David Benioff and David Nutter worked on one of the most popular series in TV history, and it has birthed pop culture icons we have all come to love (and hate) – Game of Thrones. GoT is 8 seasons long, showing important main character arcs from the novel.
We’ve listed the best Game of Thrones episodes - from the beginning up to the most thrilling season finales.
30 Best Episodes of Game of Thrones
1. "The Winds of Winter" (Season 6, Episode 10)
Let’s start with season 6’s final episode. In King’s Landing, Cersei would be trialed in the Great Sept. However, she planned something vile, which led her to lose something she loved. We love this so much as it has a powerful message that “everything has a price,” especially if you’re hurting others.
2. "Baelor" (Season 1, Episode 9)
One thing you need to know about GoT is that many characters die. Even your favorite character, like Ned Stark, could die anytime in this series. The penultimate episode, “Baelor” is iconic as you’ll see how the lives of his children changed after seeing their innocent father’s death in King’s Landing.
3. “The Bells” (Season 8, Episode 5)
Although some may feel that this story seems rushed, we found it a great ending to the existence of some of the main characters. The Bells showcased some satisfying halt to a revenge story. It also shows an important lesson that evil has an end.
4. "Battle of the Bastards" (Season 6, Episode 9)
Many critics of GoT found Battle of the Bastards as a perfect episode. Bastards in the show’s lore are often looked down upon, but they are the stars and main focus of this chapter. Jon Snow leads an army to infiltrate the reign of Ramsay Bolton to regain power over the North. The end is another satisfying moment as another evil force in the series succumbs to the Angel of Death.
5. "The Lion and the Rose" (Season 4, Episode 2)
The second episode of season 4 has a lot of shocking events. Joffrey marries Margaery Tyrell and embarrasses Tyrion Lannister (played by Peter Dinklage [1]), his uncle, by ordering him to participate in a dwarves’ play. Being the witty man he is, Tyrion makes a fool of Joffrey instead. This angers the young king, who dies simultaneously, making Tyrion a wanted man.
6. "The Rains of Castamere" (Season 3, Episode 9)
The Rains of Castamere is also popularly known as the Red Wedding. This would’ve been a joyous occasion as Robb Stark will marry the pregnant Talisa. They thought Walder Frey was fine with this after Robb refused to marry his daughter. Instead, it ended in a massacre ending the life of Robb, Talisa, and Catelyn - the Stark children’s mother.
7. "The Door" (Season 6, Episode 5)
Game of Thrones season 6 brings revelations that answer many fans’ questions. Bran finds out how the Night King came to be and how white walkers first appeared. He also meets the three-eyed raven, which the Night King then kills. The antagonist chases Bran and his company, ending in heartbreaking deaths. It is a twisted story of how the present connected with the past because of Bran.
8. "Kissed by Fire" (Season 3, Episode 5)
Kissed by Fire includes steamy hot scenes in hot baths *wink*. One is with Jon Snow and Ygritte in a hot spring inside a cave beyond the wall. The other scene shows Jaime Lannister and Brienne at Harrenhal while revealing a dark secret he’s been holding on to for so long.
9. “The Long Night” (Season 8, Episode 3)
This is the longest episode in GoT as it runs for 82 minutes, and there’s a reason why they made it this long. The Night King and his white walkers were all killed. A great war ended with Arya stabbing the Night King to his death. Everything about this chapter gives goosebumps from start to finish.
10. "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" (Season 8, Episode 2)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms highlights Jaime Lannister’s good side, the reunion of the remaining Stark siblings, and the war planning with the army of white walkers. Here, you’ll find the difference in judgment between Jaime and Bran when it comes to countering the Night King’s move in the war.
11. "Hardhome" (Season 5, Episode 8)
Hardhome is all about Arya’s training with the Faceless Man, Tyrion joining Daenery’s forces, Theon’s revelation to Sansa that her brothers may still be alive, and Jon Snow arriving at the wildling town. Among the many scenes that happened in Hardhome, we were more focused on how the wildings and the Night’s Watch cooperated in fighting the wights.
12. “The Iron Throne” (Season 8, Episode 6)
This is the final scene of Game of Thrones’ final season. We’re not going to say too much (to prevent any spoilers), but all we can say is that the fandom was somehow divided. Others found it a satisfying conclusion to the story and characters they’ve been following, while some got angry at the conclusion.
13. "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" (Season 3, Episode 7)
There were a lot of significant events that happened in this chapter. We do think the previous episode should be here, too. However, what made The Bear and the Maiden Fair’ memorable’ is what Ramsay Bolton did to Theon Greyjoy. We’re not going to mention what happened exactly, but it sure was disturbing.
Shop The Game of Thrones Collection Now14. "The Dragon and the Wolf" (Season 7, Episode 7)
Many fans would say that The Dragon and the Wolf is the best Game of Thrones episode. We can summarize this in two words – Littlefinger’s death. Many have found the death of one of the most scheming characters in television under the hands of Arya Stark satisfying after 7 seasons.
15. “Mother’s Mercy” (Season 5, Episode 10)
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Mother’s Mercy may be one of the most remembered episodes of the entire series. We saw how Cersei was put to trial and confessed to committing adultery with Lancel, her cousin, who has also joined the Sparrows.
This chapter features a naked Cersei. A body double and CGI helped in the convincing performance of Lena Headey. This chapter also showed the mutiny at Castle Black and when Jon’s own men murdered him.
Read: Our Top Game of Thrones Gifts
16. "Book of the Stranger" (Season 6, Episode 4)
The Battle of the Bastards is an iconic chapter in the series. In Book of the Stranger, we’ll see how that battle got ignited. Sansa reunites with Jon Snow with the help of Brienne at the Wall. Sansa seeks help from her brother to take Winterfell from Ramsay, but Jon refuses. Then, a letter arrives for Jon from Ramsay challenging him to retake Winterfell and his brother, Rickon.
17. "The Queen's Justice" (Season 7, Episode 3)
Some thought GoT would end with only seven seasons, but the events were just starting to fire up. The chapter is called The Queen’s Justice because it showcases how Cersei, who has become the queen, became successful in capturing Ellaria Sand and overthrowing the Tyrells. This chapter also features Jon’s plea to Daenerys to fight the wight walkers.
18. "The Laws of Gods and Men" (Season 4, Episode 6)
Tyrion Lannister’s character development is one you must watch out for. In The Laws of Gods and Men, Tyrion is being put on trial due to the death of King Joffrey. Despite being framed for the crime by a different party, it showed how his family didn’t trust him being the undesired child in the Lannister family.
19. "A Golden Crown" (Season 1, Episode 6)
The later seasons may seem more action-packed and exciting, but this is another satisfying chapter that’s quite “barbaric.” Khal Drogo had an agreement with the Mad King’s son Viserys. However, his love and loyalty to Daenerys surpassed it. He proves it by dousing Viserys in melted gold, making him appear to be the “crowned king” that he desired. After this scene, the only living child of the Mad King would be Daenerys.
20. "Blackwater" (Season 2, Episode 9)
Blackwater earned Game of Thrones the Best Dramatic Presentation from the Hugo Awards. This chapter follows the story of King Stannis Baratheon attacking King’s Landing. Instead of King Joffrey, Tyrion leads the defense of the city. Being the acting Hand of the King, he uses his wits and strategic planning to lead the battle to success.
21. "Winter is Coming" (Season 1, Episode 1)
HBO Game of Thrones’ first episode introduces the main characters of the story. This was when the family of Eddard or Ned Stark was introduced, including the bastard son, Jon Snow.
News arrives at the Kingdom of the North, one of the Seven Kingdoms, that the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, has died, and King Robert Baratheon invites Ned to fill in the new position. This chapter also shows how Jaime Lannister pushed Bran off an abandoned tower as the Stark boy discovered his adulterous and incestuous relationship with Cersei.
22. "Fire and Blood" (Season 1, Episode 10)
This is another iconic chapter in GoT’s first season. We witnessed how Danaerys became Khaleesi and the mother of three baby dragons. Though the scene started with heartbreak, this paved the way for a stronger character who will conquer many. In this chapter, Danaerys also discovers what happened to her unborn child.
23. “The Spoils of War” (Season 7, Episode 4)
The Spoils of War refers to the possessions and riches of House Tyrell. After the Lannister’s attack, they took over these “spoils.” The episode continues to Winterfell, where Arya finally returns, reuniting with Sansa and Bran.
In King’s Landing, Daenerys interferes in the war between the Tarlys and the Lannister army. This has been nominated in the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Editing.
24. “Two Swords” (Season 4, Episode 1)
The first episode of season 4 featured the reforging of Ned Stark’s Valyrian sword [2] into two swords, and one is given to Jaime being the new Kingsguard’s Lord Commander. Brienne also tried to convince Jaime to fulfill his vow to Catelyn Stark and Arya’s reclamation of the sword Jon gave her.
25. "And Now His Watch Is Ended" (Season 3, Episode 4)
This chapter is a huge moment for Daenerys in Astapor. She wanted to acquire an army, and the slave trader asked for one of her dragons in exchange. She agrees and takes off the Unsullied. In the end, the slavers got what they deserved, and Khaleesi became the Breaker of Chains.
26. "The Watchers on the Wall" (Season 4, Episode 9)
This is another iconic Game of Thrones chapter focusing on the attack of Mance Rayder’s wildling army on the Night’s Watch at the Wall. There is also a heartbreaking scene of Ygritte’s death. Jon Snow cradling Ygritte in his arms in the middle of the battle will always be a haunting image in our minds as we see his world crumble.
27. “Breaker of Chains” (Season 4, Episode 3)
A memorable scene in this chapter is when Daenerys catapults barrels filled with slave chains to Meereen, hence, solidifying the title Break of Chains. However, in King’s Landing, a controversial scene where it was suggested that Jaime had raped Cersei raised the eyebrows of some critics. There are also moments where Jaime’s brotherly love for Tyrion is seen.
Read: Game of Thrones & Lord of the Rings Compared
28. “What Is Dead May Never Die” (Season 2, Episode 3)
This is another controversial Game of Thrones chapter. Beyond the Wall, a Keep owned by Craster, caught Jon spying on him. Craster leaves his son in the middle of the woods, and a creature (we’ll later know whether wights or nightwalkers) takes it away. Then, Craster tells the Night’s Watch to leave because of Jon’s actions.
29. “The Old Gods and the New” (Season 2, Episode 6)
In this chapter directed by Neil Marshall [3], Theon tries to get the favor of House Greyjoy by betraying the Starks. He captures Winterfell and holds Rickon and Bran Stark captive. Osha distracts Theon so the Stark boys, Hodor, and her can get away. Master Luwin also sent a raven to Robb and Catelyn to tell them what was happening in Winterfell.
30. “The Mountain and the Viper” (Season 4, Episode 8)
We couldn’t forget how brutally Oberyn Tyrell was murdered in this Game of Thrones episode. The Mountain crushes his skull while gouging his eyes in the process. Before Oberyn died, he successfully stabbed Gregor with a poisoned spear leading to his death but later brought back to life.
FAQs
What was the best season of Game of Thrones?
Game of Thrones’ best season is Season 4. The novel by David Benioff turned into one of the must-watch TV series of this generation. The major characters’ developments were also perfectly shown in the fourth season.
How many episodes are in each season of Game of Thrones?
There are 10 episodes in the first six seasons, 7 in season 7, and 6 in the last season. The first seasons had a slower pace while the last 2 seasons were much faster, making some people feel unsatisfied with the few episodes during the series ending.
Sit Back, Watch & Enjoy!
With eight seasons, the words of David Benioff were executed perfectly well in all Game of Thrones episodes. The first half of the series was a bit slow, but they definitely had some of the best scenes.
Like all other fans, we are looking forward to prequels to the show that will uncover more of the Game of Thrones history. Winter is coming!
Looking for Game of Thrones collectibles? Check out Toynk!
Shop The Game of Thrones Collection NowReferences:
- https://www.looper.com/258454/the-real-reason-peter-dinklage-agreed-to-play-tyrion-lannister-on-game-of-thrones/
- https://time.com/5575060/game-of-thrones-valyrian-steel-swords/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-8-finale-neil-marshall-director-ending-latest-a9154641.html
