devastation after getting the news that she will actually marry Tyrion, not Ser Loras.

3. Tyrion’s Clever Strategy to Defend King’s Landing in “Blackwater”

Season 2, Episode 9

In the penultimate episode of Season 2, the audience is wowed by an epic battle when Stannis finally attacks King’s Landing. While the entire episode is centered around this attack, there are plenty of great dialogue scenes, such as the moments in Maegor’s Holdfast where the drunken Cersei shares some harsh but truthful realities with Sansa. The pacing of this episode was excellent, building tension before the battle and providing several moments of surprise.

Tyrion plans a sneak attack by placing wildfire on an abandoned ship, which explodes when Ser Davos arrives, accompanied by several ships. Later, the Hound abandons Joffrey with his famous line “F*** the King”, and Joffrey abandons the battlefield after Cersei gives him a reason to do so. Tyrion successfully takes over as commander until Stannis’s men ambush them. When Cersei takes Tommen into the throne room to poison him and herself to avoid being captured by Stannis, the doors burst open, and Tywin appears with the Tyrells, who have helped him defeat Stannis. The writing of this episode is exceptional, as it was crafted by the Maestro himself: George R. R. Martin.

2. Shae Breaks Tyrion’s Heart in “The Laws of Gods and Men”

Season 4, Episode 6

This episode centers around Tyrion’s trial and features one of the best scenes in the entire show: his spectacular monologue after he realizes that Cersei’s manipulations include his love, Shae, who now testifies against him. Peter Dinklage’s performance is perfection and showcases perfectly why he won four Emmys throughout Game of Thrones’s run, breaking a record previously held by Aaron Paul.

While this episode primarily focuses on Tyrion’s trial, it also highlights Daenerys’s initial experiences with the challenges of being a ruler. She learns that her dragon, Drogon, has consumed a shepherd’s flock. Additionally, a leader from a Meereenese family challenges her sense of justice, questioning her decision to crucify all the masters, regardless of their individual positions on slavery. Yara sails to the Dreadford to free her brother Theon but fails because Theon is so broken by Ramsay’s mistreatment that he fears it’s a trap. Director Alik Sakharov has put together a brilliant episode, balancing all these different storylines with perfection and superb editing, earning it the second spot on this list.

1. Joffrey’s Dramatic Death in “The Lion and the Rose”

Season 4, Episode 2

The top spot goes to another episode written by George R. R. Martin. Its main focus centers around Joffrey and Margaery’s wedding. What made this episode exceptional were the many captivating moments among such a large cast, its elaborate set, and its costumes. Cersei and Tywin exchange subtle insults with Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand, Tyrion’s heartbreaking scene with Shae, forcing himself to say cruel things to the woman he loves, and Cersei interrogates Brienne.

The entire wedding feast builds the tension slowly with the distasteful reenactment of the War of the Five Kings, portrayed by dwarfs, giving Jack Gleeson’s performance as Joffrey a perfect backdrop for his childish, provocative interactions with Tyrion. The episode culminates with Joffrey’s death in his mother’s arms while pointing at Tyrion, who had handed him the wine that seemed to have poisoned him.