Game of Thrones’s prequel series House of the Dragon is also out now. This is the perfect time to save some time and watch the best Game of Thrones episodes. For several years, this show has been the absolute favorite of the viewers all around the world. There were a lot of issues around the final season finales and other episodes as well. The expectations were extremely high and the fact that this was the most spectacular show can not be denied. It had the best writing, costumes, directing, sets, and acting. A lot of efforts had been put to make the eight seasons of the show brilliant. All the 73 episodes had to undergo trial by combat to get their justice. Out of those, top 30 have been selected.
Game of Thrones has had eight seasons till now and the show is now over. This doesn’t mean that this list HBO Game of Thrones episodes can not be made. We have included the best Game of Thrones episodes. There are several episodes that can be counted as the best episodes and have massive battle sequences. In the TV History, this entire series is a memorable one. The must watch TV HBO Game of Thrones episodes have been included. Many episodes have fought to get included in this one. The entire show was fabulous and it indeed was a tough job selecting the best out of the best as all had such great character arcs.
30. The Iron Throne (Season 8, Episode 6)
- Directed by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 4.1/10
This is the final scene of the final season of Game of Thrones. Many things can’t be said about this series finale. One thing was for sure, the fandom got divided opinions on this finale. Some didn’t find the ending satisfied but, but it was wholesome for others. The makers were thoughtful in giving the ending what all main characters deserved and what suited them.
29. The Bells (Season 8, Episode 5)
- Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 6/10
Some might feel that the story had been rushed but, this penultimate episode gave a good ending to some of the main characters. The Bells episode gave a satisfying halt to a revenge story and also delivered an important message that evil does come to an end.
28. The Long Night (Season 8, Episode 3)
- Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Night King and his minions launched their assault which took them several years. It took a lot of effort to unite all the people and convince them about this threat that was long approaching. Then, we also have the unexpected deaths of the main characters of the show.
This episode is the longest one in Game of Thrones and runs for 82 minutes. There is a reason why this episode was made so long. The Night King and all his white walkers were killed. Great war came to an end when Arya Stark killed the Night King. Everything about this episode gives goosebumps.
27. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Season 8, Episode 2)
- Directed by: David Nutter
- Written by: Bryan Cogman
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is among the best Game of Thrones episodes. It focused on the final moments before the Night King unleashed his horror on the world beginning from Winterfell itself, the home of the Stark family. Every character came to terms with the fact that this might be the last few hours of their life.
Arya decided to take Gendry as her lover. Tormund gave his best to woo Brienne. The most important scene of this chapter was when Jaime knighted Brienne and gave her the honor that she always wanted. This episode clearly depicted the calm before the storm. The episode is full of humor and grace.
Related: The 25 Best Shows Like Game of Thrones You Must Watch
26. The Bear and the Maiden Fair (Season 3, Episode 7)
- Directed by: Michelle MacLaren
- Written by: George R. R. Martin
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
George R. R. Martin didn’t write several episodes for Game of Thrones but, they turned out to be great when they were written by him. No one better than Martin himself can understand those characters so well and in such depth.
Fighting pits are seen in this episode. Jaime Lannister jumped into a fighting pit so that he can save Brienne of Tarth from a bear. This intense episode has been directed by Michelle MacLaren. The maximum torture that could have been done on Theon by Ramsay Bolton had been done. He savagely removed the most priced possession of Theon, his genitals.
25. What Is Dead May Never Die (Season 2, Episode 3)
- Directed by: Alik Sakharov
- Written by: Bryan Cogman
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
This outstanding episode introduces the viewers to two of the most fascinating characters: Margaery Tyrell and Brienne of Tarth. Brienne is an excellent and devoted warrior. She can do anything for the king she serves. Margaery on the other hand is an evil sort of woman who plots things with Tyrell House so that the things become beneficial for them. That was the sole reason why she decided to marry King Joffrey in the first place.
Arya Stark is also introduced to her idea of the kill list in which she constantly reminds herself of the people she wants to kill. This young girl wants to avenge what happened with her family and even when she is sleeping, she doesn’t forget to recite the names of the individuals who are on her kill list. Theon Greyjoy also is seen turning against Robb Stark in this episode. He decides to deceive the Stark family just for his own benefit.
24. The Old Gods and the New (Season 2, Episode 6)
- Directed by: David Nutter
- Written by: Vanessa Taylor
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
This fantastic episode of Season 2 introduced us to Ygritte, a Wildling. Theon Greyjoy was seen bringing fall to the home of the Starks, Winterfell. Qarth dozed off the baby dragons of Daenerys. The episode The Old Gods and the New is famous for Tyrion Lannister taking away the smirk off the face of Joffrey. He slapped him in the streets of King’s Landing when a riot took place there. The moments shown between Arya and Tywin are the best ones in the whole show.
23. Kissed by Fire (Season 3, Episode 5)
- Directed by: Alex Graves
- Written by: Bryan Cogman
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Many important things in Game of Thrones history took place in this episode. Jon Snow and Ygritte consummated their relationship in a hot springs cave. Jaime Lannister was also seen baring his soul to Brienne. He told her the real reason why he killed King Aerys, the same man he swore to protect. This is not a light episode, rather it is a heavy one. The Hound had to face Beric Dondarrion which lead to the death of Lord Beric.
22. Two Swords (Season 4, Episode 1)
- Directed by: D.B. Weiss
- Written by: D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
- IMDb Rating: 9/10
Season four’s first episode showed us the reforging of the Valyrian sword of Ned Stark. It was made into two swords. One was given to Jaime, as he had become the new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Another one was with Arya Stark. Brienne tried to convince Jaime to fulfill his vow that he had given to Catelyn Stark about getting her daughters return back safely their home.
21. Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Directed by: Tim Van Patten
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9/10
Only a few episodes are the most memorable ones. And, this one gets surely counted among them. This episode took the viewers to Westeros when all the Stark kids and their dire wolves were just little pups. Ned Stark came back to the capital city at the request of his dear friend King Robert so that he can help him investigate the death of his childhood mentor.
At the time when this was happening, a young Daenerys is seen being sold to barbarians by her brother who thought that he is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. This episode offered us a small sneak peek into what a wonderful and wicked place was King’s Landing.
20. You Win or You Die (Season 1, Episode 7)
- Directed by: Daniel Minahan
- Written by: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
This episode from the first season is a memorable one. The reason behind saying that is that in this episode only we saw Tywin Lannister for the first time. Daenerys also survived the first attack that was made on her. Jon Snow was seen joining the Night’s Watch and he took his vows there.
Ned Stark who was stubborn and known as the King of the North survived in Westeros. He offered Cersei a chance to come clean about who the real father of children was. But, things took a turn when a boar attacks King Robert in his hunting adventure. Cersei used this opportunity in her favor and painted Ned Stark as a traitor in the eyes of everyone. She did all this for Joffrey’s coronation as the new King.
19. The Queen’s Justice (Season 7, Episode 3)
- Directed by: Mark Mylod
- Written by: David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Many thought that Game of Thrones would be ending with its seventh season. In reality, things started brewing up from this episode only. This chapter is titled The Queen’s Justice as it shows how Cersei, who became the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms was successful in capturing Ellaria Sand and throwing out the Tyrells. The same episode also shows Jon Snow requesting Daenerys in helping them fight against the White Walkers.
The relationship shown between Jon Snow and Daenerys was crucial for the last two seasons. Their first meeting was also a significant moment. It felt as if they are taking baby steps in building their equation. Their relationship did feel rushed at a point in time but, the initial scene was too large and it allowed time for the viewers to process what all was happening.
18. Mother’s Mercy (Season 5, Episode 10)
- Directed by: David Nutter
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
In this final episode of season 5, Cersei Lannister had to endure humiliation at the hands of her own citizens, the ones living in King’s Landing. Arya while on the other hand took one more name off her list- Ser Meryn Trant. The tricks that she learned in the House of Black and White came in handy in that. There were other big moments as well like the killing of Jon Snow. The show had done everything to make the fans cry. This was their best effort as they did what could not be even thought of. The plot murdered one of the main characters and it was very disheartening for the public.
17. A Golden Crown (Season 1, Episode 6)
- Directed by: Daniel Minahan
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
By the time we reached this episode of the first season, we were completely lost in the world of Westeros and were well aware of what all could have been expected. Or at least, we thought that. In the very first episode, a 10 year old boy was seen being pushed out of the window but, watching Khal Drogo pour a pot of molten gold on the head of Viserys was very gruesome. This Game of Thrones episode reinforced the fact that only the unexpected can be expected.
Watching Daenerys being satisfied when this was being done to his brother was quite disturbing. It is understandable that her brother did torture her for several years and also was against her unborn child but, this was totally not expected from her. The episode was intense in other ways as well like watching Tyrion’s trial by combat, Robert going on his hunting trip, and Ned finally discovering that Cersei’s children are actually Jaime Lannister’s and not King Robert.
16. Valar Morghulis (Season 2, Episode 10)
- Directed by: Alan Taylor
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
This episode features Arya Stark and Jon Snow and we see a noticeable change in their character. The youngest Stark family member was given a coin by Jaqen H’ghar. Jon Snow had to kill his fellow Night’s Watch member because he had to pretend that he is on the side of the Wildings. An ominous final scene and great writing show the Night King’s army coming closer as each day passes by. Daenerys Targaryen is also seen having a mystical reunion with her dead child and Khal Drogo. Sana is full of joy as she has been released from her engagement to King Joffrey. Theon Greyjoy in this episode got beaten up by his own men.
15. The Dance of Dragons (Season 5, Episode 9)
- Directed by: David Nutter
- Written by: David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
This penultimate episode of Game of Thrones served as the best one in the season. But, “Hardhome” and “The Children” also have their claims on showing the big moments. Daenerys is rescued by her biggest dragon, Drogon, at the last minute from the Sons of the Harpy. In this scene, she can be seen riding her dragon for the first time. Stannis is seen sacrificing his daughter Shireen to the Red Gods so that the Lord of Light would bless his army and help him in conquering the North.
14. Fire and Blood (Season 1, Episode 10)
- Directed by: Alan Taylor
- Written by: George R. R. Martin
- IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
One of the most shocking episodes, this first season finale Fire and Blood shocked everyone when they saw Daenerys coming out of the fire unharmed with her newly hatched three baby dragons sitting on her shoulders. Khaleesi finally transformed into the Mother of Dragons in this episode. On the other side, the Stark family scattered throughout the Seven Kingdoms and learnt about Ned’s execution and deal in their own separate ways.
13. The Dragon and the Wolf (Season 7, Episode 7)
- Directed by: Jeremy Podeswa
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
Season 7 felt like an unusual ride and this final episode gave a satisfying conclusion. The time of this episode was extended to 79 minutes. Many fans consider the latter part of the episode as a huge moment. The theory that was long held in the minds of the viewers about Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark being secretly married was declared to be true.
Thus, Jon Snow was their legitimate son. He had a stronger claim to the Iron Throne when compared with Daenerys. Littlefinger also died in this episode. But, the Wall coming down wasn’t a good ending for this season.
12. And Now His Watch Is Ended (Season 3, Episode 4)
- Directed by: Alex Graves
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
This episode marks a huge moment for Daenerys Targaryen in Astapor. She wanted to have an army in order to gain lands and power. The slave trader in Astapor asked for her one dragon in return for the army that she asked for. She agrees to his demands and heads to the land of the Unsullied. The slavers got what they rightfully deserved in the end and Khaleesi gets the title of the Breaker of Chains.
Jaime Lannister was also seen being forced to wear his severed hand around his neck. In the previous episode, his hand was cut. Margaery is seen manipulating Joffrey, which Cersei obviously didn’t like as he was her baby boy. Lord Commander Mormont of the Night’s watch gets killed at Craster’s Keep due to a deadly mutiny.
11. The Children (Season 4, Episode 10)
- Directed by: Alex Graves
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
Stannis had arrived with his army at the Wall so that they can save Jon Snow and the Night’s watch. Daenerys can also be seen chaining up her dragons as they had gone out of control. Tyrion was set free by Jaime after he discovered the murder of both Tywin and Shae. Shae was discovered by Tyrion in his Dad’s chambers. The final episode of season 5 was made memorable and the finest moment was seen. Brienne was seen fighting The Hound. Arya also refused to leave The Hound and made him suffer.
10. The Watchers on the Wall (Season 4, Episode 9)
- Directed by: Neil Marshall
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
This episode like many others was set only in one location. At this time, it was Castle Black. A massive battle between Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch on one side and Mance Rayder’s army on the other side is seen. Just like the episode “Blackwater”, many great moments can be seen in this episode also. The action scenes are incredible.
This episode of the show remains memorable because of the meeting between Jon Snow and Ygritte during the fight. They are on each other’s side and no words were necessary in declaring that. Jon watches Ygritte die as Olly shoots her. She died in his arms. This scene has a huge emotional aspect especially with the performance seen between Rose Leslie and Kit Harrington.
9. Baelor (Season 1, Episode 9)
- Directed by: Alan Taylor
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
Baelor of Season 1 was the jumping point for the show as this didn’t play the game by conventional rules. When Ned Stark was killed this in turn led to the shocking twists. It gave birth to a saga that ran circles. The series was great so far and this served as a shocking moment.
Robb made a vow to Walder Frey. Tyrion also plays a drinking game with Shae and Bronn. Daenerys on the other hand lost her unborn child after she chose dark magic to save the dying Khal.
8. The Lion and the Rose (Season 4, Episode 2)
- Directed by: Alex Graves
- Written by: George R. R. Martin
- IMDb Rating: 9.7/10
After three seasons, the fourth season in its second episode finally gave a wedding reception that the audience can enjoy. King Joffrey, an unworthy king choked to death while tormenting his uncle Tyrion Lannister. This dim-witted young king died in pain. Everyone would agree that seeing Joffrey die was very much satisfying. This is not the only great thing about the episode. This Purple Wedding episode is very emotional right from the beginning. Cersei Lannister is hit hard by grief after she saw her son die.
7. The Spoils of War (Season 7, Episode 4)
- Directed by: Matt Shakman
- Written by: David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.7/10
Season 7 can not be counted as one of the best in the history of Game of Thrones. But, the episode The Spoils of War was an exceptional one. Arya finally returns to Winterfell. This mid season climax also shows Jon and Daenerys touching for the first time. The Dothraki horde and the dragons almost uproot the Lannister army.
This episode refers to the riches possessed by the Tyrells. After the Lannister Army attacked, they took their riches. In King’s Landing, Daenerys is meddling in the war going between Tarlys and the Lannister Army. This episode had also been nominated for the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards for its editing.
6. The Laws of Gods and Men (Season 4, Episode 6)
- Directed by: Alik Sakharov
- Written by: Bryan Cogman
- IMDb Rating: 9.7/10
The audience must watch out for the character development of Tyrion Lannister. In this episode The Laws of Gods and Men, Tyrion is on a trial for King Joffrey’s death. Despite being framed for the crime, this episode showed how his family didn’t even trust him. He was the undesired child of the Lannisters because of his stunted growth. Peter Dinklage delivered one of the best and most powerful scenes of the show. Tyrion demanded trial by combat for justice and the rest that happened is history.
5. The Door (Season 6, Episode 5)
- Directed by: Jack Bender
- Written by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.7/10
Hodor sacrificed his life in The Door episode of season 6. This episode’s happening stands as one of the gruesome deaths of a great character. It also opened a door to a whole new world of time-shifting. Answers regarding Hodor’s origins were given. Watching Hodor die made this episode difficult to watch. The history behind the origin of Hodor puzzled many and the revelation was a gut punch.
The juxtaposition between the now Hodor and the old one was connected through time. With the help of his powers, Bran saw that the young Hodor experienced his own death. This is truly brutal and Bran also couldn’t recover from this one. He became the Three-Eyed Raven and the young Stark boy who was so innocent was lost. Arya had to comfort herself after her father’s death when she watched a troop of actors perform a different version of Ned Stark’s execution.
4. Hardhome (Season 5, Episode 8)
- Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
- Written by: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.8/10
Game of Thrones season 5 was not the best that Game of Thrones had to offer. No one expected a mighty episode as Hardhome. What an intense episode was given by director Miguel Sapochnik, especially the last 20 minutes. The Night King unleashed his minions on the last of the remaining Mance Rayder’s Wildling army. This brought the White Walkers to the forefoot of the show. It was indeed a long night and we saw Jon Snow’s image being solidified as the ultimate hero of Game of Thrones. He was right in unifying the forces against the Night King and his undead minions.
3. The Winds of Winter (Season 6, Episode 10)
- Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
- Written by: George R. R. Martin
- IMDb Rating: 9.9/10
This season finales, we saw Cersei in King’s Landing being trialed at the Great Sept. She planned something which led her to lose something that she dearly loved. This episode has our immense love and it delivers a powerful message “everything has a price” and especially in the case when your motive is to hurt someone.
Cersei ascended to the Iron Throne with Qyburn serving as her hand. Daenerys finally sets sail to Westeros with a larger force. Arya finally returns back to Westeros and wipes out the entire Frey male line. She successfully took her revenge. This is by far one of the best Game of Thrones episode and season finale.
2. The Rains of Castamere (Season 3, Episode 9)
- Directed by: David Nutter
- Written by: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.9/10
The Red Wedding is among the best diabolical bloodlettings in Game of Thrones history and the entire TV history as well. Fans who didn’t read the book were protected by the ones that had read it. Viewers felt hollow after watching this episode and this was the intention of the makers as well. D.B. Weiss and David Benioff told that if the series could last a little bit longer for them to successfully film the Red Wedding, they would have been happy. This was the moment in the book that made this one get on the TV.
1. Battle Of The Bastards (Season 6, Episode 9)
- Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
- Written by: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
- IMDb Rating: 9.9/10
This episode features one of the best battle sequences that a series could ever pull off. Also, it had one of the best CGI works that involved dragons setting fire to the ships. Battle Of The Bastards showed Jon Snow and his loyal army taking back Winterfell. It was Sansa who saved their day with the help of Littlefinger. Ramsay Bolton was defeated and Winterfell was reclaimed. It was a perfect episode and we saw Daenerys and Jon Snow winning over their enemies. This thrilling episode gave the best win to the heroes of Game of Thrones.
