Every Game of Thrones Episode Ranked by Tomatometer
Updated October 20, 2021 to reflect the most current scores
The final episodes of Game of Thrones89% smashed viewership records for the series, once again proving that it, like its Mother of Dragons, has the love of the masses — until they didn’t. Season 8’s episodes were extremely divisive among both critics and on social media, and several were battling for last place on the Tomatometer.
The series, from creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and based on author George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, released 73 episodes since it first began airing on HBO in 2011. Over the years, a vast pool of Tomatometer-eligible TV critics have weighed in season-by-season, week-after-week to be counted toward the episodic scores of one of the biggest phenomenons in TV history.
We give you a full accounting below, ranking the episodes by score from lowest to highest, with ties being broken by the number of reviews, so that an episode with more reviews ranks higher on the list. Where two or more episodes had the same score and the same number of reviews, the number of “Top Critics” weighing in broke those ties.
For five and a half seasons, the series managed to stay entirely Fresh. Not every episode reached 100% on the Tomatometer, of course, but there were no Rotten episodes to be seen until “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” (episode 6 of season 5), which was the only Rotten episode until May 2019, when two more episodes turned up Rotten.
The final season, with four episodes ranked in the bottom five of the entire series, is last among the series’ eight seasons with a 55% score. The other seven seasons were all Certified Fresh with scores in the 90th percentile. Season 1 is the next lowest–scoring season with an excellent 91% Tomatometer score.
Season 3 currently boasts the most episodes in the top 10: four episodes with 100% scores. Seasons 4 and 5 follow close behind, with two episodes earning perfect scores with more than 40 reviews each. Season 4 has the highest season-level score of any of the eight at 97% on the Tomatometer. While season 6 saw an episode average of 94% on the Tomatometer, “Book of the Stranger” (episode 4 of season 6) wowed 63 critics, earning it a 100% score and the coveted top spot in our ranking.
Seasons 1 and 2 saw fairly high episodic scores (the average score across their 20 episodes was 97%), but that was when approximately 20 critics were reviewing each episode. The number of weekly reviews practically doubled after season 3. Virtually every new season saw a jump in coverage; each year, approximately five new critics began covering Game of Thrones episodically. By the end of season 7, more than 60 critics covered the series week to week. For season 8, the number of critics weighing in each week rose to over 100.
Read on to find out exactly where the final episodes ranked in our list of every episode of Game of Thrones ranked by Tomatometer.
What was your favorite episode of Game of Thrones? Tell us in the comments.
Critics Consensus: If nothing else, "The Iron Throne" is a bittersweet -- if unfortunately bland -- series finale that ensures Game of Thrones fans will linger on the fate of their favorite characters for some time. Will they ever be satisfied by the show's conclusions? Ask us again in 10 years.
Synopsis: After much turmoil and bloodshed across the Seven Kingdoms, the battle for the Iron Throne comes to an end, and... [More]
Critics Consensus: Death, destruction, and the deterioration of Daenerys' sanity make "The Bells" an episode for the ages; but too much plot in too little time muddles the story and may leave some viewers feeling its conclusions are unearned.
Synopsis: Daenerys and Cersei weigh their options after their confrontation at the city gates. Their armies await instructions as they sit... [More]
Critics Consensus: Unbalanced storytelling and unnecessary, excessive brutality add up to disturbing viewing, although "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken" still includes enough plot revelations to offer hope for future episodes.
Synopsis: Arya begins training; Jorah and Tyrion encounter slavers; Trystane and Myrcella make plans; Jaime and Bronn reach their destination; the... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The Last of the Starks" strains to set the board for Game of Thrones' conclusion, but serves up enough political intrigue and touching character interactions to satisfy.
Synopsis: Jon and Daenerys look to the South in the wake of a costly victory; Tyrion proposes a compromise which could... [More]
Critics Consensus: Winter is here and Arya Stark may officially be the baddest woman in the land, but despite delivering some epic and emotional moments "The Long Night" leaves a few things to be desired (lighting, anyone?) heading into the final stretch.
Synopsis: Brienne and Jaime prepare the armies for battle; Arya is desperate to prove her worth as a fighter as the... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" feels like a bit of a holding pattern as Game of Thrones moves its pieces into place for the final three episodes.
Synopsis: Dany exchanges gifts with a slave lord; Sansa worries about her prospects; Shae is irritated with Tyrion's new situation; Tywin... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Lord Snow" is an intriguing and heavy transitional episode with standout performances from Bean and Gillen, though it would be better served with more focus on character change and development.
Synopsis: Ned learns of the Crown's profligacy; Jon Snow impresses Tyrion; Catelyn follows her husband to King's Landing; Arya studies swordsmanship.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Tywin Lannister and Olenna Tyrell steal the show with their exquisite negotiation as "The Climb" builds towards the Wildlings' death-defying scaling of The Wall.
Synopsis: Tywin plans unions for the Lannisters; Melisandre visits the Riverlands; Robb wants to repair his alliance with House Frey; Roose... [More]
Critics Consensus: Underscored by an especially heartwrenching moment and a spectacular display of power, "The Dance of Dragons" successfully delivers the shock and awe audiences have come to expect from the series' penultimate episodes.
Synopsis: Stannis faces a difficult decision; Jon returns to the Wall; Mace visits the Iron Bank; Arya encounters someone from her... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The Gift" is a jam-packed installment that delivers long-awaited plot turns in a satisfying manner, even though it continues a disturbing theme from the previous episode.
Synopsis: Jon prepares for conflict; Sansa tries to talk to Theon; Brienne waits for a sign; Stannis remains stubborn; Jaime tries... [More]
Critics Consensus: "No One" sees some fan favorites back in action and moves the final few pieces into place for a momentous -- and long-awaited -- battle.
Synopsis: Jaime weighs his options; Cersei answers a request; Tyrion's plans bear fruit; Arya faces a new test.... [More]
Critics Consensus: A solid season opener, The Red Woman balances its ongoing mysteries with a bit of humor and features Sansa's touching reunion with Brienne of Tarth.
Synopsis: The fate of Jon Snow is revealed; Daenerys meets a strong man; Cersei sees her daughter again.... [More]
Critics Consensus: The most solid episode of season six so far, "Oathbreaker" boasts no shocking reveals or breathless cliffhangers, just strong forward-moving storytelling.
Synopsis: Daenerys meets her future; Bran meets the past; Tommen confronts the High Sparrow; Arya trains to be No One; Varys... [More]
Critics Consensus: What "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" lacks in forward narrative momentum it makes up for in cryptic callbacks, intimate moments, and the promise of imminent battle -- though some fans may find their patience tested. The things we do for love.
Synopsis: Jaime presents his case to Bran, Daenerys and Sansa to answer for his mistakes; the gathered armies continue to prepare... [More]
Critics Consensus: While much slower in pace than the season that preceded it, "The Dragon and the Wolf" delivered satisfying conclusions to several story arcs, and masterfully set up the series' final season.
Synopsis: Tyrion tries to save Westeros from itself; Sansa questions loyalties.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Full of new revelations and one very anticipated resurrection, "Home" is a slow burn that finally sets the last pieces in play for a thrilling season six.
Synopsis: Bran trains with the Three-Eyed Raven; Jaime advises Tommen; Tyrion demands good news; at Castle Black, the Night's Watch stands... [More]
Critics Consensus: Moodier than the premiere and full of dark intrigue, "The Night Lands" introduces viewers to exotic new locations in Westeros and delivers some pivotal character moments.
Synopsis: Tyrion chastens Cersei for alienating the king's subjects; Arya shares a secret with Gendry; one of Dany's scouts returns with... [More]
Critics Consensus: Burdened with character and plot reintroductions, "Dark Wings, Dark Words" starts slow before revving up and delving into the real intrigues of the season.
Synopsis: Sansa says too much; Shae asks Tyrion for a favor; Jaime finds a way to pass the time; Arya encounters... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The Queens Justice" saw the much-anticipated meeting between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen -- but had much larger surprises in store before its shocking end.
Synopsis: Daenerys holds court; Cersei returns a gift; Jaime learns from his mistakes.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Smart writing, a few surprising plot developments, and an ominous final scene make "Valar Morghulis" a satisfying conclusion to a stellar season.
Synopsis: Theon incites his men to action; Luwin offers advice; Brienne silences Jaime; Arya receives a gift; Dany goes to a... [More]
Critics Consensus: A bit of well-placed levity perfectly compliments the shocking final scenes of "Walk of Punishment," adding up to hands down the most thrilling episode of the season so far-- minus one hand.
Synopsis: Tyrion gains new responsibilities; Jon is taken to the Fist of the First Men; Daenerys meets with the slavers; Jaime... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Mother's Mercy" wraps up a particularly dark Game of Thrones season with a finale that delivers strong character work and and a handful of appropriately bleak cliffhangers.
Synopsis: Stannis begins to march; Dany is surrounded by strangers; Cersei seeks forgiveness; Jon is challenged.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Though surprisingly bloodless, hard-fought reunions, bone-chilling surprises, and unexpected humor help "Winterfell" set the stage for what should be an epic final season.
Synopsis: Arriving at Winterfell, Jon and Daenerys struggle to unite a divided North.... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Kill the Boy" takes a fresh approach to themes of growth and change, using poignant storytelling to dramatize the challenges of making life-altering choices and struggles with power.
Synopsis: Daenerys makes a difficult decision; Jon recruits the help of an unexpected ally; Brienne searches for Sansa; Theon remains under... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The Pointy End" is a fast-paced transitional episode which, though written by source novelist George R.R. Martin, proves the show is now finding its own way as a separate entity from from the books.
Synopsis: The Lannisters press their advantage over the Starks; Robb rallies his father's allies.... [More]
Critics Consensus: With "The Wolf and the Lion," Game of Thrones tightens its grip while ratcheting up the tension through powerful writing, terrific acting, and an evocative, immersive setting.
Synopsis: Robert orders a preemptive strike on the Targaryens; Tyrion helps Catelyn; Sansa is charmed by Ser Loras Tyrell; Arya overhears... [More]
Critics Consensus: While not particularly eventful, "Two Swords" expertly lays the foundation for the coming excitement of season four with superb writing.
Synopsis: Tyrion welcomes a guest; Jon Snow is not welcome at Castle Black; Dany is directed to the mother of all... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Eastwatch" traded the fiery spectacle of Thrones' previous episode for a slow-burn approach, but nonetheless delivered some spectacular revelations and reunions.
Synopsis: Daenerys offers a choice; Arya grows suspicious; Tyrion answers a good question.... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The Ghost of Harrenhal" utilizes some unexpected character pairings to explore GOT's shifting power structure and build momentum leading into the second half of the season.
Synopsis: The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee; Tyrion is alerted to Joffrey's flawed defense plan; Arya receives... [More]
Critics Consensus: Quieter and more meditative than previous episodes, "A Man Without Honor" is bolstered by incredible performances and a welcome return to an unlikely but surprisingly satisfying onscreen duo.
Synopsis: Jaime meets a relative; Dany receives an invitation to the House of the Undying; Theon leads a search party; Jon... [More]
Critics Consensus: A solid season premiere, "The Wars to Come" ratchets up the anticipation for inevitable bloodshed while deepening focus on characters and locales.
Synopsis: Cersei and Jaime adjust to a world without Tywin; Varys reveals a conspiracy to Tyrion; Dany faces a new threat;... [More]
Critics Consensus: While "Breaker of Chains" is a letdown after the Purple Wedding, the episode expertly weaves together a number of necessary plot points -- and still manages to deliver a very memorable scene.
Synopsis: Tyrion considers his options; Tywin extends an olive branch; Sam questions the safety of Castle Black; Jon proposes a plan;... [More]
Critics Consensus: Building upon the season opener, "The House of Black and White" increases the intensity by calling upon some major characters to make some tough decisions.
Synopsis: Arya arrives in Braavos; Brienne runs into trouble on the road; Cersei fears for her daughter's safety in Dorne; Ellaria... [More]
Critics Consensus: If it's a bit more subdued than its predecessors, "Oathkeeper" is nonetheless a rock-solid installment of Game of Thrones -- one that features assured direction, strong action scenes, and intriguing plot developments.
Synopsis: Dany balances justice and mercy; Brienne is tasked with Jaime's honor; Jon secures volunteers; Bran, Jojen, Meera and Hodor find... [More]
Critics Consensus: An episode that benefits from the intricate plotting of the previous three, "Sons of the Harpy" balances bloody action with illuminating character interplay.
Synopsis: The Faith Militant grow increasingly aggressive; Jaime and Bronn head south; Ellaria and the Sand Snakes vow vengeance.... [More]
Critics Consensus: With one of the most gruesome scenes to date, "The Mountain and the Viper" delivers a tense, twisty final scene well worth the wait.
Synopsis: Unexpected visitors arrive in Mole's Town; Littlefinger's motives are questioned; Ramsay tries to prove himself to his father; Tyrion's fate... [More]
Critics Consensus: While necessarily setting up the events for the season, "Stormborn" features compelling strategic discussion, and a cracking action sequence to end the episode with a bang.
Synopsis: Daenerys receives an unexpected visitor; Jon faces a revolt; Tyrion plans the conquest of Westeros.... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Garden of Bones" continues GoT's stellar second season with a bleak, disturbing, and powerful episode that culminates in a bizarre confirmation that the night is indeed dark and full of terrors.
Synopsis: Joffrey punishes Sansa; Catelyn tries to get Stannis and Renly to unite against the Lannisters; Dany arrives at the gates... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Valar Dohaeris" overextends itself trying to reintroduce a multitude of characters and plotlines, but is strengthened by its brilliantly acted two-person scenes (and three growing baby dragons).
Synopsis: Jon is brought before the King Beyond the Wall; Tyrion asks for his reward; Littlefinger offers Sansa a way out;... [More]
Critics Consensus: Capping off the best season of Game of Thrones to date, "The Children" provides enough satisfying plot developments for a finale, while its twists and turns leave you wanting more.
Synopsis: Circumstances change after an unexpected arrival from north of the Wall; Dany must face harsh realities; Bran learns more about... [More]
Critics Consensus: Only slow by Game of Thrones standards, "First of His Name" demonstrates how carefully constructed this show has been since season one.
Synopsis: Cersei and Tywin plan the Crown's next move; Dany discusses future plans; Jon Snow begins a new mission.... [More]
Critics Consensus: An exquisitely crafted episode, "The Door" culminates in a gut-wrenching revelation that makes the loss of a beloved character all the more poignant.
Synopsis: Tyrion seeks a strange ally; Bran learns a great deal; Brienne goes on a mission; Arya gets a chance to... [More]
Critics Consensus: The return of long-lost characters and the introduction of some sharply-drawn newcomers keep the "The Broken Man" from feeling like mere setup for the season finale.
Synopsis: The High Sparrow considers another target; Jaime confronts a hero; Arya makes a plan; memories are awakened in the North.... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Battle of the Bastards" delivers one of the greatest battle sequences in the show's history -- and some savagely satisfying vengeance as well.
Synopsis: Daenerys and Tyrion discuss a plan; Jon Snow and his army prepare for a battle; Ramsay plays a game.... [More]
Critics Consensus: The character-focused "A Golden Crown" highlights Game of Throne's cast to exhilarating effect, with particularly entertaining comic relief courtesy of Peter Dinklage's Tyrion.
Synopsis: Ned sits for the king; Tyrion confesses and demands a trial by combat; Joffrey apologizes; Viserys receives his final payment.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Nuanced characters and a gripping plot help "Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things" set a new first-season benchmark for Game of Thrones.
Synopsis: Ned looks for clues; Robert and his guests witness a tournament; Viserys clashes with Daenerys; Sansa imagines her future as... [More]
Critics Consensus: "Fire and Blood" creatively provides closure after a shocking penultimate episode while strategically setting up arcs for season two.
Synopsis: A new king rises in the north; a Khaleesi finds new hope in the season finale.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Though it's mostly concerned with moving its pieces into position before the finale, "The Prince of Winterfell" is a pleasantly subdued episode that makes the most of its character moments.
Synopsis: Theon holds down the fort; Arya calls in a debt; Robb is betrayed; Dany ignores Jorah's advice; Stannis and Davos... [More]
Critics Consensus: Superbly written and directed, "What is Dead May Never Die" evokes a range of emotions as uneasy alliances are forged, past traumas are explored, and the stakes grow ever higher.
Synopsis: Tyrion plots to gain alliances through the promise of marriage; Catelyn arrives in the Stormlands; Luwin tries to decipher Bran's... [More]
Critics Consensus: Thanks to a balance of thrilling action, complex character work, and a savage twist, "The Old Gods and The New" justifies its deviation from the source material.
Synopsis: The Lannisters send Myrcella away from harm; Arya has a surprise visitor; Dany makes a vow; Robb and Catelyn receive... [More]
Critics Consensus: GoT delivers a thrilling tour de force in "Blackwater," an epic hour of blockbuster television full of spectacular battle sequences and equally powerful drama.
Synopsis: Tyrion and the Lannisters fight for their lives as Stannis' fleet attacks King's Landing.... [More]
Critics Consensus: "The North Remembers" underscores Joffrey's capacity for cruelty and Tyrion's development as a key player in a compelling sophomore season opener.
Synopsis: Tyrion arrives in King's Landing to counsel Joffrey; Stannis Baratheon plots an invasion to claim his late brother's throne; Daenerys... [More]
Critics Consensus: Despite lacking the big action reveals of the previous episode, "Kissed by Fire" is anchored by a devastatingly intimate scene between Brienne and Jamie, and plenty of Lannister intrigue.
Synopsis: The Hound is judged by the gods; Jaime is judged; Jon proves himself; Robb is betrayed; Tyrion learns the cost... [More]
Critics Consensus: "And Now His Watch is Ended" is an enthralling meditation on betrayal and revenge, bolstered by a mind-blowing surprise for those who would underestimate Daenerys Targarean.
Synopsis: The Night's Watch takes stock; Varys meets his better; Arya is taken to the commander of the Brotherhood; Daenerys makes... [More]
Critics Consensus: The most unforgettable episode of Game of Thrones thus far, "The Rains of Castamere" (or as it shall forever be known, "The Red Wedding") packs a dramatic wallop that feels as exquisitely shocking as it does ultimately inevitable.
Synopsis: Robb presents himself to Walder Frey; Edmure meets his bride; Jon faces a harsh test; Bran discovers a new gift;... [More]
Critics Consensus: "High Sparrow" expertly weaves together characters from Game of Thrones' sprawling stories, though the episode ultimately belongs to Jon Snow, whose new position highlights unexpected qualities.
Synopsis: In King's Landing, Queen Margaery enjoys her new husband; Tyrion and Varys walk the Long Bridge of Volantis.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Following several episodes of setup, "Hardhome" blends a sharp script with spectacular blockbuster action to offer viewers a powerful, game-changing payoff.
Synopsis: Arya makes progress with her training; Sansa confronts an old friend; Cersei finds herself struggling; Jon travels.... [More]
Critics Consensus: Though "Mockingbird" mostly sets the table for future events, it remains chock-full of action, suspense, surprise, and raw human emotion.
Synopsis: Tyrion gains an unlikely ally; Daario asks Dany to allow him to do what he does best; Jon's warnings about... [More]
