House of the Dragon – the epic Game of Thrones prequel based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood – is here. But, while we wait for the next episode, what better way to re-immerse yourself into Westeros than to rewatch some of Game of Thrones’ best episodes?
Though later seasons – and particularly Season 8 – received mixed reviews, it’s worth remembering how incredible Game of Thrones was at its best. It wasn’t just the action set pieces, the dragons, the zombies, that made it one of the most successful shows of all time. It was the writing, the fully fleshed out characters, and the brutal twists and turns of the plot.
So, without further ado, these are the 10 most highly rated episodes of Game of Thrones, according to their rankings on IMDB.
So, without further ado, these are the 10 most highly rated episodes of Game of Thrones, according to their rankings on IMDB.
. Game of Thrones .jpg
Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) in Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 9 'The Battle of the Bastards' (HBO) Photo: HBO
. The Winds of Winter
The Winds of Winter is the *literally* explosive finale to Game of Thrones Season 6. Cersei awaits a trial and Daenerys Targaryen finally sets sail for Westeros. Watch for the epic payoff to the season's narrative with a glorious score by Ramin Djawadi. IMDB rating: 9.9 Photo: HBO
. The Battle of the Bastards
The Battle of the Bastards (Season 6, Episode 9) is a gruelling 59 minutes of bloodshed directed masterfully by Miguel Sapochnik. The bastards Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton fight over the fate of the North at Winterfell, with some questionable battle tactics and a fatal lack of zig-zagging. IMDB rating: 9.9. Photo: HBO Game of Thrones
9. The Lion and the Rose
The Lion of the Rose (Season 4, Episode 2) centres on the royal wedding of one of TV's greatest villains, Joffrey Baratheon, to one of the realm's greatest manipulators, Margaery Tyrell. Sadly everything doesn't work out as planned. Worth a rewatch to see what characters in the background are up to. IMDB rating: 9.7. Photo: HBO
10. The Children
The Children is the Season 4 finale which majorly develops the series' key plotlines and culminates with a hugely powerful character's death. Highlights include Brienne of Tarth's encounter with The Hound, Bran finally meeting the Three-Eyed Raven, Arya setting sail to Braavos, and Tyrion's escape from the dungeons of King's Landing. IMDB Rating: 9.6. Photo: HBO