Every ‘Game of Thrones’ Season, Ranked From Worst to Best

There is no other fantasy series that dominated conversation quite like ‘Game of Thrones’. Across eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, the show expanded its map, scaled up its battles, and introduced a wave of characters who shaped the politics of Westeros and Essos. Each year brought a different mix of storylines, new locations, and production experiments that pushed television craft forward.

This countdown looks at what each season actually did on screen and behind the scenes. You will find the big plot moves that defined the year, the episodes that carried them, and the key production choices that made them possible, from filming hubs and directors to extended runtimes and new cast additions.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8 (2019)

The final season runs six episodes and closes the central conflicts with the Night King in ‘The Long Night’, the capture of King’s Landing in ‘The Bells’, and the political settlement in ‘The Iron Throne’. The run features ensemble staging at Winterfell, large scale destruction in the capital, and character resolutions that wrap the arcs of Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Arya Stark, and Sansa Stark.

Production shifted to movie length installments with episodes that often pass the seventy minute mark. Miguel Sapochnik and David Nutter led the directing slate, with David Benioff and D B Weiss directing the finale. The season relied on extensive visual effects work for large night battles and dragon sequences, and it concluded on May 19, 2019 with multiple Primetime Emmy wins including Outstanding Drama Series and a supporting actor win for Peter Dinklage.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 7 (2017)

Seven episodes move the story toward the endgame with the alliance between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, the capture of a wight beyond the Wall in ‘Beyond the Wall’, and the breaking of the Wall after the reanimation of Viserion. The season stages the Loot Train sequence in ‘The Spoils of War’, uses Dragonstone as a strategic base, and brings long separated characters into the same rooms for key negotiations.

Filming took place across Northern Ireland, Spain, and Iceland to depict winter conditions and coastal fortresses. Directors included Jeremy Podeswa, Mark Mylod, Matt Shakman, and Alan Taylor, and the finale ‘The Dragon and the Wolf’ uses extended runtime to host a broad political summit and a final reveal beneath Winterfell.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 5 (2015)

The season opens the Faith Militant arc in King’s Landing with the rise of the High Sparrow and expands to Dorne with the introduction of House Martell and the Water Gardens. In the North, Stannis Baratheon advances on Winterfell, while Jon Snow leads the Night’s Watch to Hardhome where he confronts the White Walkers in ‘Hardhome’. The Braavos storyline follows Arya Stark through the House of Black and White to a first mission and its consequences.

Production added Spanish locations such as the Alcázar of Seville for the Water Gardens and used Croatia and Northern Ireland for returning hubs. Miguel Sapochnik directs ‘Hardhome’ and the finale ‘Mother’s Mercy’, which includes the Walk of Atonement set piece, while the final scene at Castle Black ends the season on a major cliffhanger.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 2 (2012)

The War of the Five Kings spreads across the map with Stannis Baratheon’s claim, the introduction of Melisandre and Dragonstone, and the Ironborn push under Balon and Theon Greyjoy. Arya Stark serves as cupbearer to Tywin Lannister at Harrenhal, Daenerys Targaryen navigates Qarth, and the Stark forces continue their campaign under Robb. The defense of King’s Landing anchors the year in ‘Blackwater’.

Dubrovnik debuts as the on screen King’s Landing as the production leaves Malta for the capital’s exteriors. Neil Marshall directs ‘Blackwater’ using practical wildfire effects and large extras units along the bay, while Iceland provides the first extensive views beyond the Wall. The finale ‘Valar Morghulis’ sets up Braavos by introducing the phrase that guides Arya’s next path.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1 (2011)

The opening season establishes the houses and alliances with Eddard Stark’s move to King’s Landing, the Night’s Watch at the Wall, and the Dothraki crossing with Daenerys Targaryen. The ninth episode ‘Baelor’ delivers a decisive turn in the capital, and ‘Fire and Blood’ closes the year with the first on screen dragons and a new direction for the Targaryen claim.

Filming centered on Northern Ireland soundstages and landscapes, with Malta used for early King’s Landing scenes and coastal sequences. The season introduces constructed languages such as Dothraki, features a directing roster including Tim Van Patten and Alan Taylor, and earns Primetime Emmy recognition with a supporting actor win for Peter Dinklage.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 3 (2013)

The season advances the Northern campaign and closes multiple Riverlands arcs with ‘The Rains of Castamere’. On the Essos side, Daenerys Targaryen secures the Unsullied at Astapor and moves through Yunkai, building the foundation for her military strength. The Brotherhood Without Banners emerges with Beric Dondarrion, and Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth complete a journey that reshapes both characters.

Production expands to Morocco for Astapor and Yunkai, returns to Croatia for King’s Landing, and continues in Northern Ireland for Winterfell and the Riverlands. David Nutter directs ‘The Rains of Castamere’, and the finale ‘Mhysa’ closes with a crowd sequence in Meereen’s precursor setting that sets up the next year’s urban politics in Slaver’s Bay.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 6 (2016)

Ten episodes resolve prior cliffhangers and move major pieces into place with the return of Jon Snow, the flashback sequence that explains Hodor in ‘The Door’, and the wildfire destruction of the Great Sept in ‘The Winds of Winter’. Bran Stark’s visions connect past events to the present, while Daenerys Targaryen consolidates Meereen and sets sail for Westeros.

Miguel Sapochnik directs the large scale ‘Battle of the Bastards’ and the finale, using expanded unit work and visual effects to realize cavalry charges, dragon flight, and citywide explosions. The season marks the point where many plots move beyond the published novels, and it uses Spain, Northern Ireland, and new sets to portray Dorne, the Riverlands, and the North at larger scale.

‘Game of Thrones’ Season 4 (2014)

The year opens with the royal wedding in ‘The Lion and the Rose’, continues with Tyrion Lannister’s trial, and introduces Oberyn Martell who faces Gregor Clegane in ‘The Mountain and the Viper’. The Night’s Watch defends the Wall in ‘The Watchers on the Wall’, while Bran Stark reaches the cave of the Three Eyed Raven and meets the Children of the Forest.

Filming returns to Croatia for King’s Landing and Iceland for the Wall, while Northern Ireland hosts the majority of interior work including the throne room and the Eyrie sets. Neil Marshall directs ‘The Watchers on the Wall’ as a single location hour, Alex Graves handles multiple installments including the wedding, and the finale ‘The Children’ sends Tyrion across the Narrow Sea to begin the Essos chapter of his story.

Share your own season order in the comments and tell us which episodes defined the show for you.