Although Game of Thrones concluded in 2019,
its popularity has persisted in part due to the
debut of its prequel and sequel House of the
Dragon as well as the show's enduring quality.
However, despite some controversy
surrounding the finale among viewers and
critics, the milestones the program attained
during its eight-season existence are
irrefutable.
Game of Thrones, which has a 9.2 rating
on IMDb, is among the best television
programs of all time for several reasons
including superb performance, epic staging,
and sharp writing that brought the characters
to life without a hitch. There are several
episodes throughout the entire series that are
nearly perfect, demonstrating how adored this
program is by both fans and critics.
Updated on June 29, 2023, by Jessie Nguyen:
Audiences still adore Game of Thrones to this day
despite the fact that it concluded in 2019 and is
widely regarded as having one of the most
disappointing endings in history. The show
undoubtedly has meticulous world-building and a
thoroughly crafted plot, resulting in lots of episodes
with high ratings.
15 "Fire and Blood"
Season 1, Episode 10 (2011)
IMDb Ranking: 9.4/10
While the brothers of the late King Robert(Mark
Addy) individually challenge Joffrey's (Jack
Gleeson) claim to the throne, the North breaks
away from the Seven Kingdoms and
announces Robb Stark (Richard Madden) as
king. Meanwhile, the witch's cunning magic
causes Daenerys's (Emilia Clarke) baby to be
born dead and malformed, while Khal Drogo
(Jason Mamoa) is left in a vegetative state.
After sacrificing herself in Drogo's funeral pyre,
she walks out unharmed when the embers die
the following morning, with three newly-
hatched baby dragons.
Many of the best characters on Game of
Thrones experience substantial character
growth in this episode, notably Daenerys
Targaryen, who gains a new title and power
following the death of her husband Khal Drogo.
The birth of Daenerys' dragons also has
significant implications for the rest of the
series and continues to be one of the show's
most iconic scenes.
"And Now His Watch Is
14
Ended"
Season 3, Episode 4 (2013)
IMDb Ranking: 9.5/10
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is still
depressed about losing his hand after having it
amputated in the last episode. Meanwhile, the
remaining Night's Watch men at Craster's Keep
fighting their host because they are starving.
As a result, Craster (Robert Pugh) and
Mormont (James Cosmo) are killed in the
struggle. To exchange one dragon for the
Unsullied army, Daenerys meets with the
enslaver Kraznys while Cersei (Lena Headey)
grows impatient with the Tyrells.
The episode contains lots of epic moments
that go down in cinema history including
Daenerys's acquisition of the Unsullied, and the
fiery death of Lord Commander Mormont. It
also features a significant amount of political
intrigue which is complex and engaging,
adding to the depth of the show and
contributing to the show's reputation.
13 "The Children"
Season 4, Episode 10 (2014)
IMDb Ranking: 9.6/10
As Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) and
his army invade the Wildling camp and capture
Mance Rayder (Ciarán Hinds), Jon's (Kit
Harington) truce meeting with Mance comes
to an abrupt end. Bran (Isaac Hempstead
Wright) finds the weirwood tree he saw in his
visions, but as the group is attacked by skeletal
creatures, Jojen (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) is
killed. The Three-Eyed Raven is discovered to
be an elderly man enclosed in tree roots inside
a safe cave after being saved by a Child of the
Forest who then takes the others there. Arya
leaves for Braavos after refusing to go with
Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) and leaving The
Hound (Rory McCann) to his death.
The episode includes pivotal moments for
the character arcs of Bran and Arya as well as
major character growth. It also features several
epic moments including the battle between
Brienne and the Hound, the arrival of Stannis at
the Wall, and the revelation of the true nature
of the White Walkers. "The Children" is also
visually stunning, with beautiful shots of the
landscape and impressive special effects that
fans cannot help but be in awe of.
"The Watchers on the
12
Wall"
Season 4, Episode 9 (2014)
Image via HBO
IMDb Ranking: 9.6/10
The Wildlings attack from both sides of the
wall as The Night's Watch gets ready for the
fight. Grenn (Mark Stanley) and five other
people risk their lives to stop the Giant from
entering Castle Black through the tunnel.
Meanwhile, Alliser Thorne (Owen Teale) joins
the battle in the southern sector, leaving the
Wall's inept commander Janos Slynt (Dominic
Carter) in charge. After witnessing Jon kill Styr,
Ygritte (Rose Leslie) raises her bow at him but
hesitates and is shot fatally by Olly (Brenock
O'Connor).
The episode is still regarded as having one of
the best fight scenes in the Game of
Thrones universe that demonstrates that
nobody is safe. Along with valiant Grenn and
Pip dying in the battle, the episode also shows
the fan favorite Ygritte dying in Jon Snow's
arms, leaving a sad ending for their love story.
Additionally, it is the first time Jon assumes
leadership and demonstrates his abilities,
while Slynt continues to demonstrate his
incapacity and cowardice.
11 "Baelor"
Season 1, Episode 9 (2011)
IMDb Ranking: 9.6/10
The episode continues to follow several
storylines, with a conflict between the Stark
and Lannister increasing and Khal Drogo's
health deteriorating, but King's Landing's
events where King Joffrey Baratheon's order to
behead Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) after
promising to spare his life will live on in infamy.
