One of the best and most generation-defining TV shows this decade, Game Of Thrones debuted in 2011 and became a pop culture phenomenon. Based on the novel series by George R. R. Martin, the show was praised for its insane battles, fantastic characters, and shocking twists among a plenitude of other things.
Had the first season of the show not been so fantastic, the show would not have reached the heights it did. A good gauge on just how successful the season was critically is the often-cited IMDb, so here are all of the episodes from season one of Game Of Thrones ranked, according to IMDb.
EPISODE 3 - “LORD SNOW” - 8.7
Episode three of the first season follows Jon Snow in his training to be a member of the Night’s Watch at the Great Wall, also following Catelyn as she travels to King’s Landing to talk to Ned about who attempted to assassinate Bran, all the while across the narrow sea, Daenerys and Viserys are at odds with Viserys attempting to impose his power.
The episode is the lowest rated on IMDb of the series which says a lot about the quality of season one with an 8.7 rating. That comes from 27,157 votes, 43% of which gave the episode a 10.0 and another 43% giving it 9.0 or 8.0, 3.5% also gave the episode a 1.0. Overall it is a quality episode that furthers the story and the characters well, albeit at a perhaps necessary slower pace than the first two episodes.
EPISODE 4 - CRIPPLES, BASTARDS, AND BROKEN THINGS - 8.8
The next episode introduces fans to a beloved supporting character in the likable and intelligent Samwell Tarley whom Jon meets at the Night’s Watch, also Eddard is investigating the death of the former King’s Hand, uncovering truths along the way. Concurrently, Arya is taking sword lessons and Daenerys stands up to Viserys.
Another great rating for season one, scoring 8.8 from 25,762 votes, with 44.5% of them giving the episode a 10.0 and 43.6 giving it either an 8.0 or 9.0 and only 2.7 giving it the lowest score of 1.0, other 9.2% goes anywhere between 2.0 and 7.0. As all these episodes do, this furthers the characters and their arcs with fantastic writing and performances giving emotion and a sense of unpredictability the show became known for.
EPISODE 2 - THE KINGSROAD - 8.8
Episode two of the season focuses on the recovery of Bran after his fall in episode one, it also is the episode where Jon embarks for the Great Wall to join the Night’s Watch. Outside of this Joffrey has an altercation with Arya and her Direwolf which creates drama right after it is agreed Sansa Stark should Marry the future king. All the while, Daenerys seeks advice in making her new husband Khal Drogo.
The last on this list to score lower than 9.0, episode 2 gained its 8.8 from 28,724 votes. 43.8% of these voters gave the episode a 10.0 while 44.6% gave it a 9.0 or an 8.0 with a small 2.7% giving it a 1.0. The other 8.9% gave it between 2.0 and 7.0. The episode firmly reinforces the deplorable temperament of the Lannisters and is a good, tense follow up to episode one.
EPISODE 8 - THE POINTY END - 9.0
With the loathsome Joffrey now on the throne, he and Cersei imprison Ned Stark and eliminate his allies all while Robb rallies the Starks’ allies to head for King’s Landing. Out with this White Walkers make an appearance attacking the Great Wall and across the Narrow Sea Drogo’s accepting of Daenerys’ requests leads to dissent.
The episode’s 9.0 rating comes from 25,116 votes with 51.5% of those being for a 10.0 rating and a small 2.7% giving it a 1.o. 40.2% comes from voters opting for 8.0 or 9.0 with the other small % going for between 2.0 and 7.0. Growing love for Arya and most other Starks and a growing hatred for the Lannisters, coupled with curiosity and dread at both Daenerys and the White Walkers anchor this brilliantly-written, well-performed episode.
EPISODE 1 - WINTER IS COMING - 9.0
The one that kicked it all off, episode one introduces us to the Starks, the Lannisters, Westeros and the Targaryen’s across the waters. Eddard Stark is torn in his decision between his family and being the King’s Hand while Viserys plans on exchanging his sister’s hand in marriage, for an army.
With a big 37,885 votes, 53.1% gave the series premiere a 10.0 while 2.5% gave it a 1.0. 37.3% of voters opted to give the episode a 9.0 or 8.0 with the rest giving it between 2.0 and 7.0. It was fast-paced with a lot to take in, but with gorgeous visuals, great characters and an overall brilliant introduction to the world, the episode was a huge success.
EPISODE 5 - THE WOLF AND THE LION - 9.1
The midpoint of the season, episode five leads to Eddard’s dismissal as King’s Hand as Robert Baratheon plots attack against Daenerys, it also shows Catelyn kidnapping Tyrion to be tried for crimes against Bran. Eddard plans to go back to Winterfell after Arya overheard a plot against him, but Jon Arryn’s death and injury delay the return.
With 26,828 votes, the 9.0 rating comes from 53.4% of voters giving it a 10.0, 38% giving it an 8.0 or 9.0 and only 2.9% somehow opting for a 1.0. The episode holds great intrigue and glorious violence, with a great furthering of the story and more great character development and performances, it is a perfect midpoint for the season.
EPISODE 6 - THE GOLDEN CROWN - 9.2
Following up the halfway point, Ned is reinstated as King’s Hand and temporarily rules while Robert hunts, Arya and Sansa are sent back to Winterfell, Tyrion demands trial by combat, and Daenerys and Viserys have one last confrontation, settled by Drogo.
26,546 voters earned this episode its 9.2, with 56% seeing it as a 10.0, and another 2.9% seeing it as a 1.0. 36.6% voted the episode an 8.0 or 9.0 with the other 4.5% opting for between 2.0 and 6.0. More violence and intrigue set the scene for this fantastic episode, the performances from some amazing characters - namely Tyrion/Peter Dinklage - keep getting better and the writing likewise.
EPISODE 7 - YOU WIN OR YOU DIE - 9.2
Approaching the end of the season, a hunting accident leaves Robert close to death as Jaime is sent to rescue Tyrion, Cersei denies allegations from Eddard and Jon is initiated into the Night’s Watch. While this is happening a failed attempt of assassination via poisoning has led Drogo to vow an attack on the seven kingdoms.
The episode garnered 27,032 votes leading to its rating of 9.2, with 58.5% of voters giving it a 10.0 and yet again 2.9% giving it a 1.0, 34.2% give the episode either 9.0 or 8.0 with the other 4.4% opting for between 2.0 and 7.0. Each storyline is developing beautifully by the time episode seven is here and it builds up to the last three episodes fantastically with audiences desperate for more from the writing, the characters, and the cast.
EPISODE 10 - FIRE AND BLOOD - 9.5
The season finale of season one was a… Stark contrast in quality, popularity, and satisfaction from its ending season. In the eventful finale, Robb - declared rightful King by his bannerman - seek revenge on the Lannisters, Tyrion is made King’s Hand, Arya begins her journey north, Jon abandoned the Night’s Watch to aid Robb and across the narrow sea, Daenerys lost her child along with her husband, but at his funeral gained three more.
With 31,182 voters, the penultimate episode gained a 9.5 with 69.3% giving it a 10.0 and 2.8% giving it a 1.0, 24.9% gave the episode a 9.0 or 8.0 with the other 3% giving it between 2.0 and 7.0. This episode is nothing short of epic, it both leaves you desperate for season two while being satisfied and in awe of what you have just seen. The performances were brilliant, the writing likewise, the characters develop, grow, and change constantly and fantastically and some scenes, a.k.a the final scene, are outstanding.
EPISODE 9 - BAELOR - 9.6
An episode full of shock and awe, it shows Ned Stark is set to be killed by word of King Joffrey, Robb declares war on the Lannisters, Tyrion is made vanguard against the soon to arrive Stark forces, and Drogo falls very ill.
With 35,519 votes, the episode gained the highest rating of the season at 9.6, 75.7% gave the episode a 10.0 and 2.5% a 1.0, with 19.4% giving it either a 9.0 or 8.0 meaning only 2.4% gave it between 2.0 and 7.0. With shock deaths and great twists the penultimate episode of the season, with brilliant writing, action, suspense, and performances, it sets up the amazing finale beautifully.
