Over eight seasons, Game of Thrones delivered countless breathtaking moments — from shocking deaths to grand battles. However, three episodes stand out as true television masterpieces, earning an unprecedented 9.9 rating on IMDb: Battle of the Bastards, The Winds of Winter, and The Rains of Castamere. Here’s why these episodes captivated audiences.
Battle of the Bastards (Season 6, Episode 9)
This episode features one of the most visually stunning battles in television history. Jon Snow and his army engage in a brutal fight for Winterfell against the ruthless Ramsay Bolton. The battle sequences are breathtakingly filmed, placing viewers right in the middle of the chaos. One particularly harrowing moment shows Jon Snow nearly suffocating under a pile of fallen soldiers, creating an intense feeling of claustrophobia and desperation. Victory seemed impossible until Sansa Stark turned the tide at the last moment.
The Winds of Winter (Season 6, Episode 10)
This episode shocked audiences with its gripping storytelling and stunning cinematography. The opening sequence, accompanied by the haunting Light of the Seven, is one of the most artistic moments in the series. The story unfolds with a game-changing event: Cersei Lannister detonates the Great Sept of Baelor using wildfire, eliminating many of her enemies in an instant. Meanwhile, in Winterfell, Jon Snow is declared King in the North, and in Braavos, Arya Stark takes her revenge on Walder Frey for the Red Wedding. The final scene is unforgettable — Daenerys Targaryen finally sets sail for Westeros with a massive fleet, her ships adorned with Targaryen banners.
The Rains of Castamere (Season 3, Episode 9)
The episode that changed everything. The wedding of Edmure Tully and Roslin Frey begins peacefully, but the atmosphere shifts drastically when the ominous Rains of Castamere plays — a signal for the massacre to begin. Walder Frey orchestrates the brutal slaughter of Robb Stark, his pregnant wife, and his mother, Catelyn Stark. The North’s hopes are crushed in an instant. Viewers were left in shock as key protagonists were killed in the blink of an eye, and the Stark army was annihilated.
Conclusion: Three Episodes That Defined Game of Thrones
Each of these episodes marked a turning point in the series. Battle of the Bastards showcased one of television’s greatest battles, The Winds of Winter reshaped Westeros’ political landscape, and The Rains of Castamere delivered one of the most shocking moments in TV history.
These episodes solidified Game of Thrones as more than just a show — it became a legend.
