Arguably the entertainment title that defined the 2010s as far as film and television go, Game of Thrones rose to unprecedented, record-breaking heights throughout its eight seasons as it followed the many feuding families of Westeros battling for the Iron Throne. With a vast array of intriguing and complex characters vying for power in a merciless world of violence and magic, the series fast became famous for its many shocking plot twits and the deaths of major characters. As such, many of these episodes stand among not only the highest rated, but the most voted that IMDb has.
While the series sadly didn't end in the manner that many fans were hoping for, it can still be fondly remembered for the many brilliant moments that cemented it as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Spanning from episodes of unbelievable tension where fans said goodbye to some of their favorite characters, to more action-packed entries that showcased the epic grandiosity of the show with stunning perfection, these 30 episodes are Game of Thrones' highest-rated according to IMDb users, and cover many of the memorable highlights the series had to offer.
Game Of Thrones
TV-MA
- Release Date
- April 17, 2011
- Creator
- David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
- Cast
- Peter Dinklage , Lena Headey , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Emilia Clarke , Kit Harington , Sophie Turner , Maisie Williams
- Seasons
- 8
- Studio
- HBO
30 "Winter Is Coming" (Season 1, Episode 1)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
It is quite surprising that Game of Thrones’ pilot episode comes in so low, being ranked as just the 30th best episode of the series despite offering a spellbinding and efficient introduction to the vast and intricate world of Westeros. After opening on an ominous attack north of the Wall, it focuses on King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) and the Lannisters as they are received by House Stark at Winterfell. Meanwhile, in Pentos, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is married to Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) in a political move by her brother, receiving three stagnant dragon eggs as wedding gifts.
Imaginative yet bleak, with a sharp edge for large-scale drama, pointed character moments, and some of the best production design to ever grace the small screen, “Winter Is Coming” launched Game of Thrones in spectacular fashion. Captivating from its opening moments to its shocking ending, the pilot episode serves as the perfect first chapter of the series that is perhaps entitled to more appreciation than it gets.
29 "Beyond the Wall" (Season 7, Episode 6)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Much like the seventh season as a whole, “Beyond the Wall” overcomes many of its eyebrow-raising plot holes with rewarding spectacle and high drama. Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Arya (Maisie Williams) continue their lingering feud while Daenerys begins to grow frustrated with the council given to her by Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). However, the bulk of the episode transpires north of the Wall, with Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) leading a small party to retrieve a wight and clashing with a huge force of the undead in the process.
With its immense scale, its incredibly intense battle sequence, and its defining character moments for Jon and Daenerys, “Beyond the Wall” presents a spectacle that is a triumph of Season 7. Its final moments, in which the White Walkers pull a fallen dragon from the water and reanimate it, makes for one of the most shocking and terrifying moments in the series as well.
28 "Book of the Stranger" (Season 6, Episode 4)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
A sweeping episode, “Book of the Stranger” casts its gaze far and wide to be one of the busiest episodes of Season 6. Sansa and Jon reunite at Winterfell following Jon’s departure from the Night’s Watch, but a message from Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) invites war in the North. Meanwhile, political tensions rise in King’s Landing as the Sparrows further challenge the crown, and Daenerys Targaryen emerges from a burning temple in Vaes Dothrak, seeing the full force of the Dothraki bow down to her in fealty.
Emotionally rewarding in some scenes, yet ferociously intense in others, “Book of the Stranger” is one of the more significant episodes in Season 6, paving the way for the Starks to reclaim the North and proving to be a pivotal point in Daenerys’ conquest for the Iron Throne. Rich with twists, reunions, and scheming aplenty, it holds everything that made Game of Thrones such a hit series.
27 "Mockingbird" (Season 4, Episode 7)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Season 4 is widely regarded as the highlight of Game of Thrones, containing many brilliant and electrifying episodes. The seventh installment, “Mockingbird,” is no exception. With King’s Landing awaiting Tyrion’s trial by combat, the imprisoned lord searches for a champion, finally finding one in the vengeful Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal). In other plots, Arya and the Hound (Rory McCann) are attacked in the Riverlands, Daenerys orders Daario Naharis (Michiel Huisman) to retake Yunkai with no mercy, and Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) throws Lysa Arryn (Kate Dickie) from the moon door at the Eyrie.
It is a brilliant example of Game of Thrones’ ability to take episodes that mostly set the scene for what is to come and imbue them with immense tension, drama, and shocking twists. While it has been largely overshadowed by some of the more monumental episodes of Season 4, “Mockingbird” is still a terrific episode on its own merits.
26 "Two Swords" (Season 4, Episode 1)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Serving as the premiere of Season 4, “Two Swords” excels at launching new subplots while carrying over lingering threads from the calamitous, world-shifting ending to Season 3. King’s Landing prepares for King Joffrey’s (Jack Gleeson) and Lady Margery Tyrell’s (Natalie Dormer) wedding, including Tyrion greeting the arrival of Dornishman Oberyn Martell. Elsewhere, Jon Snow is interrogated by the Night’s Watch about the time he spent with the Wildlings, Daenerys is given new incentive to take Meereen, and Arya and the Hound kill a small group of Lannister soldiers in an inn.
While action sequences and even moments of bristling intensity were few and far between, “Two Swords” maintains an engrossing energy as it sets the pieces in place for the king’s wedding and what would follow. It also contains one of the best and funniest exchanges between Arya and the Hound as they spy on the Lannister soldiers with Arya planning to avenge her murdered friend.
25 "The Wolf and the Lion" (Season 1, Episode 5)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
While it may be somewhat forgotten considering all that came after it, "The Wolf and the Lion" is sensational at elevating the tension while exploring more of the politics of Westeros. Tyrion Lannister, captured by Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley), is taken to the Vale to stand trial for his supposed crimes. Meanwhile, King Robert plans to have Daenerys Targaryen killed, and Eddard Stark is attacked in the streets of King’s Landing by Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau).
After the stage had adequately been set in the first four episodes, “The Wolf and the Lion” sees the series begin to launch into its true story, with rifts between the Lannisters and the Starks growing while the crown sets its sights on Daenerys. Its high ranking on IMDb is made all the more impressive considering fan favorite characters Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen don’t appear in it.
24 "The Queen’s Justice" (Season 7, Episode 3)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
An episode that contains many moments that fans had been eagerly awaiting, “The Queen’s Justice” delivers a rousing spectacle of great character moments and narrative action. Most notably, it sees Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen finally meet when Jon travels to Dragonstone to request Daenerys’ assistance in the fight against the White Walkers. Additionally, the unsullied are attacked after laying siege to Casterly Rock, and Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk) arrives in King’s Landing with a surprise for Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey).
For all its fantasy grandiosity, Game of Thrones was always at its best when characters were driving the story forward with well-written and meaningful conversations. “The Queen’s Justice” provides that in spades while delivering on plot threads and looming character dynamics that had long been teased. The end result is one of Season 7’s most rewarding episodes, even if it isn’t the most action-packed or intense offering.
23 "Mother’s Mercy" (Season 5, Episode 10)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
While there are many who would argue that Season 5 was among the show's weakest outings, the Game of Thrones finale comes up trumps as a suitably shocking episode that completely reset the trajectory of the story going forward. The jam-packed episodes sees Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) launch a failed attack on the Boltons at Winterfell, Cersei is forced into the walk of atonement, Daenerys finds herself surrounded by the Dothraki, and Jon Snow is ambushed by his brothers on the Night’s Watch.
It stands as an underrated episode as far as Game of Thrones finales go, one that saw several monumental shifts in the narrative, including Stannis’ death at the hands of Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) and Jon Snow’s assassination. Bolstered by incredible performances, a razor-sharp script, and plenty of seismic twists, “Mother’s Mercy” exemplifies much of Game of Thrones at its absolute best.
22 "Mhysa" (Season 3, Episode 10)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Another brilliant episode that has been somewhat forgotten over time, “Mhysa” served as the Season 3 finale, meaning it had the unenviable task of following up “The Rains of Castamere” and the depiction of the Red Wedding. Exploring the aftermath of the massacre of House Stark, “Mhysa” focuses on the political fallout of the ambush as the Lannisters claim a swift and decisive victory.
In other storylines, Arya Stark and the Hound as they must make new plans, while Daenerys Targaryen is warmly received by the freed slaves of Yunkai. While it isn’t the most heart-pounding episode of the series, “Mhysa” still excels as a feat of storytelling, wrapping up the masterful third season in a way that drifts seamlessly into the major plot points of Season 4.
21 "You Win or You Die" (Season 1, Episode 7)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Season 1 provided some of the best episodes Game of Thrones had to offer as well as many of the series’ most underrated and overlooked installments. The season’s seventh episode, “You Win or You Die,” is a perfect example of just that. As the political imbalance amid the Seven Kingdoms grows greater, the ruling families begin to realize their desperation for control. The Lannisters brace for war, while Eddard Stark confronts Cersei to tell her he knows the truth of her son’s parentage.
Even upon rewatching, the episode maintains a sense of dreadful intrigue as the gears of war begin to grind, with Eddard effectively making the political misstep that seals his fate. Brilliantly written and expertly performed (and full of memorable quotes from Cersei), “You Win or You Die” is something of a quiet achiever in the series, a magnificent and vitally important episode that sees the story rocket along even though it doesn’t contain any major twists or character deaths.
20 "A Golden Crown" (Season 1, Episode 6)
IMDb Ranking: 9.1/10
While it would be too corny to describe the episode as an early crowning achievement, "A Golden Crown" was a noteworthy episode of the first season as it elevated political tensions and offered the first glimpse into the fact that no one was safe in Westeros and the Free Cities. It is most memorable for its impact on Daenerys' story, as her oppressive brother Viserys (Harry Lloyd) was killed by Khal Drogo in unforgettably gruesome fashion.
The episode also saw Ned Stark tasked with governing the kingdom while healing from his run-in with Jaime Lannister, while King Robert went on a hunting expedition, and Tyrion Lannister demanded a trial by combat while being held as a prisoner in the Eyrie. A pivotal chapter considering the events that would soon follow, "A Golden Crown" managed to be intense in its own right while giving audiences a sickening feeling that something diabolical was just starting to unfold (and that the shocking deaths in Game of Thrones have only just begun).
19 "Home" (Season 6, Episode 2)
IMDb Ranking: 9.3/10
Among the busiest episodes of the entire series, "Home" saw a great many story threads unfurl across Westeros with Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) seizing control of his house in brutal fashion, Jaime confronting the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) regarding his treatment of Cersei, while Balon Greyjoy (Patrick Malahide) was assassinated as his long-distant brother returned to the Iron Islands. Elsewhere, Tyrion unshackled the dragons chained beneath Mereen, Arya made a big step in her training in Braavos, and, on the Wall, Melisandre (Carice van Houten) attempted to resurrect Jon Snow.
With so much going on, the GoT episode was able to maintain an impressive pace as it floated breezily between narratives while giving every moment the weight and gravitas it required. It also had quite an impact on fans, with Jon Snow's resurrection being a relief even though many expected it to happen, while the introduction of the iconic villain Euron Greyjoy left many both intrigued and uneasy about what was to come in the Iron Islands.
18 "Valar Morghulis" (Season 2, Episode 10)
IMDb Ranking: 9.3/10
It was a common, and quite ingenious, ploy for Game of Thrones to have the penultimate episodes of its seasons be the most eventful, with the season finale then presenting audiences with the immediate aftermath while also offering a glimpse at how the story would change going forward. "Valar Morghulis" was no different, with the Season 2 finale taking place after the Battle of the Blackwater as a victorious King Joffrey took an interest in Margery Tyrell.
It saw a severely injured Tyrion removed as the Hand of the King as Tywin (Charles Dance) was appointed, while Daenerys ventured into the House of the Undying in Qarth to retrieve her dragons, and Arya reunited with Jaqen H'ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) after escaping Harrenhal. Concluding with the foreboding image of the undead marching on the Wall, "Valar Morghulis" excelled in wrapping up many of Season 2's intriguing threads while laying a sturdy platform for what was yet to come.
17 "The Dragon and the Wolf" (Season 7, Episode 7)
IMDb Ranking: 9.4/10
The Season 7 finale, "The Dragon and the Wolf" brought a great many story threads to a tee as it set the stage for the final season. In King's Landing, a momentous meeting took place involving Westeros' most powerful families concerning the return of the White Walkers, with Cersei and Daenerys both in attendance. Meanwhile, Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) reaffirmed his loyalty to his sister, and Sansa and Arya outmaneuvered Littlefinger in Winterfell. Additionally, it was also revealed that Jon Snow was the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding) and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.
With a runtime of almost 80 minutes, "The Dragon and the Wolf" stands as one of the longest episodes of the entire series, a fact made all the more intriguing given its dialogue-heavy nature which was still riveting as pivotal revelations were unveiled heading into the final season. However, it still knew how to pack a shocking, heart-stopping punch with the episode's conclusion deviating from the GoT books by showing the Night King atop his undead dragon demolishing a section of the Wall along the sea at Eastwatch.
16 "The Dance of Dragons" (Season 5, Episode 9)
IMDb Ranking: 9.4/10
An episode dominated by two equally heart-pounding moments, "The Dance of Dragons" saw Game of Thrones venture to as dark a place as it ever did. This, of course, came when Stannis made the terrible decision to sacrifice his daughter Shireen (Kerry Ingram) in an effort to appease the Lord of Light and hopefully gain an advantage in his upcoming battle. The other nerve-jangling moment came when Daenerys and her allies were ambushed in the arena before Drogon swooped in to save the day.
In other plot lines, Jon Snow and the survivors of the attack on Hardhome returned to the Wall to a hostile reception, Arya spotted an old enemy in Braavos, and Jorah presented himself before Daenerys in the arena with hopes of winning her favor. Managing to be triumphant in some stages and utterly mortifying in others, "The Dance of Dragons" presented fans of the series with one of its most emotionally tumultuous episodes.
15 "Fire and Blood" (Season 1, Episode 10)
IMDb Ranking: 9.4/10
A pivotal entry in the series, the Season 1 finale was responsible for taking all the introduction framework of the previous nine episodes and setting in motion the vast story to follow. With Eddard Stark dead, the North breaks away from the Seven Kingdoms and announces Robb Stark (Richard Madden) as the King in the North, while both of the late King Robert's brothers individually challenge Joffrey's claim to the throne.
Meanwhile, a cruel witch's cunning results in Daenerys' baby being born dead, while Khal Drogo is left in a vegetative state. Daenerys plans to sacrifice herself in the funeral pyre but emerges unburnt with three newly hatched baby dragons. After the shocking events of the season's penultimate episode, "Fire and Blood" beautifully depicted where all the central characters were at the end of the season, while teasing how some stories may unfold going forward.
14 "And Now His Watch Is Ended" (Season 3, Episode 4)
IMDb Ranking: 9.5/10
A significant episode for characters north of the Wall and in the Free Cities, "And Now His Watch Is Ended" saw Lord Commander Mormont (James Cosmo) slain as a fight broke out in Craster's Keep, while the episode was made truly memorable for the manner in which Daenerys acquired the Unsullied while dealing with the masters of Astapor. Elsewhere, Jaime struggles to come to terms with his hand being cut off, Arya and the Hound clash as they are taken by the Brotherhood, and multiple figures in King's Landing plot to gain greater power.
A perfect encapsulation of all that made Game of Thrones so enthralling, the episode saw major characters exit the series, had plenty of political intrigue, and saw characters like Jaime and Daenerys take massive steps in their development. It was also a huge episode for two of the GoT' greatest duos, with Jaime and Brienne starting to form something of a friendly bond, while Arya and the Hound would go on to be arguably the best pairing in the entire series.
13 "The Children" (Season 4, Episode 10)
IMDb Ranking: 9.6/10
An aptly named episode, "The Children" marked the midpoint of Game of Thrones as a whole and brought many intriguing subplots to their conclusions while igniting new story threads in the process. Most notably, Jaime Lannister helped Tyrion escape from prison to flee King's Landing, but Tyrion killed his father before departing. Meanwhile, Bran and his traveling party were aided by the Children of the Forest as he finally found the Three-Eyed Raven, while the Hound and Brienne had a dramatic fight over Arya Stark. Additionally, Daenerys' rapidly growing and unwieldy dragons began to cause problems for her.
The episode is jam-packed with significant Game of Thrones character arcs being wrapped up and new ones being set in motion, as was the case with Stannis arriving at the Wall and Arya abandoning a mortally wounded Sandor Clegane to secure passage to Braavos. It was a satisfying climax to what many deem to be the greatest season of Game of Thrones, one which had the show's tens of millions of fans eagerly anticipating what would happen next.
12 "The Watchers on the Wall" (Season 4, Episode 9)
IMDb Ranking: 9.6/10
An uncharacteristic episode, "The Watchers on the Wall" dispensed with the series' usual narrative-hopping structure and took place entirely at Castle Black as the Wildlings launched their attack on the Wall. Flourishing under Neil Marshall's direction, it was 50 minutes of sheer, non-stop intensity as the Night's Watch found themselves being attacked from both sides of the Wall by an extensive army of free folk, mammoths, and even giants.
What was most impressive about the episode was that, while it excelled as a brilliant depiction of battle violence, it still found plenty of time to focus on character, with Ygritte's (Rose Leslie) death in Jon's arms marking one of the show's most heartbreaking moments. It also proved to be a fantastic episode in the context of Jon Snow as a character, with the fan-favorite demonstrating his strength as a leader while many of his commanders failed to answer the call.
11 "Baelor" (Season 1, Episode 9)
IMDb Ranking: 9.6/10
The first truly unforgettable, gut-wrenching moment in Game of Thrones came in the penultimate episode of its first season when, famously, Eddard Stark's execution was unexpectedly ordered by King Joffrey who had promised to spare Stark's life should he pledge his loyalty. It was amazing how such a sickening tone washed over audiences so quickly when Joffrey barked his command, a feeling that fans would become very familiar with as the series wore on.
"Baelor" is an essential episode that effectively marked the decisive turning point at which many viewers truly learned that no character was safe, and every action would bear meaningful consequences, thus cementing its brutal reputation. While that devastating twist has defined the episode's illustrious standing within the series, "Baelor" also saw Daenerys at her weakest as she went into premature labor while Khal Drogo began to succumb to infection.
