Game of Thronesis lauded as one of the greatest — if notthegreatest — fantasy TV shows of all time, and there are few episodes that are totally lacking in quality, even near the show’s divisive end.Game of Thronesseason 8 may be controversial, but the lead-up to the final outing is full of great writing, memorable performances, and surprising twists. Such elements elevate the HBO series, and they ensure that its best installments are considered masterpieces all these years later.
The HBO series is full of masterfully crafted moments over the course of its eight seasons, but thebest episodes ofGame of Thronesremain impressive from start to finish. They don’t just contain standout moments; instead,their entire runs are comprised of strengths that remind viewers of why the HBO series boasts such a great legacyin the first place.
10"Baelor"
Season 1, Episode 9
Game of Thronesseason 1 gets off to a slower start, but episode 9 is when the fantasy series truly sets itself apart.“Baelor” is where the series' reputation for delivering shocking turns in episode 9 of each season begins(and you’ll notice many of the second-to-last installments are considered masterpieces). In “Baelor,” Eddard Stark is sentenced to death by Joffrey Baratheon, despite the king’s previous promises that he’d show Ned mercy.
While those who read theSong of Ice and Firebooksknew this was coming, it was a huge twist for those experiencing the story for the first time. Ned’s death subverts expectations, and the fact that both his daughters are present for his execution makes this scene that much more gutting.In addition to its great final moments, “Baelor” features many smaller gems, including a thoughtful conversation between Varys and Ned, a great build-up to Tyrion’s first time in combat, and difficult choices for Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.
All these elements of “Baelor” ensure it’s remembered as one ofGame of Thrones’most important episodes.
All these elements of “Baelor” ensure it’s remembered as one ofGame of Thrones’most important episodes. And with the entire cast giving stellar performances and the writing masterfully capturing the show’s themes surrounding power,it’s undoubtedly the first of many masterpieces to come from the HBO series.
9"Blackwater"
Season 2, Episode 9
Game of Thronesseason 2, episode 9, “Blackwater” features the HBO show’s first major battle sequence, and it does not disappoint. The Battle of the Blackwater proves a masterpiece, even if it pales in comparison to the show’s later action. Even without focusing on the battlefield for the entirety of the episode,Game of Thronescaptures the full devastation of warfare— and it drives this home best through Tyrion’s stunt with the wildfire. The chaos when Stannis' army clashes with the Lannister soldiers is well done, and the characters' fear is palpable, whether they’re in the fight or the Red Keep.
In addition to conveying the horrors of battle,“Blackwater” contains some truly great character moments. Cersei’s blunt advice to Sansa is a highlight, as is her near-fatal decision to protect herself and Tommen from Stannis' men. This installment shines a light on who Cersei is at her core, and it does the same for players like the Hound and Tyrion. Tyrion’s speech is amongGame of Thrones’most memorable moments, and Tywin’s entrance at the very end of “Blackwater” helps cement it as a masterpiece worthy of its 9.7IMDbrating.
8"The Rains Of Castamere"
Season 3, Episode 9
The Red Wedding is among Game of Thrones' most viral and memorable incidents, soit’s no surprise that “The Rains of Castamere” is considered a masterpiece. Other shows have beentrying to replicate this greatGame of Thronesepisode, hoping to have the same impact on pop culture. It’s telling that no series fully managed to. There are several reasons “The Rains of Castamere” is such a standout, the most obvious being the devastating turn that sees Robb, Catelyn, and their entire forces betrayed and killed.
This is especially gutting after spending so much time with these characters, and it’s unexpected given that they’re at a wedding, not on the battlefield. Arya’s presence makes this scene even more brutal, and her interactions with the Hound also help this episode shine. Jon finally turning on the Wildlings is another underrated highlight of this installment, which has the perfect balance of action and emotion. This episode deserves to go down in history, and there’s a good reason it has a ear-perfect 9.9 rating onIMDb.
7"The Lion And The Rose"
Season 4, Episode 2
Almost as exciting as the Red Wedding is the Purple Wedding, during which Joffrey Baratheon finally perishes — a development viewers waited years to see. Joffrey’s death may be the most satisfying part of “The Lion and the Rose,” but it’s far from the only reason this season 4 installment is a masterpiece.Game of Thronestakes full advantage of throwing so many characters togetherfor Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell’s wedding, leading to comical interactions that add further layers to the complicated dynamics in King’s Landing.
Every aspect of “The Lion and the Rose” is impressive, ensuring that season 4 gets off to the strongest start possible.
Game of Thrones' cast gives their all to this installment, with Lena Headey and Jack Gleeson being particular standouts. And even the scenes that take place outside King’s Landing are completely engrossing, from Ramsay Bolton’s tense reunion with his father to Melisandre’s back-and-forth with Shireen Baratheon. Every aspect of “The Lion and the Rose” is impressive, ensuring that season 4 gets off to the strongest start possible.
6"The Laws Of Gods And Men"
Season 4, Episode 6
There are many Emmy-worthy performances throughoutGame of Thrones— though the show wasn’t always acknowledged for them — andPeter Dinklage’s acting during “The Laws of Gods and Men” is among the best. Tyrion’s speech during this season 4 episode makes it a masterpiece on its own, elevating it from good to great. Tyrion’s trial perfectly exemplifies the inequality in King’s Landing and how the political tides can shift at any moment. It’s a great means of capturing the series' themes, and that’s not all “The Laws of Gods and Men” accomplishes.
This season 4 installment also boasts a few underrated character moments, full of high tensions and delivered through impressive acting. Yara’s failed attempt to rescue a traumatized Theon immediately comes to mind, and Daenerys' efforts to appease the people of Mereen are just as compelling. Tyrion’s trial takes the cake, but there’s a lot to love about this episode.
5"Watchers On The Wall"
Season 4, Episode 9
PerhapsGame of Thrones’most underrated battle episode,“Watchers on the Wall” deserves to be remembered as a masterpiece— and although it doesn’t land among the series' top 10 best-rated episodes onIMDb, its 9.6 rating suggests many viewers still regard it as such. This season 4 episode focuses on the battle between the Night’s Watch and the Wildlings for its entire run, and it never lulls. The stakes feel higher than ever, and viewers will find themselves totally on edge, invested in characters on both sides of the conflict.
There are some big emotional beats throughout “Watchers on the Wall,” the most notable being the loss of Ygritte. Ygritte dying in Jon’s arms is every bit as devastating as it needs to be, and the deaths of Grenn and Pyp also hit hard. The actual action in this season 4 episode is also top-notch, and the lead-up to the battle serves to make viewers even more attached to the characters before throwing them into danger.Game of Thronesknows exactly how to tug on our heartstrings, and it proves that in “Watchers on the Wall.”
4"Hardhome"
Season 5, Episode 8
Another action-packed and heart-pounding installment ofGame of Thronesis season 5’s “Hardhome,“an episode that fully drives home the danger posed by the White Walkers. While the early outings of the HBO show tease the threat to the North — and we gradually see more of them as time goes on — “Hardhome” is one of the first times we see the Night King and his undead army in all its glory. As Jon, Tormund, and Ed attempt to forge an alliance with the Wildlings, they’re thrown into a horrifying battle that lands among the best action sequences ofGame of Thrones.
“Hardhome” earns its 9.8IMDbrating with its White Walker fight alone, but there are other highlights that make this episode a masterpiece. Tyrion finally making his pitch to Daenerys Targaryen is satisfying after seasons of waiting, and seeing Cersei brought to her knees by the High Sparrow proves as disturbing as ever.This chapter ofGame of Thronesis an emotional roller coaster, and it makes for a compelling and memorable hour of television that holds up years later.
3"Battle Of The Bastards”
Season 6, Episode 9
Tied with “The Rains of Castamere” and “The Winds of Winter” for the highest-rated episode ofGame of ThronesonIMDb,“Battle of the Bastards” lives up to its impressive reputation. This installment is action-packed and glorious from its opening, which sees Daenerys Targaryen taking Mereen back from her enemies with her dragons and Dothraki army. This makes for a gripping start, and “Battle of the Bastards” only gets better from there. The majority of this installment sees Jon and his army attempting to retake Winterfell, and it’s a nail-biter.
Not only does “Battle of the Bastards” deliver a devastating blow with Rickon’s senseless death, but it ensures viewers spend its entire run worrying about favorites like Jon, Davos, and Tormund. The tragic parts of the episode are well-balanced by its triumphant moments, like Sansa showing up with the Knights of the Vale and getting her revenge on Ramsay. “Battle of the Bastards” captures its highs and lows incredibly well, making it an overall satisfying addition to the HBO series.
2"The Winds Of Winter”
Season 6, Episode 10
“Battle of the Bastards” leaves off on a high note, and it leads directly into another masterpiece of an episode: “The Winds of Winter.“Game of Thronesseason 6, episode 10 opens with one of the most stunning sequences of the entire series, following Cersei’s sinister plot to blow up the Sept of Baelor rather than stand trial for her crimes.The score, performances, and pure shock value of this opening elevate “The Winds of Winter” to greatness, but the season 6 finale remains great even after this point.
Daenerys setting sail for Westeros delivers on seasons' worth of build-up, and her conversation with Tyrion about being “in the great game now” features some of the series' best writing. Additionally, “The Winds of Winter” finally reveals the truth to Ned’s secret to his sister, a revelation that was satisfying for fans of George R.R. Martin’s books and the adaptation alike.
1"The Spoils Of War”
Season 7, Episode 4
Game of Thronesseason 7 is when many viewers began having larger criticisms about the series, but"The Spoils of War” is undeniably a masterpiece. This installment sees Daenerys Targaryen attacking the Lannister army after their assault on Highgarden, and it’s a gruesome affair. This installment fully captures the horrors of using dragons in battle, but at the same time, it’s among the most thrilling action sequences of the entire series.
Game of Thronesleans into its characters and their relationships to craft a compelling hour of television in “The Spoils of War,” and it pays off.
“The Spoils of War” shows the darker side to conquering Westeros, highlighting that Daenerys will need to get her hands dirty to take back her throne. Dany’s storyline is the standout of this episode, but Arya’s reunion with Sansa and Bran is a highlight, as is Daenerys' bonding with Jon.Game of Thronesleans into its characters and their relationships to craft a compelling hour of television in “The Spoils of War,” and it pays off. The installment’s 9.7 rating onIMDbis proof of that.
