Game of Thrones is one of the most loved shows around the world and the political intrigue and drama that the series unfolds over its eight seasons is truly a treat to watch. Even though the later seasons have received criticism, there are many memorable episodes in the show that are highly rewatchable because of its strong impact. Whether the episode is known for its shocking moments or for its glorious victories, here are 10 Game of Thrones episodes that are noted for having the maximum impact.
The Dance of Dragons, Fire and Blood, and other memorable Game of Thrones episodes that are rewatchable
1. Mother’s Mercy

This Game of Thrones episode comes from the show’s fifth season and its tenth episode. Even though the fifth season of Game of Thrones has received mixed reviews as the later seasons of the show lost its creative steam, the series’ finale has left many fans and critics awe-struck because of its shocking direction. The finale completely reset the trajectory of the show going forward. The episode has a lot going on and the viewers see Stannis Baratheon launch an unsuccessful attack on the Boltons at Winterfell. Cersei is forced into the infamous walk of shame and Daenerys is surrounded by the Dothraki. Meanwhile, Jon Snow is ambushed by his own brothers during the Night’s Watch. The episode is shocking because it sees Stannis’ death at the hands of Brienne of Tarth and Jon Snow’s assassination. The episode sees many shifts and it is therefore an episode that is rewatchable and will leave a lot of impact.
2. You Win or You Die

The first season of Game of Thrones is the one that set the ball rolling and has left some of the most impact upon the viewers. This episode comes from the first season’s seventh episode and the episode sets the stage for the growing political adversary in the show. Viewers get to know more about the Seven Kingdoms as there is a greater political imbalance. Further, the ruling families also realize that they want more control. The episode has important moments as the Lannisters brace for war and Eddard Stark confronts Cersei to tell her that he knows the truth about her son’s parentage. The episode is rewatchable and leaves impact as it maintains a sense of dread and tension even upon rewatching multiple times. The episode shows how the war is about to begin and focuses on Eddard’s major political mistake. The earlier episode of Game of Thrones leaves an unforgettable mark with their brilliant writing and stellar performances.
3. The Dragon and the Wolf

The season finale of the seventh season is another remarkable episode that is rewatchable and is one of the longest episodes of the show, making it seem like a standalone movie. The episode set the stage for Game of Thrones’ last season and brought together many storylines. In King’s landing, a meeting takes place involving the Westeros’ most powerful families and the return of the White Walkers. Even Cersei and Daenerys are present. On the other hand, Theon Greyjoy stays loyal to his sister and Sansa and Arya are able to take down Little finger in Winterfell. One of the most shocking reveals of the episode is that Jon Snow was the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and therefore, he is the rightful heir to the throne. The episode is impactful because of its many revelations and its dialogue-heavy nature. However, the most shocking and memorable aspect of the episode is that it deviates from the books and shows the Night King atop the undead dragon and destroying a section of the Wall along the sea at Eastwatch.
4. The Dance of Dragons

This episode of Game of Thrones from the show’s fifth season and the ninth episode is another episode that is highly rewatchable because of its intense moments. The episode is emotionally tumultuous as Stannis makes the wrong decision of sacrificing his daughter Shireen, to appease the Lord of Light and gain an advantage in his upcoming battle. The episode from Game of Thrones goes to dark places and even after watching it several times, it has the same feeling of dread. Another shocking moment comes when Daenerys and her allies are ambushed in the arena before Drogon swoops in to save them. On the other hand, Jon Snow and the survivors from the attack on Hardhome return to the Wall and get a hostile reception. Arya finds an old enemy in Braavos and Jorah presents himself before Daenerys in order to win her favor. The episode is a mixed bag as there are some shining moments and some shocking ones.
5. Fire and Blood

Another Game of Thrones finale that truly embodies the heights that the show has seen in terms of direction, writing, and performances. The season finale of the first season took all the introductory framework that had been created in the previous episodes of the season and brought them together to give a fitting finale that propelled the story further. Importantly, Eddard Stark is dead and the North breaks away from the Seven Kingdoms. Robb Stark is the King of the North and the two late brothers of King Robert challenge Joffrey’s claim to the throne. On the other hand, a witch’s plan leads to Daenerys’s baby being born dead and Khal Drogo being left in a depressed state. It has one of the most memorable episodes as Daenerys sacrifices herself on the funeral pyre but emerges unburnt and with three newly hatched baby dragons. The episode continues the shocking moments of the earlier episode and teases the viewers about the upcoming story.
6. Winter is Coming

After the finale of the first season comes the first episode of the first season of Game of Thrones. The episode is the perfect watch as it can be watched countlessly and has many awe-inspiring moments. Game of Thrones’ first episode truly showcases the magnificent and rich tapestry of the show and its complex storyline. It has a beautiful and efficient introduction and introduces viewers to the complex world of Westeros. While there is an attack north of the Wall, King Robert Baratheon and the Lannisters are received by House Stark at Winterfell. On the other hand, Daenerys Targaryen is married to Khal Drogo because of the politics of his brother and gets three dragon eggs as wedding gifts. The first episode is memorable and rewatchable as it is the beginning of a great show and brings back a lot of memories for the viewers. The Game of Thrones episode proves that even TV shows can have high end fantasy shows and quality production design. The ending is shocking and has many pointed character moments that make this one memorable.
7. Book of the Stranger

This episode comes from the Game of Thrones’ sixth season and the fourth episode. This chapter of the show is one of the busiest and therefore it is highly rewatchable and leaves a strong impact. Sansa and Jon reunite at Winterfell following Jon’s departure from the Night Watch. However, a message from Ramsay Bolton creates war in the North. On the other hand, King’s Landing is surrounded by political tensions and intrigue and the Sparrows further challenge the crown. The episode also has one of the most powerful scenes in Game of Thrones that makes this episode rewatchable for this one scene alone. Daenerys Targaryen emerges from a burning temple in Vaes Dothrak and the Dothraki bows down to her in fealty. The episode has both high emotions and intense scenes, it is a significant episode of the sixth season of Game of Thrones and paves the way for the Starks to reclaim the North. It is also the episode that is a pivotal point for Daenerys’ conquest for the Iron Throne.
8. The Watchers on the Wall

The fourth season of Game of Thrones is known for being the highlight and one of the better seasons of the show. This episode from the fourth season’s ninth episode is uncharacteristic and therefore rewatchable and memorable. It leaves the narrative-hopping structure and takes place entirely at Castle Black as the Wildings launch their attack on the Wall. It has 50 minutes of non-stop intense moments as Night’s Watch found themselves being attacks from both sides of the Wall by an extensive army of mammoths, giants, and people. The episode is directed by Neil Marshall and therefore it is a standout episode of the show. This chapter of Game of Thrones has all the markings of a brilliant war film and has memorable battle violence. It also one of the most heartbreaking moments as Ygritte dies in Jon’s arms. The episode also highlights Jon’s strengths as a leader. Therefore, the episode is highly watchable and memorable.
9. The Laws of Gods and Men

This episode is for all the fans of Peter Dinklage who gives an outstanding performance. This episode is from Game of Thrones’ fourth season and is its sixth episode. The fourth season is jam-packed with brilliant episodes and this is one of those. Tyrion is at trial for being accused of assassinating King Joffrey at his wedding feast. When Tyrion realizes that the whole trial is for show and the guilty verdict is pre-determined, he goes on to deliver a memorable rant that gives goosebumps and personally attacks everyone including Cersei and Tywin. He even wants a fair trial by combat. Peter Dinklage is therefore at his absolute best as Tyrion and gives an impassioned and iconic performance that makes this episode of Game of Thrones rewatchable for his speech alone. His trial changes his character arc while the episode also focuses on Yara Greyjoy’s unsuccessful attempt to rescue her brother from Ramsay Bolton and Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth venturing to Iron Bank. Daenerys also learns to be a leader of Mereen.
10. The Rains of Castamere

One of the most highly-rated episodes on IMDb and the one that is also known as the “Red Wedding”, this episode comes from Game of Thrones’ third season and the ninth episode. Game of Thrones is known for having numerous plot twists and so many character deaths that it has plenty of shocks in each episode. However, this episode takes the cake and is therefore highly rewatchable and memorable. The episode focuses on Edmure Tully’s marriage to Roslin Frey and how the event becomes a trap for the Starks. The Freys and Boltons betray the Starks and they are picked off in a chaotic and disturbing outburst of violence. The worst moments is when Robb watches his pregnant wife being brutally murdered and then he and Catelyn Stark are also slain. The episode has so much carnage and it definitely leaves a traumatic strain upon the viewers. However, the direction is flawless and it is noted for being one of the best Game of Thrones episode ever produced.