10 Most Rewatchable ‘Game of Thrones’ Episodes, Ranked
Game of Thrones is one of the most successful television shows of all time, and is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R. R. Martin. The show is set in a high fantasy world, where nine noble families begin fighting each other over the throne that rules over all of them, completely unaware that to the North, beyond a magical wall, the greatest threat to their nation is rising.
The series was acclaimed for its action, drama, romance, high production value, and political narrative, as well as its huge cast of characters and complex, weaving narrative. With 76 episodes, some are obviously going to stand out above the rest, with a select handful of them being highly rewatchable due to various factors. These are the most rewatchable episodes of Game of Thrones, which remind fans why the series is so loved.
10
“The Lion and the Rose”
Season 4, Episode 2 (2014)
“The Lion and the Rose” is an episode that many devout fans of the series were anxiously anticipating: the one where Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), one of the most despised characters in the show, finally snuffs it. On the day of his wedding to Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) the Tyrell matriarch catches wind of Joffrey’s monstrous and abusive demeanor, as well as his cowardly sadism and love of torture. Not willing to let her granddaughter fall into his hands, Lady Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg) discreetly poisons his wine glass.
Joffrey promptly kicks the bucket, suffering immensely in the process, yet this is an all-too-satisfying moment due to how much he is hated by the fans. Before that, though, the wedding festivities are really quite enjoyable, and it’s interesting to see a royal wedding with grand performances and delicious-looking plates of food. But of course, the most rewatchable part by far is watching that little brat finally bite the dust—the look of realization on Joffrey’s face when he comes to terms with his own mortality is priceless, making it one of the most satisfying deaths on Game of Thrones.
9
“The Mountain and the Viper”
Season 4, Episode 8 (2014)
Following Joffrey’s assassination, many in the Lannister family begin to suspect Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) as being the likely culprit, due to how much Tyrion loathed Joffrey. That said, Tyrion is not guilty, but is jailed and deemed a monster by the rest of society. As his trial proceeds, it becomes abundantly clear that there is no way Tyrion will be found innocent, so he proposes a trial by combat to decide his fate. Fighting on behalf of the crown is Gregor Clegane, aka “The Mountain” (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson), while Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) offers to fight for Tyrion.
What results is a really interesting duel between the two, with Gregor utilizing his enormous claymore and physical strength to try and overpower Oberyn, whilst Oberyn uses a poisoned spear, speed, and agility to his advantage. Out of all the duels in Game of Thrones, this is one of the most thrilling, ending with one of the most gruesome and shocking deaths in the entire series, which is really saying something. HBO fans can’t seem to get enough of Pedro Pascal, so to see him in action like this is a real treat, and never gets old.
8
“Baelor”
Season 1, Episode 9 (2011)
Many long-time fans of Game of Thrones list “Baelor” as the episode that gave them a reality check, and made them realize that this show is not going to be like any typical fantasy series. Prior to this episode, Lord Ned Stark (Sean Bean) is made out like he’s the main character of the whole series, until he is falsely accused of conspiring to overthrow the crown. This results in his swift execution, being beheaded on the steps of the Great Sept, by his own sword, no less.
Now, Sean Bean has sort of established himself as a walking spoiler, because he dies in pretty much everything he’s in, but even then, this came as an abrupt slap in the face, showing how nobody, not even the most important characters, is safe from the icy-cold grip of death. The chaos that ensues, the political intrigue behind the execution, and the fact that this is one of the main catalysts that send the characters on their respective journeys make this a very exciting and rewatchable episode, indeed.
7
“The Winds of Winter”
Season 6, Episode 10 (2016)
“The Winds of Winter” is the climactic finale to Season 6, one that doesn’t have any major battles in it, but does have some pretty monumental events, along with loads of character exits. The episode opens with Cersei (Lena Headey) being summoned to the Great Sept for her trial, but she is nowhere to be found. It turns out, she has no plans of showing up, and has rigged the entire building to explode, with hidden stores of wildfire stashed in the basement.
This colossal explosion levels the sept and kills a whole slew of important characters in one fell swoop. It’s something that allows Cersei to quickly seize power in the city, ripping it away from the religious zealots running the Sept. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) has finally embarked upon her journey across the Narrow Sea, initiating her conquest of Westeros. For many who felt disappointed by the latter two seasons of the show, this was the last good episode, but even for others, it’s one of the most riveting finales in Game of Thrones. Things get really serious, really fast, finalizing Cersei’s rise to power and iron grip on the Seven Kingdoms.
6
“The Dance of Dragons”
Season 5, Episode 9 (2015)
“The Dance of Dragons” occurs in the conquered city of Meereen, where Daenerys has seized power and turned the slave city into a beacon of hope and freedom. Against her personal convictions, her new husband asks her to attend a show at the gladiatorial arena, watching fighters kill each other for sport. Daenerys doesn’t exactly like this, but things get a whole lot worse when a cult-like group known as the Sons of the Harpy attack, killing her husband, with the intent of killing Dany, too.
However, Daenerys’ missing dragon comes to her rescue, landing in the heart of the arena and providing her an escape. This is a pivotal episode because it’s when Daenerys really feels like the Mother of Dragons, as this is when she rides a dragon for the very first time, inspiring awe not only in her friends, but in the audience, too. It’s a climactic moment ripped straight from the books, and is one of the best moments of the series, along with one of the last ones that was able to actually draw upon the source material before the show outpaced the novels.
5
“The Spoils of War”
Season 7, Episode 4 (2017)
“The Spoils of War” follows the aftermath of the Lannisters’ sacking of the Tyrells’ home of Highgarden in the episode prior. They have looted the castle and are merrily on their way back to King’s Landing, loaded with gold, jewels, and a prototype dragon-killing weapon, just in case. Turns out, they end up needing it, because Daenerys has reached the shores of Westeros, and is making her first move in her conquest for the Iron Throne.
Astride her dragon, Drogon, she and a force of Dothraki horsemen ambush the loot train, burning the Lannister army and surprising them with a creature of legend. This results in the climactic Battle of the Goldroad, which is gorgeous, but in a morbid kind of way. Action in Game of Thrones is always a treat, and this episode has plenty of it. It’s also the first moment when the Westerosi realize that the Targaryens have returned, and they are more powerful than ever. It’s not just fun to watch, but pivotal to the narrative.
4
“Hardhome”
Season 5, Episode 8 (2015)
“Hardhome” is one of those episodes that really gets to show off how masterful composer Ramin Djawadi is at his craft. As the White Walkers grow bolder, the Wildling enclave of Hardhome falls under their icy shadow. Jon Snow (Kit Harington) goes to help the evacuation effort, but by then, it is already too late. The massacre begins, showcasing the power of the White Walkers, allowing the audience to feel how quickly they can sweep through small settlements.
In the midst of the chaos, Jon kills his first White Walker, and finally comes face-to-face with their leader, the Night King (Richard Brake). But underneath all the action is Djawadi’s masterpiece: a soundtrack evoking the feeling of a ticking clock, emphasizing the urgency of the evacuation. This is an episode packed with action, but also with a strong sense of anxiety, as Djawadi subtly lets the audience experience the value of every single second.
3
“The Rains of Castamere”
Season 3, Episode 9 (2013)
“The Rains of Castamere” takes place at the home of the Freys, two identical castles known as the Twins, which lie on either side of a river, with a bridge connecting them. Previously, Robb Stark (Richard Madden) promised to marry one of Walder Frey’s (David Bradley) daughters if he let them use his crossing, but later went back on his promise and married somebody else, instead, deferring the betrothal to one of the Freys to his uncle, Edmure (Tobias Menzies).
Once Edmure and his new wife are married, they are sent off to the bedroom to consummate their marriage, after which the dining hall doors slam shut, and disguised assassins kill pretty near everyone in attendance. This shocking moment, known colloquially as “The Red Wedding,” is one of the most iconic plot twists in TV history, which is known by many who haven’t even seen the show. The reason this episode is so rewatchable is due to how it made television history, and due to how abrupt and mortifying it is.
2
“Battle of the Bastards”
Season 6, Episode 9 (2016)
“Battle of the Bastards” follows Jon Snow as he returns to his home of Winterfell, this time with an army at his back, ready to take on the Boltons who have made themselves at home there. At the head of the Bolton army is one of the scariest and most despicable villains in the series: Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon). Both he and Jon are illegitimate children, hence the name of the episode. The battle opens with Bolton killing Jon’s youngest brother right in front of him. From that point on, all bets are off, and the assault is on.
Things actually don’t go very well for Jon. The Boltons are disciplined soldiers, whereas Jon mostly leads a ragtag band of Wildlings. The cinematography allows the viewer to experience Jon’s point of view, through all the death, the churning of earth, and the absolute carnage going on around him, culminating in a claustrophobic human crush as Jon’s Wildlings are gradually packed together like sardines. But by far the best part of the episode is its ending, when Ramsay Bolton gets devoured alive by his own hounds. It’s another satisfying death, coupled with one of the most thrilling battle sequences in the series, which never lets up for a second.
1
“Blackwater”
Season 2, Episode 9 (2012)
“Blackwater” has the first large-scale battle of the entire series, centering on the Battle of Blackwater Bay, just outside of King’s Landing. Here, the armies of Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) have crossed the strait between the city and his island home of Dragonstone, and are on their way to oust Joffrey and put Stannis in his rightful place as ruler of the realm. Arriving on ships, with drums of war beating, Stannis’ forces fall into a terrible trap.
Tyrion has arranged a lone ship to be laden with an explosive chemical known as wildfire, and has sent the unmanned vessel out into the bay, right into the middle of the invaders. Before they realize what’s happening, it’s already too late, and a flaming arrow launched from the shore causes a massive explosion, blowing most of the invaders sky-high. It’s horrifyingly beautiful, but the ensuing battle on the shore is where the cinematography of the series really shines. It’s one of the greatest battles in the entire series, one which also shows the politics going on behind the scenes, providing an even balance of drama and action that never gets boring.
