Dragons and zombies—need I say more? The Game of Thrones series has reigned supreme since HBO took the challenge of recreating George R. R. Martin’s complex masterpiece.
Here are 18 must-watch episodes to remind you why the TV show was a hit.
1. Battle of the Bastards
Season/Episode: Season 6, Episode 9
Director: Miguel Sapochnik
Release Date: June 19, 2016
“Battle of the Bastards” is a suffocating episode that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) face Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon), an action-packed battle over the right to rule Winterfell ensues.
Justice (and a long-awaited demise) finally arrives at the gates of Winterfell.
2. The Winds of Winter
Season/Episode: Season 6, Episode 9
Director: Miguel Sapochnik
Release Date: June 26, 2016
In “Winds of Winter,” Arya Stark’s (Maisie Williams) revenge arc finally meets its climax.
While the episode also features Cersei’s (Lena Headey) final stand against the High Sparrow, the most exciting part is when Arya sneaks into House Frey as a servant and completes her revenge for her family’s demise.
3. The Rains of Castamere
Season/Episode: Season 3, Episode 9
Director: David Nutter
Release Date: June 2, 2013
“The Rains of Castamere” is more popularly known as “The Red Wedding.”
House Frey betrays the North and massacres Rob Stark (Richard Madden), Catelyn (Michelle Fairley), and the Stark troops in this episode. The scene is wholly unexpected and a punch in the gut for everyone watching.
4. Hardhome
Season/Episode: Season 5, Episode 8
Director: Miguel Sapochnik
Release Date: May 31, 2015
“Hardhome” focuses on powerful decisions in the fight for the Iron Throne.
Sansa bravely confronts Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) while Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) plays his role as Daenerys’ advisor. Most of the episode centers on the seemingly hopeless fight against the white walkers.
5. The Spoils of War
Season/Episode: Season 7, Episode 4
Director: Matt Shakman
Release Date: August 6, 2017
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Bronn (Jerome Flynn) thought they were winning big in “Spoils of War” after collecting all that loot from the Tyrells.
But then Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) shows up with her dragons, and they get overwhelmed quickly. Dragons raining fire? Not the situation Jaime and Bronn signed up for.
6. The Door
Season/Episode: Season 6, Episode 5
Director: Jack Bender
Release Date: May 22, 2016
“The Door” reveals some of the mysteries in the series, like where white walkers come from and how Hodor (Kristian Nairn) becomes incapacitated.
Also, Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) goes on a time-travel adventure with the Three-Eyed Raven (Max von Sydow). This episode is going to mess with your mind.
7. The Lion and the Rose
Season/Episode: Season 4, Episode 2
Director: Alex Graves
Release Date: April 13, 2014
Wedding bells and killer vibes? That’s “The Lion and the Rose” for you.
Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and Margaery (Natalie Dormer) tie the knot, but the real drama brews beneath the surface. The episode sets the stage for one of the most satisfying scenes: Joffrey’s demise.
8. The Mountain and the Viper
Season/Episode: Season 4, Episode 8
Director: Alex Graves
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Trial by combat ensues in “Mountain and the Viper.”
Oberyn Martel (Pedro Pascal) acts as Tyrion’s champion against the Mountain, Gregor Clegane (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson). Oberyn takes the chance to fulfill his long-time need for revenge against the Lannisters for his sister’s death.
9. The Laws of God and Men
Season/Episode: Season 4, Episode 8
Director: Alik Sakharov
Release Date: May 11, 2014
“The Laws of God and Men” examines Tyrion’s trial and all the nitty-gritty details of this one-sided judgment. Cersei is out for blood, wanting justice for her son’s murder, and sets her eyes solely on Tyrion.
The trial ends with Tyrion using every bit of his brainpower to escape capital punishment.
10. Blackwater
Season/Episode: Season 2, Episode 9
Director: Neil Marshall
Release Date: May 27, 2012
“Blackwater” is an epic battle royale between the Lannisters and Stannis Baratheon’s (Stephen Dillane) fleet. Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is the brains behind the Lannister defense, even hiring Bronn (Jerome Flynn) for some muscle.
When Sandor Clegane (Rory McCann) ditches the fight, scared stiff of wildfire, things get shaky. The all-out battle ends spectacularly, with many action-packed sequences.
11. Book of the Stranger
Season/Episode: Season 6, Episode 4
Director: Daniel Sackheim
Release Date: May 15, 2016
Power moves galore in “Book of the Stranger,” where Cersei (Lena Headey) unexpectedly teams up with Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg).
Meanwhile, Tyrion strikes a deal with some shady slave masters, and Jon finally reunites with Sansa at Castle Black.
12. Mockingbird
Season/Episode: Season 4, Episode 7
Director: Alik Sakharov
Release Date: May 18, 2014
In the episode “Mockingbird,” Tyrion gets help from an unlikely source for his trial.
At the same time, new love blossoms between Daenerys and Daario (Michiel Huisman), while Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) and Podrick (Daniel Portman) gain valuable intel.
13. High Sparrow
Season/Episode: Season 5, Episode 3
Director: Mark Mylod
Release Date: April 26, 2015
“High Sparrow” sees unexpected power plays.
Jon Snow flexes his Lord Commander muscles, while the mysterious High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) rises in the shadows. Margaery’s wedding adds to the intrigue; you won’t want to miss it.
14. And Now His Watch Is Ended
Season/Episode: Season 3, Episode 4
Director: Alex Graves
Release Date: April 21, 2013
Daenerys finally shows her fangs in “And Now His Watch is Ended,” proving she can fight for the throne. She buys the Unsullied Army and then flips the script—freedom for these warriors in exchange for their service.
Watch Daenerys claim her throne!
15. Kissed by Fire
Season/Episode: Season 3, Episode 5
Director: Alex Graves
Release Date: April 28, 2013
“Kissed by Fire” is filled with judgments, including The Hound, Jaimie, and Jon. One thing that stands out, though, is the surprising intimacy between the characters, including Jaime and Brienne and Jon and Ygritte (Rose Leslie).
Meanwhile, the Lannisters hatch a plan to get Jaime back.
16. Mhysa
Season/Episode: Season 3, Episode 10
Director: David Nutter
Release Date: June 9, 2013
“Mhysa” establishes some of the plotlines for the next season, where everyone seems to be returning to their proper places. Jon bids goodbye to Ygritte as he travels to Castle Black, where Sam arrives.
Simultaneously, Jaime joins the King’s Landing drama as Joffrey clashes with Tywin (Charles Dance).
17. The North Remembers
Season/Episode: Season 2, Episode 1
Director: Alan Taylor
Release Date: April 1, 2012
“The North Remembers” throws some serious shade on the Lannisters.
Joffrey’s a crowned monster now, beheading poor Ned Stark and causing the Lannisters to attempt damage control. On the other hand, Cersei continues to feel helpless—not a good look for a queen.
18. The Old Gods and the New
Season/Episode: Season 2, Episode 6
Director: David Nutter
Release Date: May 6, 2012
In “The Old Gods and the New,” King Joffrey’s cruelty is at an all-time high.
Riots erupt in King’s Landing, but the unlikely hero Sandor Clegane rescues Sansa Stark from the danger.
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