Game Of Thrones’ 13 Best Lannisters, Ranked

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In George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and the HBO television series, the Lannisters are one of the oldest and most respected families in Westeros. They are a hugely influential political and military power throughout the story. The Lannisters are famous for their golden hair, but they’re even more well-known for always paying their debts, no matter the cost.

As a huge fan of the Game of Thrones world, I’m thrilled to see it expanding with shows like House of the Dragon and the more recent A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – which means even more Lannisters! But honestly, I don’t think either of these spinoffs will give us a Lannister as richly developed as the ones we fell in love (or loved to hate!) in the original Thrones. So, I started thinking about the best Lannister characters across the whole HBO universe, and I decided to rank them. It’s not about who’s ‘good’ or who’s the most powerful, but about how well-written they are and how important they are to the overall story.

13. Martyn and Willem Lannister

Played by Dean-Charles Chapman and Timothy Gibbons in Game of Thrones

As a huge Game of Thrones fan, I always felt bad for Martyn and Willem Lannister. They weren’t on screen for long – just a couple of episodes in season 3, as I recall – but their fate was pretty significant. After Robb Stark captured them, everyone was arguing about whether to trade them for Sansa and Arya. But before Robb could make a decision, Rickard Karstark took matters into his own hands and killed them both in prison, as revenge for the loss of his own son. It was a brutal moment, and it really showed how ruthless things had become.

Robb Stark was furious when his lord ordered the cruel killing of two innocent boys, so he executed Karstark in response. This decision was one of many errors Robb made, ultimately leading to the Red Wedding and the loss of House Karstark’s support. Sadly, Martyn and Willem are mostly remembered for their deaths, which fueled the conflict surrounding Robb’s rebellion, and aren’t developed as characters beyond that.

12. Jason Lannister

Played by Jefferson Hall in House of the Dragon

The new series House of the Dragon features two new members of the Lannister family, and one of them, Jason Lannister, may be even more unpleasant than Cersei. As Lord of Casterly Rock during the Dance of Dragons, he attempts to marry Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, but she turns him down. This rejection becomes a problem for Rhaenyra later on when a civil war begins, as the Lannisters side with King Aegon and Alicent Hightower’s faction.

In season 2 of House of the Dragon, Jason plays more of a secondary role in the war. We last saw him getting ready to fight Daemon Targaryen’s forces, and his leadership – as a Lannister – reveals a lot about the show’s world. While he’s likely to face a tough battle against Daemon and his dragon, Jason perfectly embodies the problems with how power works in Westeros and among the Lannisters, making him a compelling, though sometimes frustrating, character.

11. Tyland Lannister

Played by Jefferson Hall in House of the Dragon

Tyland Lannister and his brother, Jason, are twins. Tyland advises King Viserys as Master of Ships, a position on the small council, while Jason manages their family and its forces. Unlike his impulsive and proud brother, Tyland is more thoughtful and cautioned the king about potential problems with the Triarchy in the Stepstones.

When Viserys expressed his desire for Aegon to be king, Tyland immediately supported the Greens and opposed Rhaenyra Targaryen. He suggested a marriage alliance with House Baratheon to strengthen their position. Throughout the war, Tyland helped secure the throne and formed an alliance with the Triarchy, consistently demonstrating his intelligence and unwavering loyalty to the Lannisters.

10. Alton Lannister

Played by Karl Davies in Game of Thrones

Alton Lannister was a minor character in Game of Thrones who died quickly, killed by a member of his own family. As a cousin of Jaime, Cersei, and Tyrion, he worked as a messenger between Robb Stark’s army and the Iron Throne. After delivering a request from the North to return Sansa and Arya – a request Cersei refused – Alton was imprisoned with his cousin Jaime.

Alton and Jaime share a heartfelt moment where Alton fondly remembers serving as Jaime’s squire. This leads Jaime to reveal a plan for their escape. As Jaime whispers the plan in Alton’s ear, he unexpectedly kills him. While this act of kinslaying deeply troubles Jaime throughout the rest of the story, Alton’s small moment of growth makes his death particularly shocking and one of Jaime’s most reprehensible actions.

9. Kevan Lannister

Played by Ian Gelder in Game of Thrones

Kevan Lannister is often seen as the most straightforward member of the powerful Lannister family. First appearing in the early seasons of Game of Thrones as Tywin Lannister’s brother, he doesn’t return to the story until Season Five. He arrives in King’s Landing after Tywin’s death, and Cersei offers him the important role of Master of War. However, he declines the position until King Tommen personally confirms the offer.

Throughout seasons 5 and 6, Kevan stands in the way of Cersei’s attempts to gain control. After Cersei is imprisoned by the High Sparrow, he becomes Hand of the King and serves as a steadfast, thoughtful advisor to Tommen. He maintains this role even when the Faith removes Jaime from his position as a Kingsguard. Sadly, he dies in the explosion of the Sept of Baelor at the end of season 6.

8. Myrcella Baratheon

Played by Nell Tiger Free in Game of Thrones

During the second season of Game of Thrones, Cersei arranges a marriage between her daughter, Myrcella Baratheon, and Trystane Martell to create an alliance between the Iron Throne and Dorne. Myrcella doesn’t reappear until season 5, when she becomes a target for Ellaria Sand and Oberyn Martell’s illegitimate daughters, who are seeking revenge on the Lannisters for Oberyn’s death at the hands of The Mountain.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Myrcella genuinely fell in love with Trystane and chose to stay with him, even when Jaime came to bring her home. Tragically, she was poisoned and died in Jaime’s arms, only after revealing a secret about her parentage. Though she appeared to be a simple princess, Myrcella’s final moments showed her intelligence, highlighting the harsh reality that true innocence doesn’t last long in Westeros.

7. Lancel Lannister

Played by Eugene Simon in Game of Thrones

Jaime and Cersei Lannister often had a difficult relationship, but Cersei crossed a line that Jaime didn’t: she had an affair with a family member. After Jaime was captured by Robb Stark’s army, Cersei began a relationship with her cousin, Lancel. Though the affair was short-lived – Tyrion soon discovered it – Cersei ultimately abandoned Lancel when he was severely wounded during the Battle of Blackwater.

Lancel returns in season five as a deeply religious follower of the High Sparrow, marked with the symbol of the Seven on his forehead. What’s most compelling about him is his unwavering faith. When it’s revealed he had an affair with Cersei, she’s arrested and forced to endure the humiliating Walk of Shame – a pivotal moment for her. However, Cersei ultimately has the final victory, as Lancel is the first to die when wildfire destroys the Sept of Baelor.

6. Tommen Baratheon

Played by Dean-Charles Chapman in Game of Thrones

Tommen’s biggest weakness is arguably his kindness and naiveté, qualities that don’t serve him well in the harsh world of Game of Thrones. He becomes a central figure after inheriting the Iron Throne from his brother, Joffrey. Margaery Tyrell quickly turns her attention to Tommen, hoping to become queen herself. While Tommen and Margaery could have been happy together, their relationship was disrupted by the influence of the High Sparrow.

Tommen is easily influenced by the women around him, but he has the capacity for true courage. Before the destruction of the Sept of Baelor, he seemed prepared to finally break away from his mother. Sadly, after seeing his wife die and realizing his hopes for peace were shattered, he took his own life. Compared to many of his family members, Tommen was one of the more decent people.

5. Joffrey Baratheon

Played by Jack Gleeson in Game of Thrones

Joffrey Baratheon is widely considered one of the most memorable villains on TV. Starting as a spoiled young prince, he becomes a pivotal figure when he takes the throne after his father, Robert, dies. His cruel and impulsive nature quickly becomes clear, most notably when he ignores warnings and orders the execution of Ned Stark, falsely accusing him of treason and questioning Joffrey’s own claim to the throne.

Despite being incredibly cruel to those around him – including Tyrion, Cersei, and Sansa, as well as his subjects – Joffrey occasionally demonstrates intelligence as a ruler, notably when considering the threat posed by Daenerys Targaryen. Key moments, like his public shaming of Tyrion at his wedding to Margaery – which immediately precedes his poisoning and death in Cersei’s arms – perfectly capture his character. Ultimately, Joffrey’s death shows that even in the harsh world of Westeros, wickedness doesn’t always prevail.

4. Jaime Lannister

Played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in Game of Thrones

Jaime Lannister is arguably the most talked-about character in Game of Thrones. The series immediately introduces him as a controversial figure – we first see him in a scandalous relationship with his twin sister and committing a violent act to keep it hidden. It’s only later, after he loses his hand while journeying with Brienne, that audiences start to see a different side of him. Eventually, when he explains why he killed the former king, Jaime experiences one of the show’s most compelling transformations from villain to hero.

Jaime’s story could have ended much better if the final episodes hadn’t undone so much of his growth as a character. While he did finally admit his feelings for Brienne, he ultimately returned to Cersei and tragically died with her when Daenerys destroyed the Red Keep. He deserved a happier ending, and Cersei certainly didn’t deserve his unwavering loyalty.

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2026-04-26 00:42