Game of Thrones was quite a roller-coaster throughout its eight seasons — in terms of both narrative progression and audience reception. Although heavily criticized for its reductionist storylines and questionable character arcs, there is no doubt that Game of Thrones is one of the most influential TV shows of the 21st century. Each episode is crafted with incredible skill, from cinematography and set design to music and dialogue.
A large chunk of them are thematically undecided, but there are more than a few that highlight the visceral darkness embodied by their characters. Game of Thrones is well-known for its depictions of physical and emotional violence, but the most impactful moments are those that instill a sense of uncomfortable premonition in their viewers.
Updated on February 11, 2025, by Ajay Aravind: The darkness over Westeros grows stronger and stronger following the mysterious death of Jon Arryn, reaching its pinnacle during Daenerys’ destruction of King’s Landing. However, there are numerous episodes between these two events, many of which contain the darkest moments in the series. As such, we have updated this article with five more entries.
15
The Night King Began His Invasion in “The Dragon and the Wolf”
Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 7
The death of Viserion at the hands of the Night King took place in Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 6, “Beyond the Wall,” but it wasn’t until the next episode that darkness truly threatened to engulf Westeros. Heeding her advisors, Daenerys Targaryen brokered a meeting with Queen Cersei Lannister at the Dragonpit. The debate seemingly yielded in a compromise, with Cersei promising to deliver her armies to defeat the Night King and his White Walkers, but fans were shocked to learn that it was a ruse.
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The episode took on a darker turn when it seemed that Littlefinger managed to sow discord between Arya and Sansa. However, viewers were overjoyed to see Littlefinger get the end he deserved. That being said, the most terrifying moment in “The Dragon and the Wolf” appeared at the end of the Season 7 finale, when the Night King flew in on an undead Viserion-wight and blasted a hole in the Wall. The invasion of Westeros had begun, setting an ominous tone for the next season.
14
Melisandre’s Shadow Baby Assassinated Renly in “The Ghost of Harrenhal”
Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 5
In “The Ghost of Harrenhal,” four separate events indicate the gruesome nature of what was to come. Tyrion discovered that Cersei had collected tons of wildfire, Bran mentioned having visions of a Three-Eyed Raven, Arya allied with Jaqen H’ghar, and Theon learned that he could take over Winterfell without much opposition. All three events soon caused major consequences for Westeros and beyond.
On the other hand, fans remain in shock at the disturbingly diabolical method used to kill Renly Baratheon in this episode. Melisandre the Red Witch convinced Stannis to dispose of his brother and then used Davos to ferry her to a cave in the previous episode. She gave birth to a monstrous shadow entity who brutally killed Renly in “The Ghost of Harrenhal.” This is especially shocking since Melisandre never used this ability again.
13
Shireen Was Sacrificed by Her Own Father in “The Dance of Dragons”
Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 9
“The Dance of Dragons” featured one of the most horrifyingly unbearable scenes in Game of Thrones, which is saying a lot given the show’s already violent tendencies. Yet another plot by Melisandre, the Red Witch somehow persuaded Stannis to do the unthinkable, an act somehow far worse than killing his little brother. To curry favor with the Lord of Light and allow passage through a violent snowstorm, Stannis agreed to sacrifice his only child.
The fact that Shireen was an endearing character made it all the worse to watch her dragged to a stake and set on fire. Her awareness of the situation was arguably the lowest moment of this episode, at least until fans heard the little girl’s screams of agony. In comparison to Shireen’s unjust death, Daenerys’ disappearance on Drogon barely struck a note in this episode.
12
“The Mountain and the Viper” Saw Oberyn Snatch Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 8
Tyrion’s punishment for allegedly poisoning Joffrey remained unclear in “The Mountain and the Viper,” even after Oberyn Martell agreed to be his champion. Oberyn never truly cared about Tyrion’s fate; he was only using the excuse to fight Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane, the monstrous man responsible for his sister Elia Martell’s death.
The swashbuckling spearman successfully managed to wound the Mountain on several occasions during their high-tension battle. Oberyn even brought Gregor to the ground, nearly exacting revenge on behalf of House Martell of Dorne. Unfortunately clouded by his self-declared victory, Oberyn failed to react when the Mountain attempted to trip him. The famous Red Viper of Dorne was annihilated in the terribly dark episode, as fans watched Oberyn’s handsome face crushed into a pulp.
11
Ramsay’s Unforgivable Treatment of Sansa in “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”
Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 6
Nearly every Game of Thrones episode featuring Sansa in the early seasons was bound to be an awful one for her, especially after her father’s execution. Flipped from the Vale to Winterfell, Sansa endured Littlefinger’s manipulations until he effectively sold her to Ramsay Bolton. In the books, Ramsay got married to a woman he mistakenly believed to be Arya, but the TV show dumped this nightmarish burden on poor Sansa.
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The wedding was uncomfortable enough without the consequent scenes depicting Ramsay’s rape of Sansa. Watching her cry helplessly was too much for many viewers, and even the critics raised numerous justified complaints about this gratuitous scene. The argument that Ramsay’s treatment was worse in the novels failed to fly in the real world; TV audiences of the 21st century expect less rampant misogyny in their shows.
10
Drogon Annihilated the Lannister Caravan in “The Spoils of War”
Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 4
“The Spoils of War” is famous among TV circles for lighting a record number of stuntpersons on fire, courtesy of Drogon’s last-second arrival on the field of battle. Before the scorching devastation occurs, however, Daenerys and Jon Snow observe a series of cave artworks portraying the battle between the White Walkers and the Children of the Forest.
Eventually, Daenerys makes her way to the Roseroad, hoping to annihilate the Lannister caravan supply train. Drogon’s breath incinerates hundreds of people, terrifying his mother’s opponents. Bronn then uses the Scorpion to injure Drogon, while Jaime uses the opportunity to attack Daenerys. He would have been killed if not for Bronn saving his life at the last minute, preventing a death that would have made this episode even darker.
9
The Painful Red Wedding Took Place in “The Rains of Castamere”
Game of Thrones Season 3, Episode 9
“The Rains of Castamere” is arguably among the most emotionally painful episodes in Game of Thrones, obtaining an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing. Other events in this episode are negligible in comparison with the horrific treatment meted out to the Starks by the damnable House Frey. Robb, Talisa, and Catelyn accept Walder Frey’s invitation, completely oblivious to the fates awaiting them.
Amid the revelry, the Freys and Boltons take advantage of the Starks’ complacency during what later becomes known as the Red Wedding. Talisa Maegyr is the first to be killed, ending Robb’s bloodline and his dreams of naming their child after his father. Robb suffers numerous arrow wounds and collapses to the ground, but even his mother’s desperate attempt to save him fails. Catelyn soon follows Robb to the grave, leaving House Stark much weaker than before.
8
Cersei Cruelly Expunged Her Enemies in “The Winds of Winter”
Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 10
“The Winds of Winter” expunges a large fraction of the show’s cast members in one fell swoop. In her bid to consolidate her authority and save herself from the High Sparrow’s “justice,” Cersei calmly enacts her dastardly scheme of blowing up the Great Sept of Baelor. The resulting blast of wildfire instantly vaporizes Lancel Lannister, Loras Tyrell, the High Sparrow, Mace Tyrell, Kevan Lannister, and Margaery Tyrell.
Cersei also has Grand Maester Pycelle stabbed to death through Qyburn’s machinations, further cementing her power. King Tommen, recognizing his mother’s despicable nature and unable to bear the death of his beloved wife, takes his own life by leaping from a balcony. Despite her pain at the loss of her only surviving child, Cersei becomes the first Queen of Westeros. That said, the eradication of House Frey at Arya’s hands was arguably the highest point of “The Winds of Winter.”
7
The Wights Overwhelmed the Night’s Watch and the Free Folk in “Hardhome”
Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 8
“Hardhome” depicts a fierce melee between the Free Folk, the Night’s Watch, and the White Walkers led by the mysterious Night King. The heroes struggle to stave off the carnivorous throng of wights, but their efforts are in vain. The undead seize control of Hardhome, a Free Folk fishing village, forcing its inhabitants to scurry for their lives. It gets worse: the Night King shows up and begins resurrecting corpses, implying that he does not need living warriors.
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Jon Snow’s meager victory against a White Walker pales in comparison to the losses encountered during this episode. In Winterfell, Theon (as Reek) nervously informs Sansa that she will never be able to break out of Ramsay Bolton’s vile clutches, worsening her already fragile state of mind. “Hardhome” packs a punch that can be felt throughout the remaining episodes of Game of Thrones.
6
The Battle of Blackwater Bay Lost Countless Lives in “Blackwater”
Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 9
The screenplay for the Game of Thrones episode “Blackwater” was written by George R. R. Martin, explaining why the episode has one of the most authentic tones in the entire HBO series. As the Onion Knight Davos Seaworth marshalls Stannis Baratheon’s massive flotilla towards Blackwater Bay, he discovers a lone ship floating towards his armada. Unfortunately, there is no time to escape as the ship explodes in a conflagration of wildfire, consequently laying waste to a sizeable chunk of Davos’ forces.
Although Stannis rejects the idea of surrender and marches into King’s Landing, Tyrion, and Tywin’s troops make short work of the Baratheon army. In a particularly harrowing scene, Cersei nearly poisons Tommen because she doesn’t want him to be captured and executed. Keeping aside the darkness of this episode, Tyrion Lannister must be given credit for his heroic accomplishments during the Battle of Blackwater.
5
“Mother’s Mercy” Had Plenty of Darkness, Including Jon Snow’s Murder
Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 10
“Mother’s Mercy” exposes Cersei to shame and ridicule as part of her so-called repentance. She is stripped naked and forcibly paraded down the streets of King’s Landing, suffering verbal and physical abuse from citizens watching her. Meanwhile, Arya is cursed with temporary blindness for defying the divine rules of the Many-Faced God, leaving her helpless and despondent.
During her stint in Dorne, Ellaria Sand assassinates Myrcella Baratheon, a mere child who dies in agony in her father’s arms. Stannis also meets his doom at the hands of Brienne, having lost his family, his armies, and his dreams of inheriting the Iron Throne. However, the most agonizing moment in “Mother’s Mercy” has to be the Julius Caesar-esque assassination of Jon Snow, who slowly bleeds to death on the snowy grounds of Castle Black.
4
Jon Snow Barely Survived the “Battle of the Bastards”
Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 9
“Battle of the Bastards” is an exceptionally designed Game of Thrones episode, widely praised for its incredible combat choreography as well as heartwrenching plot. Jon Snow and his platoon of mostly Free Folk march on Winterfell, where Ramsay reveals his monstrous nature off the bat. He forces Jon to watch the death of his youngest brother Rickon before the Bolton armies begin massacring their outnumbered opponents.
All hope seems lost until Sansa reaches the battlefield with more than enough troops to turn the tide in the Starks’ favor. Ramsay resorts to the only strategy at his disposal — cowardice — by challenging Jon to a one-on-one battle. This ploy fails miserably, allowing Jon and Sansa to eradicate the Bolton menace once and for all. Given all the deaths in “Battle of the Bastards,” fans were at least happy to see Sansa get her justified revenge against Ramsay.
3
Daenerys Targaryen Became a Genocidal Maniac in “The Bells”
Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 5
“The Bells” is arguably Game of Thrones‘ most controversial installment. Tyrion grudgingly betrays Varys’ scheme, leading to the latter’s execution by dragonfire. Realizing the extent of Daenerys’ fraying temperament, Tyrion begs his Queen to protect the citizens of King’s Landing as long as they surrender to her will. She accepts her Hand’s assessment, but Missandei’s execution causes something inside Daenerys to break.
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To the audience’s horrified confusion, Daenerys reverses her promise to Tyrion and incinerates the entire city, refusing to spare even children and babies. This is a turning point for Daenerys’ character, as her actions transform her from a benevolent leader to a genocidal tyrant. As a result of Drogon’s assault, Jaime, Cersei, Gregor, Sandor, Qyburn, and thousands of people are killed. Daenerys herself would later pay the price for her unforgivable crimes.
2
Hodor’s Past and Future Meld Together in “The Door”
Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 5
“The Door” reveals the truth behind Hodor’s unique personality, and it’s considerably worse than anyone could have imagined. Bran Stark’s time-dilated perspective allows him to examine the nuances of the Night King’s historical background, but the villain’s arrival forces him to flee with Meera. Hodor is left to “hold the door” against the wights as they gradually tear him to pieces in one of the saddest Game of Thrones scenes ever.
Bran inadvertently wargs between the minds of past and present Hodor, causing the latter to remain trapped in an eternal time-loop nightmare. Hodor’s sacrifice is legendary, but his death left a hole in the fandom’s heart that could never be refilled. Moreover, Bran is horrified by the realization that he is responsible for his beloved Hodor’s lifelong condition as well as his horrible death.
1
Ned Stark’s Execution in “Baelor” Began the War of Five Kings
Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 9
In hindsight, it almost seems obvious that Ned was going to be murdered by House Lannister, who would do anything to protect and strengthen their family’s legacy. At the time of “Baelor’s” airing, however, audiences were yet to be introduced to Game of Thrones‘ penchant for killing off significant characters. Following his incarceration, Ned Stark sheds all that’s left of his honor so his children wouldn’t have to pay for his mistakes.
As a result, he pleads guilty to the allegations of treason thrown at him, under the woefully mistaken impression that he would be pardoned. However, King Joffrey callously renounces the notion of mercy and orders Ilyn Payne to follow through with Ned’s public execution. It can be argued that Ned’s death is the origin point for everything that follows in Game of Thrones, from the War of the Five Kings to the coronation of his son Brandon Stark.
Game Of Thrones
- Release Date
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2011 – 2018
- Showrunner
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David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
- Directors
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David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
