Top Rated Episodes: Game Of Thrones (According to IMDb)
Game of Thrones is one of the most popular and acclaimed TV shows of all time. Based on the fantasy novels by George R. R. Martin, the series follows the lives and deaths of various characters vying for power and survival in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. The show is known for its complex plot, stunning visuals, epic battles, and shocking twists that often defy the expectations of the viewers. Before we proceed, checkout Netflix: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Fantasy Shows to Watch.
Top Rated Episodes of Game Of Thrones (According to IMDb)
The show ran for eight (8) seasons from 2011 to 2019, with a total of 73 episodes. While some fans were disappointed by the final season, there is no doubt that Game of Thrones has delivered some of the most memorable and thrilling episodes in television history. Here are the top rated episodes of Game of Thrones according to IMDb ratings, as of April 2023.
10. Baelor (S1.E9)
IMDb rating: 9.6/10
The ninth episode of the first season is where Game of Thrones established its reputation for killing off major characters without mercy. Ned Stark, the honorable lord of Winterfell and the protagonist of the season, is executed by King Joffrey in front of a horrified crowd, despite confessing to a crime he did not commit. His death sets off a chain of events that will plunge the Seven Kingdoms into a bloody civil war.
9. The Spoils of War (S7.E4)
IMDb rating: 9.8/10
The fourth episode of the seventh season features one of the most spectacular and intense battle scenes in the show. Daenerys Targaryen, frustrated by her losses in Westeros, decides to unleash her dragon Drogon on the Lannister army that is returning from looting Highgarden. The result is a fiery carnage that showcases the power and terror of dragons in warfare. Meanwhile, Arya Stark returns to Winterfell and reunites with her siblings Sansa and Bran.
8. The Door (S6.E5)
IMDb rating: 9.7/10
The fifth episode of the sixth season reveals the origin and meaning of one of the most mysterious characters in the show: Hodor. Bran Stark, who has been training with the Three-Eyed Raven to see visions of the past and future, accidentally exposes himself to the Night King, the leader of the undead army known as the White Walkers. The Night King attacks Bran’s location, forcing him and his companions to flee. In the process, Bran wargs into Hodor’s mind and causes him to hold the door against the wights, sacrificing his life to save Bran. The episode also reveals that Hodor’s name is derived from his repeated utterance of “hold the door”, which was caused by Bran’s interference with his past self.
7. The Laws of Gods and Men (S4.E6)
IMDb rating: 9.7/10
The sixth episode of the fourth season focuses on two pivotal trials that have major consequences for the characters involved. Tyrion Lannister, who has been accused of murdering King Joffrey, faces a rigged trial by combat that pits him against his own father Tywin and sister Cersei. Tyrion delivers a powerful speech denouncing his family and demands a trial by combat as his last resort. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen faces a different kind of trial as she tries to rule over Meereen, a city she has liberated from slavery. She realizes that her actions have unintended consequences and that ruling is not as easy as conquering.
6. The Mountain and the Viper (S4.E8)
IMDb rating: 9.7/10
The eighth episode of the fourth season features one of the most brutal and shocking duels in the show. Oberyn Martell, a prince from Dorne who seeks revenge for his sister’s death, volunteers to be Tyrion’s champion in his trial by combat against Gregor Clegane, also known as The Mountain, a massive and ruthless knight who killed Oberyn’s sister and her children. Oberyn uses his speed and agility to outmatch The Mountain, but his desire to make him confess his crimes proves to be his downfall. The Mountain grabs Oberyn by the head and crushes his skull with his bare hands, killing him and condemning Tyrion to death.
5. The Lion and the Rose (S4.E2)
IMDb rating: 9.7/10
The second episode of the fourth season features one of the most satisfying deaths in the show: the death of King Joffrey Baratheon, the cruel and sadistic ruler who tormented many characters throughout the show. Joffrey is poisoned at his own wedding feast by Olenna Tyrell, the grandmother of his bride Margaery Tyrell, who conspired with Petyr Baelish to eliminate him. Joffrey’s death is a moment of justice and relief for many fans who hated him for his crimes and atrocities.
4. Hardhome (S5.E8)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10
The eighth episode of the fifth season features one of the most terrifying and epic scenes in the show: the massacre at Hardhome. Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, travels to Hardhome, a wildling settlement beyond the Wall, to convince them to join forces with him against the White Walkers. However, he arrives too late, as the Night King and his army of wights attack the village, slaughtering thousands of wildlings and reanimating them as more wights. Jon manages to escape with a few survivors, but not before witnessing the Night King’s power and realizing that they are facing an unstoppable enemy.
3. The Winds of Winter (S6.E10)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10
The tenth episode of the sixth season is the finale of one of the most acclaimed seasons of Game of Thrones. It features several major events that change the course of the story and set up the final season. Cersei Lannister, who is facing a trial by the Faith Militant for her sins, orchestrates a massive explosion that destroys the Great Sept of Baelor and kills many of her enemies, including Margaery Tyrell, Loras Tyrell, Mace Tyrell, Kevan Lannister, Lancel Lannister, and the High Sparrow. However, her victory comes at a cost, as her son Tommen Baratheon commits suicide after witnessing the carnage. Cersei then crowns herself as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Meanwhile, Jon Snow is declared King in the North by his allies after defeating Ramsay Bolton in the Battle of the Bastards. He also learns from Bran Stark that he is not Ned Stark’s bastard son, but rather the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, making him the true heir to the Iron Throne. Daenerys Targaryen finally sets sail for Westeros with her dragons and her allies, including Tyrion Lannister, Theon Greyjoy, Yara Greyjoy, Olenna Tyrell, Ellaria Sand, and Varys.
2. Battle of the Bastards (S6.E9)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10
The ninth episode of the sixth season features one of the most impressive and realistic battle scenes ever filmed for television. Jon Snow leads an army of wildlings and northern lords against Ramsay Bolton’s larger and better-equipped army in order to reclaim Winterfell and rescue his half-sister Sansa Stark. The battle is brutal and chaotic, with Jon nearly suffocating under a pile of corpses at one point. However, he is saved by Sansa’s arrival with Petyr Baelish and the Knights of the Vale, who turn the tide of the battle in their favor. Jon then chases Ramsay into Winterfell and beats him to a pulp before handing him over to Sansa, who feeds him to his own hounds.
1. The Rains of Castamere (S3.E9)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10
The ninth episode of the third season features one of the most shocking and heartbreaking events in Game of Thrones history: The Red Wedding. Robb Stark, King in the North, attends a wedding at The Twins as part of a deal with Walder Frey to secure his alliance against Tywin Lannister. However, he is betrayed by Frey and Roose Bolton , who have secretly conspired with Tywin to end his rebellion. Robb, his wife Talisa , his mother Catelyn , and most of his bannermen are massacred by Frey’s men under the cover of music and wine. The episode ends with Catelyn’s scream as she watches Robb die before having her throat slit.
These are some of the top rated episodes of Game of Thrones that showcase its amazing storytelling, cinematography, acting, and production values. They are also some of the most memorable and emotional episodes that have left a lasting impact on fans.
Conclusion
Game of Thrones is a show that has captivated millions of viewers around the world with its epic and unpredictable story. It has also delivered some of the best episodes in television history, with high ratings and critical acclaim. These episodes are not only entertaining and thrilling, but also meaningful and impactful, as they explore themes such as power, justice, loyalty, love, and death. Whether you are a fan of the show or not, you cannot deny the quality and influence of these top rated episodes of Game of Thrones.
