Every ‘Game of Thrones’ Franchise Season, Ranked

by

The hit show Game of Thrones completely reshaped television. Before it premiered in 2011, no one anticipated its impact. HBO transformed from being known for crime dramas to pioneering a new standard for fantasy storytelling. The show shattered viewership records and proved that television wasn’t bound by previous limitations. Over eight seasons, Game of Thrones captivated audiences with its huge budget, complex political plots, unexpected character deaths, and compelling characters.

Initially, the huge success of Game of Thrones felt like too much, but HBO understandably wanted to capitalize on it. When the prequel, House of the Dragon, arrived in 2022, viewers were understandably hesitant after the disappointing final season. However, House of the Dragon showed there were still compelling stories to tell in that world. Then, in January 2026, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 debuted – a smaller, character-driven show that felt like a genuine passion project rather than just a way to make more money. Several other Game of Thrones spin-offs are also currently being developed.

This series just keeps going, and after so many seasons of dramatic storylines, it’s worth asking: how good has it actually been? Over eleven seasons, we’ve seen everything from truly great episodes to some real disappointments, and a few pleasant surprises. Let’s dive in and discuss it.

11
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8


HBO

It’s no surprise that Season 8 of Game of Thrones is considered the weakest. The show had built a strong reputation on making characters’ decisions feel realistic and earned, even when those choices were painful. But the final season abandoned that principle. While some episodes were visually impressive, they lacked emotional weight. For example, the Battle of Winterfell prioritized spectacle over storytelling, making it difficult to follow what was happening. The choice of Bran as king felt completely random, and Jon Snow’s storyline ended with him being exiled – making his resurrection seem pointless.

Season 8 feels like the writers lost steam. It’s especially frustrating considering each episode cost a whopping $15 million to make, and yet, the season still feels disappointing. Thinking about all the time spent on unimportant storylines makes the short length – only six episodes – even more puzzling. It’s not terrible television, but it’s definitely the weakest installment of Game of Thrones.

10
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 5


HBO

Many fans today unfairly compare Season 5 of Game of Thrones to the widely criticized Season 8. However, Season 5 faced unique challenges because the show had moved past the existing books. With George R.R. Martin not yet having finished the novels, the show’s creators had to invent their own story, and the result felt noticeably different. The plotline involving Dorne was particularly weak, and while Cersei’s walk of shame was powerfully done, much of the rest of the season felt like unnecessary padding.

Arya’s storyline with the Faceless Men felt unnecessarily prolonged, and Jon Snow’s season largely served as an introduction to future events. The show began prioritizing shocking moments over good storytelling, and it became clear the writers were struggling to maintain consistent character behavior. Season 5 is especially disappointing because, despite some excellent scenes like the one at Harrenhal and Stannis’s story arc, the quality was inconsistent. Unlike Season 7, which at least kept the plot moving, Season 5 felt like it was unfolding in slow motion.

9
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2


HBO

Ranking this season is tricky, so let’s be upfront: House of the Dragon Season 2 is a strong show. It’s daring, often violent, and consistently exciting. The conflict that’s been building finally erupts into war, and the show truly delivers on what it initially promised. Some of the clashes and battles are as captivating as the best moments from the rest of the series.

The main reason this season doesn’t quite measure up is because of what came before. While Season 2 builds on the story in a grand way, it sometimes loses the strong focus on characters that made the first season so captivating. Compared to the better seasons of Game of Thrones, it hasn’t had the same impact on popular culture. It felt a little sprawling and needed more direction as a standalone season. However, once the complete story of House of the Dragon is finished, Season 2 will likely feel more satisfying and cohesive.

8
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 7


HBO

Looking back, the daring mission north of the Wall – while exciting when it first aired – doesn’t make much sense. The show clearly planned for a longer finale in Season 7, but those plans fell apart. Knowing how Season 8 turned out, it feels like Season 7 was ultimately a waste of time, setting up storylines that never paid off. It’s still enjoyable in parts, but it’s frustrating to realize the whole season was built on the expectation of a fantastic conclusion that never happened.

7
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6


HBO

Season 6 of Game of Thrones marked a strong comeback after a challenging previous season. The episode “The Battle of the Bastards” is widely considered one of the best in the entire show, with incredible action, suspense, and a satisfying defeat for Ramsay Bolton’s army. The season finale, “The Winds of Winter,” was equally impressive, featuring the shocking destruction of the Sept of Baelor, a moment that deeply impacted fans. These two episodes alone make Season 6 stand out, and truly save the season.

The first few episodes of Game of Thrones Season 6 are slow, with storylines feeling stuck. Arya finishes her training with the Faceless Men, but some of Daenerys’s scenes feel like we’ve seen them before. Jon Snow’s return from the dead is a highlight. Thankfully, the season improves significantly in its second half as character developments start to pay off. The fates of Loras and Margaery are particularly impactful because their deaths in the Sept of Baelor are unexpected. While the season has its ups and downs, its best moments are truly memorable and capture what made the show so great.

6
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 2


HBO

Season 2 of Game of Thrones features several strong episodes, with “Blackwater” standing out as a remarkably well-done battle sequence. The show continues to build its world and explore complex political intrigue, making the stakes of power increasingly clear. However, like many second seasons, it feels somewhat like a pause before the bigger events of Season 3. While the War of the Five Kings was compelling and fast-paced, and Renly’s death a genuine surprise, the season lacks that same forward drive.

Season 2 continues to develop its characters well. Tyrion is excellent as Hand of the King, and his scenes with Cersei are full of conflict and intensity. Arya’s storyline, though somewhat separate from the main events, features strong character development, particularly in her interactions with Tywin. While it’s not as fast-paced as the first season, which was incredibly gripping, Season 2 allows for a deeper appreciation of the political maneuvering and the relationships between characters. It can be a bit slow at times, especially in the latter half, making it less ideal for quick binge-watching.

5
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1


HBO

Revisiting the first season of Game of Thrones is a bit sad for some, knowing how the show eventually turned out. But it’s undeniable that Season 1 was brilliantly made and really changed television, especially fantasy dramas. The show did a fantastic job introducing a huge cast of characters, wasn’t afraid to kill off important ones, and balanced personal stories with large-scale action. Ned Stark’s death still feels shocking because the show built up to it so well. The pacing is slower and more thoughtful than what we’re used to today, which is both its biggest strength and the reason some might not consider it the best season.

The first season of Game of Thrones focuses more on setting up the world and characters than on delivering a fully realized story. The plotline involving the Targaryens doesn’t get as much attention as the events in Westeros, and the season sometimes feels slow. While the finale has a surprising twist, its emotional impact relies heavily on whether viewers connected with Ned Stark’s character. Despite these points, Season 1 was groundbreaking – it sparked a lot of discussion and demonstrated HBO’s willingness to let George R.R. Martin’s creative vision come to life. Ultimately, Seasons 3 and 4 simply built upon the ideas introduced in Season 1 and executed them more effectively.

4
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 1


HBO

Season one of House of the Dragon showed that Game of Thrones wasn’t a one-time success. It demonstrated that the original show’s formula could work again if followed closely. Despite the negative reaction to Game of Thrones‘ final season, this prequel was surprisingly well-received. The first three episodes were particularly strong, expertly setting the atmosphere and scope of the story, and the use of time jumps made the Targaryen conflict feel like a real historical event.

Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy deliver powerful and moving performances as Rhaenyra, and Matt Smith is convincingly intimidating as Daemon. The first season of House of the Dragon succeeds by focusing on a streamlined story and building tension, rather than trying to outdo Game of Thrones with spectacle. The season finale sets up exciting possibilities for what’s to come, leaving viewers eager for more. The show’s visuals, including the dragons, feel realistic and impactful, and it emphasizes the complexities of the characters and their relationships over endless battles.

3
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 1


HBO

The series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms launched on January 18, 2026, and was instantly a hit – and rightfully so. It’s a much more focused story than its predecessor, shifting away from a large cast and complex plots to a charming, character-driven road trip. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell have fantastic chemistry as Dunk and Egg, and their witty conversations are consistently entertaining.

Unlike later seasons of Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a more focused and relaxed series. It proves that strong, well-developed characters are enough to satisfy viewers, and the show earns your trust right away. What makes it stand out is its pacing – it takes the time to explore its characters and let scenes unfold naturally, instead of rushing through a complicated plot. The supporting actors are also excellent. By keeping the story simple, the series avoids the pitfalls that plagued later seasons. Ultimately, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reminds us that a compelling story in Westeros doesn’t require a massive, sprawling plot – just characters we connect with and enough time to get to know them.

2
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 3


HBO

Many fans consider Season 3 to be the best of Game of Thrones because it expertly combines grand, impressive scenes with meaningful character growth. The Red Wedding isn’t just a shocking event; it feels earned because of the events leading up to it, showing how even honorable people can fall in this brutal world. The season brilliantly portrays the downfall of Robb and Catelyn, highlighting that good intentions and family ties aren’t enough to guarantee survival. Even Tyrion’s story arc, from powerful advisor to a broken man, is exceptionally well-written.

Season 3 is fantastic, but falls just short of being the best. The storylines focusing on the North are incredibly well done, but the plots in the South and East aren’t quite as strong. Daenerys’s journey has its highlights, but occasionally feels disconnected from the central story. However, the last five episodes are truly exceptional television – unforgettable moments like Jaime losing his hand, the shocking Red Wedding, and his tense encounter with Joffrey all stand out. It’s the last season where every scene felt crucial, and it completely held your attention.




5 Questions

Ranking the Thrones: Test Your Westeros Wisdom!
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-26 00:38