Game of Thrones is often regarded as one of the best and most popular TV shows of all time, with the fantasy epic created by George R. R. Martin going on to transcend pop culture. Since the end of the show, the Game of Thrones franchise has seen another surge in popularity with the release of its prequel show, House of the Dragon, which recently returned with season 2 on Max.

Both shows revolve around the conquest of the Iron Throne despite the events of the shows being separated by 200 years. Even with House of the Dragon’s recent success, Game of Thrones is still viewed as the superior fantasy show, excelling due to several areas that House of the Dragon lacks or underperforms in.

8Likeable Characters

Many Characters To Root For

Despite its catalog of scary villains, Game of Thrones has plenty of characters that audiences could root for as the war for the Iron Throne developed. From the very start, the honorable Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell, was admired and loved for his honest persona before being killed towards the end of season one, shocking fans in the process.

With the beloved main protagonist of the show dying early on, audiences have clamored for characters such as Jon Snow, Samwell Tarly, and Arya Stark to survive, as these characters have shown a good heart and care for others in a land full of deceit and betrayal. Even characters like Bronn and The Hound, who have committed unlawful acts, have become loved for their comedic value brought to the show, and their dynamics with other characters.

7Supporting Cast

Supporting Characters Gave The Show More Depth

While Game of Thrones had strong protagonists that led the HBO epic, the show’s ensemble was one of its driving forces, with its supporting characters adding value through their contributions to the story. Outside main characters such as Daenerys Targaryen, the Starks, and the Lannisters, Game of Thrones featured a wealth of characters who add depth to the proceedings, ranging as far as beyond the Wall, all the way to the corners of Essos.

Many of these characters, such as Littlefinger, aimed to climb the ranks and propel themselves closer to the Iron Throne. However, some, like Tormund Giantsbane or Bronn, came to follow others as they provided a comedic spark to the otherwise serious goings on.

6Comedy

Game of Thrones Provides The Correct Balance Of Drama And Comedy

One of Game of Thrones’ starring qualities, alongside the intense politicking and medieval battles, is the comedic banter and dynamics between characters. Throughout the Seven Kingdoms and Essos, an assortment of characters offered comedic value and sarcasm, even amid the chaos and warfare that surrounded them, with Tyrion Lannister being one of the most notorious comedians in the land.

Tyrion’s dynamic with characters like Lord Varys and Bronn provides many moments of hilarity, although other characters, such as Tormund and The Hound, both excel through their unusual antics. Tormund’s one-sided relationship with Brienne of Tarth is one of the show’s most comical recurring jokes, with the Wildling’s pursuit of the highborn knight proving to be an amusing dynamic that illustrates part of Game of Thrones’ success.

5More Locations

More Time Spent Throughout Various Locations In George R. R. Martin’s World

In the lands of Westeros and Essos, Game of Thrones explores a multitude of different locations, spending time in each to flesh out their importance to the narrative. In Daenerys’ storyline, the character and her followers travel from city to city in Essos, with each location being integral in the character’s development as she grows from nothing to an almighty Queen.

Despite King’s Landing being Westeros’ capital, the show has multiple different storylines in locations such as Harrenhal, Winterfell, the Wall, the Riverlands, and Dorne, with all these locations playing significant roles in the stories taking place at each, and lasting over several seasons.

4Shocking Moments

Game of Thrones Thrived Due To The Unexpected Twists And Turns

Much of what made Game of Thrones become the most popular show of the 21st Century was its twists and turns, which made it so that no character was safe, no matter if they were a protagonist or a one-off inclusion. With the sudden death of Ned Stark in season one, audiences became engrossed in the HBO show, with the potential death of any character being unlike anything on TV.

Events such as the Red Wedding, which saw the deaths of Robb and Catelyn Stark at the hand of the Freys, became significant watercooler moments, furthering the interest and attachment to the show and its characters.

3Battles

Several Battles Stand Out As Some Of The Best In TV And Film History

Taking place in a Medieval world based on the history of England, war became a significant part of Game of Thrones, with some battles being regarded as some of the best in either TV or film. From the Battle of Blackwater to Hardhome, Game of Thrones has had an array of jaw-dropping battles across the Seven Kingdoms, with the chaos and brutality of warfare being depicted frequently.

Many regard the Battle of the Bastards as the show’s greatest battle, which features Jon and his army facing off against Ramsay Bolton, Warden of the North. In their exhilarating encounter, audiences follow Jon, Tormund, and Davos Seaworth as we see the despair of war caused by Ramsay’s thoughtful planning. Packed with incredible visuals and stunning combat, the Battle of the Bastards was a monumental feat for a television episode, with many shows failing to come close to its quality and entertainment ever since.

2Villains

Game of Thrones Features A Wide Array Of Detestable Characters

From a vicious king to a bastard son who becomes Warden of the North, Game of Thrones has featured several characters widely known as some of the greatest villains in TV history. From the show’s beginnings, characters such as Joffrey Baratheon and Cersei Lannister enraged viewers with their part in killing Ned, sparking the War of the Five Kings.

Despite their continued villainy into later seasons, Ramsay is Game of Thrones’ most detestable villain. Ramsay delivered psychological and physical pain towards Theon Greyjoy and Sansa Stark, leading to a deep hatred of the character by audiences. Eventually becoming a rival to Jon in the Battle of the Bastards, Ramsay’s brutality left a mark on characters and audiences even after his demise.

1Fantasy Elements

White Walkers And The Lord of Light Gave Show Mystery And Intrigue

In the show’s first scene, the threat of White Walkers is established, with these unusual creatures enhancing the fantasy elements of Game of Thrones. Filled with dragons, magic, White Walkers, and Children of the Forest, George R. R. Martin’s fantasy world uses these features to drum up mystery and intrigue, differing from the politicking in Westeros, particularly in King’s Landing.

Throughout the seasons, the fantasy elements become more of a focal point, with the White Walkers’ invasion south of the Wall culminating in the show’s climax, despite not knowing their true motives.