8 Best & 8 Worst Game of Thrones Episodes From Every Season

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Despite a somewhat disappointing finale, Game of Thrones remains one of the most impressive fantasy TV shows ever made. At its best, it was truly groundbreaking, and even its weaker episodes were comparable to the highlights of other series. Though the later seasons proved controversial, strong acting and stunning visuals kept viewers engaged throughout. Even the final season, despite having a poorly received finale according to IMDb ratings, still offered some memorable scenes and storylines.

While one particular episode might have negatively impacted how people viewed the end of Game of Thrones, it doesn’t diminish the quality of the show overall. The best episodes of Game of Thrones remain some of the greatest examples of fantasy TV ever made. Whether they were known for surprising plot twists, large-scale battles, or more nuanced storytelling, the most memorable parts of the series still stand out. Even the weaker episodes usually have something redeeming about them.

8) Game of Thrones Season 8

Many fans consider “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” the best episode of Game of Thrones Season 8. While the season’s biggest moments didn’t quite live up to expectations, this episode stood out for its focus on smaller, more personal interactions between characters. It revisited and strengthened relationships built over the previous seven seasons, like the connection between Tyrion and Jaime, and the unusual friendship between the Hound and Arya. The episode culminated in a particularly moving scene: Brienne’s knighting, which felt well-deserved. Overall, it effectively built anticipation for the upcoming battle in “The Long Night.”

The final episode, “The Iron Throne,” is widely considered the worst of the entire Game of Thrones series, and with good reason. While some moments, like Arya finding her own path and Sansa becoming Queen in the North, were positive, they weren’t enough to save the disappointing finale. Daenerys Targaryen’s sudden shift to becoming a tyrant felt forced and didn’t make her ending impactful, and Jon Snow’s storyline also fell flat – it didn’t meaningfully address his family history or develop his character. The episode’s attempt at cleverness, like Tyrion’s speech and Bran being named king, felt unearned and out of place, as if it belonged to a different show altogether.

7) Game of Thrones Season 7

Many consider “The Spoils of War” from Game of Thrones Season 7 to be a standout episode, and it’s a strong example of how the show continued to be compelling even after moving beyond the source material by George R.R. Martin. The episode effectively starts uniting the show’s various plotlines, delivering a long-awaited clash between the Lannister army and Daenerys Targaryen with her Dothraki forces. The battle is visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Beyond the action, “The Spoils of War” also features important character moments, reuniting Sansa, Arya, and Bran, and establishing a connection between Jon and Daenerys. The episode’s quieter scenes are just as impactful as the large-scale confrontation. While “Beyond the Wall” is also a strong episode, some of its plot points and character interactions aren’t quite as well done.

While Season 7 of Game of Thrones is generally excellent, the weakest episode is likely “Dragonstone.” It begins well, with satisfying moments for Arya and Jon, but the pace slows down considerably. Although not a bad episode, it doesn’t quite measure up to the rest of the season. The conflict between Sansa and Jon feels contrived, and Ed Sheeran’s appearance is distracting, even for dedicated fans.

6) Game of Thrones Season 6

Many fans consider “The Battle of the Bastards” to be the best episode of Game of Thrones Season 6, and perhaps one of the show’s best episodes overall. Even with strong competition from episodes like “The Door” and “The Winds of Winter,” “The Battle of the Bastards” stands out for its relentless action and satisfying victories for the characters we’ve been rooting for. While moments like Rickon and Hodor’s deaths, and Cersei’s destruction of the Sept of Baelor are emotionally impactful, this episode is ultimately uplifting. Seeing Daenerys triumph, the Starks reclaim Winterfell, and Ramsay finally face consequences makes for a truly rewarding viewing experience. It’s a pivotal episode that sets the stage for future events, and it’s simply exciting to watch.

As a huge fan of Game of Thrones, I have to say Season 6’s “Blood of My Blood” really let me down. While the season overall was strong, this episode was a real slog. Daenerys’ speech at the end was a bright spot, but getting there was frustrating. The scenes with Samwell Tarly’s family just didn’t grab me, and the storyline with the High Sparrow in King’s Landing felt needlessly drawn out. Even Arya’s plotline, which is usually so compelling, felt a little flat. Honestly, it’s an episode I don’t really enjoy revisiting, and it just doesn’t hold my attention like others do.

5) Game of Thrones Season 5

The standout episode of this often-criticized season of Game of Thrones is undoubtedly “Hardhome.” It’s a surprisingly strong episode, and many fans consider it one of the best of the entire series. The battle against the White Walkers in “Hardhome” is particularly intense and frightening, arguably more so than later battles like “The Long Night,” which felt too dark and wasn’t as impactful, or the conflict in “Beyond the Wall,” where Daenerys’ arrival lessened the stakes. Beyond the action, the episode is emotionally resonant, showing Jon’s desperate attempt to help the Wildlings and offering a glimmer of hope. The scenes between Tyrion and Daenerys also stand out, making the build-up to the battle especially compelling.

The episode “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” is widely considered one of the worst in Game of Thrones. While Season 5 had some strong points, like the episode “Hardhome,” this one exemplifies why many viewers lost interest after the show diverged from George R.R. Martin’s books. The storylines in Dorne and Arya’s training felt flat, and Sansa’s marriage to Ramsay Bolton, particularly the events surrounding their wedding night, was deeply upsetting for many. A standout moment was Olenna Tyrell’s confrontation with Cersei, but the handling of Loras Tyrell’s story was also a letdown. Overall, this episode is a major disappointment.

4) Game of Thrones Season 4

“The Lion and the Rose” is widely considered the best episode of Game of Thrones Season 4. Although Peter Dinklage gives a standout performance in “The Laws of Gods and Men,” “The Lion and the Rose” truly delivers with the long-awaited death of Joffrey Baratheon – a truly iconic and pivotal moment in the series. The episode leading up to his death is filled with tense, funny, and emotional scenes, making it a consistently enjoyable watch, even for repeat viewers.

While Game of Thrones Season 4 is generally excellent, the episode “First of His Name” stands out as the weakest. The season moves at a fast pace, but this episode feels slow, consisting mostly of conversations. Although some of these conversations are engaging, they don’t significantly advance the plot. The events at Craster’s Keep at the end are unsettling, but they don’t build much excitement.

3) Game of Thrones Season 3

The best episode of Season 3 is undoubtedly “The Rains of Castamere.” This episode is widely considered the moment Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon, firmly establishing the show’s shocking willingness to kill off major characters. While Ned Stark’s death was impactful, the brutal massacre at the wedding was a truly unexpected shock for many viewers (especially those unfamiliar with the books). It’s a powerfully emotional and devastating episode, featuring exceptional acting and direction. Other shows have tried to replicate its impact for years, but none have quite succeeded, demonstrating just how special this episode is.

When looking back at the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones, it’s hard to pick the very worst episode. While “Dark Wings, Dark Words” isn’t a bad episode, it doesn’t stand out as much as others. It has some strong moments, like Sansa’s conversation with the Tyrells and the dynamic between Jaime and Brienne. However, compared to other slower episodes in Season 2, it lacks major plot advancements. Episodes like “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” showed a clear change for Jaime, “Walk of Punishment” had a significant event with Jaime losing his hand, and “The Climb” saw Jon and the Wildlings achieve a crucial goal.

2) Game of Thrones Season 2

Many fans consider “Blackwater” the best episode of Game of Thrones. While later seasons featured even bigger battles, this episode – the show’s first large-scale fight – is a standout. It’s the most exciting part of Season 2, largely thanks to Peter Dinklage’s incredible performance as Tyrion Lannister. His speech before the battle is a highlight, but the episode also features a memorable and chaotic scene with wildfire, and compelling moments with Cersei as she prepares for the fight. “Blackwater” perfectly blends thrilling action with strong character development, and the show continues to excel at this combination in future episodes.

The worst episode is arguably “The Night Lands.” While early seasons of Game of Thrones often featured a lot of dialogue and setup, this episode feels particularly slow. Though it has strong moments, like Tyrion’s decision regarding Janos Slynt, it includes unnecessary and unpleasant sexual content, and the reunion between Theon and Yara is off-putting. Exploring Theon’s backstory is interesting, but the entire Iron Islands plotline doesn’t measure up to the rest of the season, dragging the episode down and making it feel even slower than other installments from Seasons 1 and 2.

1) Game of Thrones Season 1

For me, the best episode has to be “Baelor.” Seeing Ned Stark die was such a huge moment in Game of Thrones, and it really cemented the show’s reputation for not being afraid to kill off anyone – even major characters! It was the standout episode of the first season, and it completely changed everything. It was so emotional and moved the story in a direction I didn’t expect, setting up all the drama to come. It felt like the perfect ending to the first season and it’s an episode I’ll always remember.

While Season 1 of Game of Thrones is consistently strong, “Lord Snow” is arguably the least captivating episode. It doesn’t have the immediate excitement of the premiere, and the storylines haven’t fully developed yet. The episode focuses heavily on establishing the settings and relationships in King’s Landing and Castle Black, which is important for the overall story, but feels primarily like preparation for what’s to come. Though Syrio Forel’s introduction is a highlight, it isn’t enough to elevate this episode above the others in the season.

What’s your favorite episode of Game of Thrones? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-07 05:43