10 Game of Thrones characters who deserved the Iron Throne more than Bran

When Game of Thrones wrapped up with Bran Stark crowned as king, the internet collectively blinked and said, “Wait… him?” Sure, he had the visions and the calm, mysterious vibe, but let’s be honest - Bran’s reign felt more like a plot twist than a payoff.

For eight seasons, Westeros gave us a parade of unforgettable characters, each with their own brand of power, ambition, or pure chaos. Some fought for justice, others played the game with style, and a few just wanted to watch the realm burn. And yet, it was the Three-Eyed Raven who ended up ruling them all.

But what if things had gone differently?

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10 Game of Thrones characters who deserved the Iron Throne more than Bran

There are many Game of Thrones characters who had a stronger claim to the throne - or at least a far more exciting one - than Bran. Whether you rooted for a noble hero, a clever puppet master, or a fan-favorite wildcard, these are the names that could’ve made the finale a whole lot more satisfying. Let’s take a look at the characters we could’ve seen sitting on the Iron Throne.

1) Jon Snow

What makes Jon Snow more deserving of the Iron Throne than Bran? While Bran’s mysterious, detached reign was more about wisdom than leadership, Jon Snow proved time and time again that he had the heart, strength, and courage to rule. From his days at the Wall to leading the North and defeating the Night King, Jon faced immense challenges with honor and duty. Unlike Bran, who stumbled into power, Jon earned his leadership through sacrifice, loyalty, and tough decisions. He may not have sought the throne, but his commitment to the realm made him a far more fitting choice than a passive king.

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2) Tywin Lannister

Tywin Lannister never sat on the Iron Throne, but let’s be honest - he ruled Westeros in everything but name. Smart, ruthless, and always ten steps ahead, Tywin understood power better than anyone. He didn’t chase glory; he built legacies, kept the realm in line, and made decisions that, while cold, often worked. While others played at being kings, Tywin made kings. He had the mind, the strategy, and the presence to command a kingdom without ever raising his voice. Say what you will about his methods - if stability and strength were what Westeros needed, Tywin could’ve delivered it in gold-plated precision.

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3) Robb Stark

Robb Stark wasn’t just the King in the North - he was a born leader with the loyalty of his people and the heart to fight for justice. Young, brave, and driven by honor, Robb inspired armies not through fear, but through trust and respect. He didn’t seek the Iron Throne, but if it had come to him, he likely would’ve led with integrity and fairness. Unlike many others, Robb fought for family, freedom, and unity, not personal gain. He made mistakes, sure - but in a world torn apart by ambition, his sense of purpose and moral compass made him a rare and worthy ruler.

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4) Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen earned her place on the Iron Throne through sheer will, determination, and a relentless drive to change the world. She crossed continents, freed the oppressed, built armies, and inspired loyalty wherever she went - all while facing impossible odds. For a brief moment, she actually claimed the throne, standing at the height of her power before her reign was cut short by Jon Snow. While Bran offered quiet wisdom, Daenerys brought action and vision. She didn’t just inherit history - she made it, with fire, passion, and the belief that the world could be better.

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5) Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister had more than wit - he had the experience, heart, and political savvy to truly lead. While Bran offered mystical insight, Tyrion was in the trenches, negotiating peace, managing crises, and making hard calls when it counted. He understood people, power, and the delicate balance between them. As he once said, “I drink and I know things.” And honestly, he did - about war, diplomacy, and human nature. With Tyrion, Westeros might’ve had a ruler who led not from visions, but with wisdom earned the hard way.

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6) Ned Stark

Ned Stark may not have craved power, but that’s exactly what made him worthy of the Iron Throne. He led with honor, loyalty, and a deep sense of responsibility - rare qualities in the chaos of Westeros. While Bran had wisdom beyond his years, Ned had the trust of the people and the strength to stand by his principles, even when it cost him dearly. He believed in justice over politics and duty over ambition. In a world full of schemers and liars, Ned stood tall as a man who could’ve ruled with fairness, humility, and the kind of steady hand the realm desperately needed.

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7) Olena Tyrell

Olenna Tyrell on the Iron Throne? Honestly, Westeros would’ve been in far better shape. She wasn’t just clever - she was razor-sharp, politically fearless, and always ten steps ahead. While others played the game, Olenna played to win, all while keeping her people’s best interests in mind. No magic, no dragons - just pure strategy and brutal honesty. Unlike Bran, who observed quietly, Olenna spoke her mind and got things done. She didn’t care for titles or theatrics, but if anyone had the brains and backbone to rule the realm, it was the Queen of Thorns herself.

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8) Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon wasn’t flashy or beloved, but he was determined, disciplined, and had the strongest legal claim to the Iron Throne. He believed deeply in duty and justice, putting the realm before his own comfort. While others played games or chased glory, Stannis stayed focused on what he saw as his rightful role. He brought military experience, a sharp mind, and a relentless drive to restore order to a fractured kingdom. In a world full of ambition and chaos, Stannis stood for structure - stern, yes, but steady. He wasn’t the people’s favorite, but he just might’ve been the realm’s best shot at stability.

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9) Yara Greyjoy

Yara Greyjoy brought something rare to the fight for the Iron Throne: grit, loyalty, and a clear vision for leadership. She wasn’t out for chaos or personal glory - she wanted to build something better, especially for the Iron Islands. Yara earned respect through action, not bloodlines, commanding ships and soldiers with confidence and strategy. Unlike many who schemed their way through King’s Landing, she stayed focused, grounded, and true to her word. With her sharp instincts and fearless leadership, Yara proved she could navigate the stormy seas of Westeros politics just as well as she sailed the open ocean.

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10) Lord Varys

Lord Varys and Bran Stark both claimed to act for the good of the realm, but their approaches couldn’t have been more different. While Bran observed history and guided the future from a distance, Varys was in the thick of it, navigating danger, secrets, and shifting alliances to keep the realm from falling apart. Varys didn’t want the throne, but he understood what kind of ruler the people needed - and wasn’t afraid to challenge those who failed them. Where Bran offered quiet insight, Varys brought action and accountability. For a kingdom in crisis, he might’ve been the hands-on leader Westeros deserved.

In a world as complex as Westeros, choosing a ruler was never going to be simple. While Bran brought wisdom, many others had the heart, strength, and experience to lead with purpose. From warriors to strategists, these ten characters showed that power isn’t just about visions - it’s about action, integrity, and connection. The Iron Throne may be gone, but the question of who truly deserved it will keep fans debating long after the last raven flies.