Based on George R.R Martin’s best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Game of Thrones premiered on HBO in 2011 and was an instant hit. Diehard fans of the story and new ones alike came together to watch epic battles, character developments, and shocking betrayals.
One thing we learn early on in the fantasy series is that absolutely no one is safe. The first season proves that by killing off who we think is the main character in the penultimate episode.
You can expect huge moments to go down in the penultimate episode of every season, which became a signature choice for the show. While the eighth and final season left a bad taste in many viewers’ mouths, Game of Thrones is still a fantastic show. And one of the best of all time!
There are so many things that Game of Thrones does right that definitely outweigh the misses, and the show gives us so many iconic characters we still think about to this day. Daenerys Targaryen is one of the best TV characters ever, and I personally have a thing for Jon Snow. The villains in this show are so complex and interesting, sometimes you just can’t help but root for them. And of course, the heroes are equally as complicated and compelling.
Game of Thrones features a stellar cast full of what were up-and-comers at the time, along with seasoned actors you’d probably have seen before. This includes Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Iain Glen, Alfie Allen, and so many more.
It’s been nearly four years since Game of Thrones ended, but with the premiere of the prequel series, House of the Dragon, all eyes are on the franchise again. We’re discussing each season of the amazing show and ranking them from worst to best.
Flip the page to find out which season we think is the least impressive.
8. Game of Thrones season 8
Let’s face it, Game of Thrones fans… season 8 features some incredible moments that have us on the edge of our seats, and some moments that make us want to rip our hair out.
The Battle of Winterfell is one of the biggest moments of the season, and it has its pros and cons. The tension is great throughout and the way it was shot makes it feel like we’re right there in the middle of the action. But is it too dark? Yes. I couldn’t see anything! I’m sorry if that criticism annoys you, but I mean could you see anything? I ended up having to adjust my TV settings to watch the scene.
Anyway. Arya Stark emerging from the shadows to take down the Night King is… alright. It’s alright to me. I love that Arya does it because she’s an amazing character, but the shot itself is kind of cheesy. There’s so much buildup for something that’s ultimately a little disappointing.
The pacing of the season is rushed, with many plotlines and character arcs feeling like they’re wrapped up just to get to the end. The writing also takes a dip in quality, with several fan favorites acting out of character and some major plot points feeling unearned. The decision to make Daenerys Targaryen turn into a “Mad Queen” is forced and rushed, with not enough buildup or justification for such a drastic change in her character. I love Dany, so this hurt me. She doesn’t deserve to die in the end in such a way.
And don’t even get me started on that disappointing series finale, which still has many fans feeling unsatisfied and let down. I will be the first one to admit that I love Bran! He’s a great character and has an awesome storyline throughout the season. I know, it’s an unpopular opinion. But even so, the choice to have him rule in the end is super random. And justice for Jon Snow, please!
The final season ultimately falls short of the high bar set by previous ones. But even with its flaws, I will always love this show and the unforgettable journey it took us on. Now let’s move on.
7. Game of Thrones season 7
While Game of Thrones season 7 is better than the final season, there are still so many moments that leave me scratching my head. That said, of course, there are also a few highlights.
Let’s start with the best moments. The epic battle beyond the Wall is straight-up awesome. The way the White Walkers descend on our favorite characters and the desperate fight to survive against impossible odds is heart-pumping stuff. The scene only gets better when Daenerys arrives with her dragons, which, unfortunately, leads to Viserion being turned into a wight.
Another awesome part of season 7 is the long-awaited meeting between Daenerys and Jon Snow. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and watching them come together to fight for a greater cause is incredibly satisfying. They’re my two favorite characters in Game of Thrones, so I love that they finally came together. We also get to see Sansa and Arya reunite and watch their epic takedown of Littlefinger. Finally!
But unfortunately, there are also some low points in season 7. The pacing of the season is uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed and others feeling like they drag on. And while the plotlines continue to be complex and engaging, some of it starts to get a little predictable this season.
While season 7 has its ups and downs, when it’s good, it’s so good. Too bad we don’t get more of those moments.
6. Game of Thrones season 2
Game of Thrones season 2 is okay. There are good moments and some that are more “meh,” but overall, it’s probably just the least memorable season of the series.
The Battle of Blackwater is definitely one of the biggest highlights of the second season. The tension leading up to the fight is well-constructed, and it’s shot very well. And when Tyrion rallies the troops and led the charge, it’s a moment that gives fans goosebumps. We also get to meet characters like Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre, who are essential to some of the most interesting storylines this season.
My personal favorite part about the second season is Jon’s relationship with Ygritte. The start of their friendship, the way Ygritte teaches Jon about people — Wildlings specifically — and how to love is so genuine and enduring. Their back-and-forth before starting their romance is a fantastic part of the show overall.
But unfortunately, there are low points in season 2. The pacing is slow and meandering at times, and the focus on certain characters feels like it’s at the expense of others. And while we get to see some great character development, this is when the show starts to diverge from the source material and take liberties with the story, which doesn’t always work.
Despite the criticisms I have, season 2 still serves a purpose. The introduction of new players in the game sets up and makes viewers excited for what’s next.
5. Game of Thrones season 1
Don’t come for me for not rating Game of Thrones season 1 higher, diehard fans! While this is the season that introduced the world to the characters we would come to love (and hate), it’s not one I tend to rewatch, to be honest.
It’s amazing to get to know the Starks in Winterfell before chaos erupts in Westeros, and Sean Bean gives a great performance as Ned Stark. Daenerys is also a major standout for me this season as we get to see her character development from a timid girl in her brother’s shadow to the powerful Khaleesi and Mother of Dragons. Jon Snow’s introduction to the Night’s Watch and his inner battle in wanting to go home to protect his family is also compelling.
Just like the first book in ASOIAF, the first season of Game of Thrones features exciting moments, ones we’ll never forget. But looking back, the season itself feels very dated. It’s not shot that well compared to the seasons to come, and the pacing isn’t great. It’s very slow at times, and then some of the biggest moments feel a little rushed. Some of the storylines are simplified compared to the books, and it feels very much like the showrunners were just trying to figure out how to adapt a series like ASOIAF. Which makes sense!
Some of the visual effects look a bit cheap, but that’s probably because they were! At least, compared to later seasons.
These are minor issues in an otherwise solid season, and of course, this one sets the stage for the epic story that unfolds over the following seasons.
4. Game of Thrones season 5
The fifth season of Game of Thrones is another rollercoaster of emotions. Just like in the seasons we’ve broken down so far, there are some amazing moments as well as truly frustrating ones.
One of the best moments is the epic battle at Hardhome, which sees Jon Snow and the Wildlings facing off against the White Walkers and their army of wights. The special effects are incredible, and the tension is gripping as the Night King raises the dead to join his army. Jon and Tormund together are one of my favorite duos of the whole show, so any scenes of them in battle are awesome to me.
Season 5 is also when Cersei Lannister has to do her walk of shame, which is painful to watch but also so memorable. I still, to this day, can’t believe how messed up that is! And of course, one of the most shocking parts of the season is Jon’s death. The Night’s Watch secretly coming together to kill Jon over his involvement with the Wildlings is chilling. It’s still hard for me to sit through on a rewatch.
One of the most controversial moments in season 5, however, is the sexual assault of Sansa Stark by Ramsay Bolton on their wedding night. This scene is not in the books and is still seen as gratuitous by many. It highlights the show’s poor treatment of female characters, a common criticism of the HBO adaptation. The scene doesn’t have to be that graphic for impact to be made.
While there are some standout moments, there are also some missteps in season 5 that leave us feeling frustrated.
3. Game of Thrones season 3
Now we’re getting to the best of the best seasons of Game of Thrones! In the third spot comes season 3, which features one of the most memorable death scenes in TV history. Of course, I’m talking about the Red Wedding. This show is nothing without betrayals and deaths you don’t see coming, which is exactly what goes down in this heartbreaking scene.
What’s meant to be a joyful wedding turns out to be a trap for Robb, Catelyn, and Talisa, and all three beloved characters end up getting killed. It was a complete shock to everyone who watched it who hadn’t read the books, and it marked a turning point in the series. This scene went on to have a massive cultural impact on pop culture, and it’s widely regarded as one of the most shocking moments in television history.
It also cemented Game of Thrones‘ reputation as a show willing to take risks and defy audience expectations, which only adds to its popularity.
Beyond “The Rains of Castamere,” there are many other epic episodes throughout the third season. One of the best moments for me is when Daenerys unleashes her dragons on the slave city of Astapor, freeing the Unsullied and gaining a powerful army in the process. Jon and Ygritte also heat things up in their relationship, Tyrion and Sansa have a miserable wedding, and Jaime loses his hand!
The third season was definitely the best yet when it premiered, with critics and fans alike applauding the intense storylines, character development, and stunning visual effects. The writers were praised for their ability to balance multiple storylines without losing the audience’s attention. Flip the page to see our two top seasons of Game of Thrones!
2. Game of Thrones season 4
The third and fourth seasons of Game of Thrones are almost equal to me in quality, but I tend to enjoy season 4 just a little bit more. The storytelling is just as strong, as is the character development. But this time, we get a death we’ve been waiting for since season 1, plus the show turns up its mystical element as we learn more about Bran’s training with the Three-Eyed Raven.
“The Watchers on the Wall” is one of the best episodes of the season, which sees the Battle of Castle Black unfold. The fight between the Night’s Watch and the Wildlings is incredible, and it’s so intense to see Jon Snow trying to defend the Wall. In season 4, we also get to see the trial of Tyrion Lannister, which allows Dinklage to really shine as an actor. Tyrion is a huge highlight of this season, as he also kills his father Tywin which is incredibly satisfying but also a bit sad at the same time.
I might be in the minority here, but I really love Bran’s storyline in Game of Thrones, and the fourth season develops it so nicely. He’s learning a lot more and begins to see things that others cannot, and this power will help him uncover shocking truths throughout the rest of the show.
As a fan of The Last of Us, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Oberyn Martell’s introduction in Game of Thrones season 4 and his extremely memorable death. I mean, come on! That death scene is one of the best in the entire show.
The biggest highlight of season 4 for many, however, is definitely Joffrey’s death. That’s understandable. And we don’t have to wait too long into the season for it! He’s one of the most evil characters in the show and I don’t even feel bad saying that his death is so incredibly satisfying.
There’s action after action in Game of Thrones season 4, but it’s also balanced with careful moments of relationship and world-building.
Now let’s get to the best season of Game of Thrones!
1. Game of Thrones season 6
Does Game of Thrones season 6 get anything wrong? This one has everything a fan could want. From epic battles and shocking plot twists to emotional character moments, I’m glued to the screen anytime I’m doing a rewatch.
My favorite episode of Game of Thrones is season 6’s “Battle of the Bastards,” where Jon Snow and his allies face off against Ramsay Bolton and his army. The cinematography and choreography are breathtaking, and I’m still on the edge of my seat every time I watch it. I’ve watched it many times, it’s become a comfort episode for me because it’s so well done and so satisfying. Sansa finally getting her revenge on Ramsay is priceless, and I’m so glad he goes out the way he does. I feel a sense of pride for Sansa at this moment, because she’s gone through so much and truly deserves to be the one to decide how he dies.
Another standout moment is the beginning of the reveal of Jon Snow’s true parentage. It’s a long-awaited moment, and obviously has huge implications for the show’s overall plot. And who could forget Cersei’s explosive revenge on her enemies in King’s Landing? The destruction of the Sept of Baelor is a jaw-dropping scene. We also get the famous “hold the door” scene from Hodor, which is incredibly emotional in a way viewers don’t expect. And of course, Arya gets revenge and kills Walder Frey, making for an additional satisfying death this season.
The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey is another standout in her supporting role as Lyanna Mormont in season 6. She’s so adorable!
I was blown away by the sixth season of Game of Thrones the first time I watched it. It’s incredible that at six seasons in, the show still proved its ability to surprise and shock viewers in creative ways. Unfortunately, the series’ quality went down from here, but that doesn’t take away from this near-perfect installment.
How would you rank the eight seasons of Game of Thrones?