Game of Thrones has been an iconic series since its first season was released on HBO in 2011. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular television shows of all time. But not all of its episodes have been fan favorites. Ranked among the worst episodes of the show are a few that have been controversial and/or downright hated. From a rushed finale to an out-of-place detour, these episodes of Game of Thrones have been deemed by fans as the worst of the nine seasons.
When it comes to ranking the worst Game of Thrones episodes, there are a few contenders. Some of these episodes have been criticized for their pacing, characterization, or plot. Others have been met with a collective groan from fans for their seemingly unnecessary filler. And then there are some episodes that were just plain bad.
In this list, we will be discussing the worst episodes of Game of Thrones and ranking them from least bad to most terrible. Read on to find out which episodes of the show have been ranked among its worst and why they have earned this dubious honor.
Written by Sophie and last updated on Nov 20, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Arya trains. Jorah and Tyrion run into slavers. Trystane and Myrcella make plans. Jaime and Bronn reach their destination. The Sand Snakes attack.
The episode was rated 7,69 from 10617 votes.
In Braavos, Arya sees the Many-Faced God; In King's Landing, Queen Margaery enjoys her new husband; Tyrion and Varys walk the Long Bridge of Volantis.
The episode was rated 7,86 from 11357 votes.
Daenerys makes a difficult decision in Meereen; Jon recruits the help of an unexpected ally; Brienne searches for Sansa; Theon remains under Ramsay’s control.
The episode was rated 7,90 from 10385 votes.
Arya arrives in Braavos; Podrick and Brienne run into trouble on the road; Cersei fears for her daughter's safety in Dorne as Ellaria Sand seeks revenge for Oberyn's death. Stannis tempts Jon; an adviser tempts Daenerys.
The episode was rated 7,91 from 11662 votes.
The Faith Militant grow increasingly aggressive. Jaime and Bronn head south. Ellaria and the Sand Snakes vow vengeance.
The episode was rated 7,95 from 11393 votes.
Jon prepares for conflict. Sansa tries to talk to Theon. Brienne waits for a sign. Stannis remains stubborn. Jaime attempts to reconnect with family.
The episode was rated 8,01 from 10881 votes.
Cersei and Jaime adjust to a world without Tywin; Varys reveals a conspiracy to Tyrion; Daenerys faces a new threat to her rule; Jon is caught between two kings.
The episode was rated 8,01 from 12599 votes.
Stannis marches on Winterfell. With Daenerys missing, Meereen has to find a new custodian. Cersei seeks forgiveness for her sins. Jon deals with life back behind the wall.
The episode was rated 8,35 from 12077 votes.
In the latest episode of Game of Thrones titled "The Dance of Dragons," tensions rise as Stannis is faced with a difficult decision. Meanwhile, Jon returns to The Wall, and Mace pays a visit to the Iron Bank. But it's Arya who encounters someone from her past, leading to an intriguing turn of events. And let's not forget Daenerys, who reluctantly oversees a traditional celebration of athleticism.
Comments from fans have been mixed. Some are cheering for Khaleesi, hailing her as the queen, while others are praising Drogon as the hero. However, there is no shortage of criticism for Stannis, with some viewers labeling him as a "bastard." As the season finale approaches, anticipation is building, leaving us all wondering what will happen next.
Despite the excitement surrounding the episode, there are a few viewers who expressed their discomfort with a particular scene involving Shireen. The screams of the lovable child still haunt their minds, and they question the necessity of such a disturbing event, especially since it deviates from the original books. They find it disgusting and believe it adds nothing to the show or its characters.
However, amidst the mixed reactions and controversy, there is one thing that everyone seems to agree on – the ending of this episode is absolutely mind-blowing. It's a surprise that makes you forget all the other criticisms and leaves you in awe. And for those who are dragon enthusiasts, the episode surely didn't disappoint. The excitement of seeing dragons in action is something that never gets old.
The episode was rated 8,44 from 11684 votes.
In the episode "Hardhome" of Game of Thrones, Arya continues to make strides in her training, honing her skills to become a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Sansa finds herself face to face with an old friend, leading to a confrontation that could have far-reaching consequences. Cersei, on the other hand, grapples with her own personal struggles, as the weight of her choices starts to take its toll.
Amidst all this, Jon embarks on a journey that will take him to the icy reaches of the North. Winter is here, and with it comes a battle of epic proportions. The fight for survival has never been more intense, as the forces of darkness gather, ready to wage war against the living.
Fans of the show were left in awe by the action-packed scenes in "Hardhome." From the introduction of the beloved character Karsi, who unfortunately met a tragic end all too soon, to the breathtaking sight of zombies flinging themselves off cliffs to join the fight, this episode was filled with moments that left viewers on the edge of their seats.
Many deemed "Hardhome" as the best episode of Game of Thrones to date. The dynamic duo of Tyrion and Daenerys, played by Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke respectively, proved to be a formidable team, captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry. As the stakes continue to rise, the battle for the Iron Throne has never been more thrilling and unpredictable.
The episode was rated 8,64 from 12212 votes.
