From waiting for winter to seeing dragons spewing deadly flames in battle, relive some of the blockbuster show’s iconic moments
Almost 10 years ago now, the first episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ premiered on HBO on April 17, 2011. Not HBO Max or HBO GO. Just HBO. Streaming services weren’t a thing back then, and most people had the discipline to wait for an episode every week.
With the show’s “iron anniversary,” we’ve compiled 10 of the most memorable moments from the fantasy series that hooked so many viewers from all over the world.
Oh and if you’re one of those who still haven’t seen the show but plan to watch it soon, fair warning: *MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD*
10. That first episode.
Well, to say that the entire first episode of the first season of “Game of Thrones” was memorable might be a bit of a stretch—but, really, it was memorable. But that moment from S01E01 that got most people hooked was the very first scene, that prologue that thrust viewers into the core of the world of Westeros, with the no-explainer introduction of the mysterious creatures north of that wall of ice. It was eerie, it was gory, but it was quite satisfying.
9. Ned Stark betrayed.
Admittedly, there are many cool scenes that involved Sean Bean’s Ned Stark, but it was when he was betrayed by the scheming fellas of King’s Landing that’s the most memorable. He marched into the throne room looking all confident and sure of himself, then bam, betrayal. It ultimately led to his execution at the hands of Ser Illyn Payne—getting a spot in the list of character deaths for Sean Bean.
8. Daenerys and her dragons.
One of the most appealing things about “Game of Thrones” is how it deals with everything and anything magical. There really is no clear explanation of the world’s magic system. Supposedly, it’s tied with the appearance of dragons, and that red comet in season three. That’s why when Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) came out of the fire unburnt and with three newly-hatched baby dragons, viewers had more reason to continue watching the show.
7. Battle of the Bastards.
A little toward the last few seasons of the show, one of the greatest showdowns between two of the most iconic characters happened. While that underlying theme of two unwelcomed children of Westeros warring it out is cool in and of itself, it was the battle itself—its execution, the way it was filmed—that has gained it a spot on our list. The sheer grit gets to you. Plus, when Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) finally defeated Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon), it was just pure triumph. Add to that Sansa Stark’s (Sophie Turner) more than justified execution of Ramsay, and you get one of the most satisfying displays of retribution in a TV show.
6. The Battle of Blackwater Bay.
There really isn’t much to be said about this scene from season two. The build up of moments, of characters from this season led to this, the defense of King’s Landing headed by the most unlikely commander from all the show’s characters, Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), all leading up to that rescue by his father Tywin (Charles Dance). Oh and wildfire made a debut in this episode.
5. Hardhome.
Ah, here’s a truly unforgettable moment. It was the first time viewers saw White Walkers in full action and the first time Jon Snow met the Night King, after witnessing his powers to revive the dead and add them to his army of frozen zombies. This was more satisfying than the third meeting of the two rivals in the Battle of Winterfell.
4. The Mountain vs. the Viper of Dorne.
Who can forget one of the saddest, most shocking moments in “Game of Thrones,” when well-loved character Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) suffers a devastating—and deadly—loss against Ser Gregor Clegane. The Viper, as Oberyn was called, did absolutely well against the Mountain in the beginning of the duel to prove Tyrion’s innocence until, well, he didn’t and the bigger warrior popped his brains out.
3. Hold the door!
For over five seasons, viewers grew fond of Hodor (Kristian Nairn). The gentle giant who always got Bran Stark’s (Isaac Hempstead Wright) back—or always got Bran on his back, but you get it—was so loveable it hurt so much when the show finally revealed the reason why he only spoke one word. Hold the door! Hold… door! Ho-dor! Let me just go silently cry in a corner.
2. Cersei and the explosion that rocked King’s Landing.
There is no shame (pun intended) in admitting that you enjoyed that moment Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) got her revenge on everyone who made her life miserable at King’s Landing. And what a revenge it was! Nearly dialogue-less moments accompanied by a superb soundtrack that led to a swelling of anticipation and emotions and explosions of wildfire that destroyed the Sept of Baelor.
1. The Red Wedding.
Do we really need to explain this? Just watch the whole scene again below. But yes, fantastic acting from Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark. Too bad we didn’t get to see her “reincarnated” as Lady Stoneheart (read the books!).
Yes, we admit, it’s not quite easy to choose just 10 moments, so here are some runners-up:
- Daenerys and the Unsullied.
- Tywin Lannister: ‘Any man who says I am king is no true king.’
- Joffrey dying.
- Ramsay dying.
- Little Finger dying.
And speaking of memorable moments, here’s the very first opening sequence for “Game of Thrones,” which aired 10 years ago now, featuring the iconic soundtrack from Ramin Djawadi.