Game Of Thrones has become a groundbreaking TV series in the battles department, boasting the biggest spectacles ever committed to the small screen.
Whether its large scale scuffles which echo Lord Of The Rings or confined gruesome duels, Game Of Thrones has made its name on executing complex character drama inside conflicts to match any Hollywood blockbuster.
But which battle represents the finest the show has to offer? As the final season looms with promises of the biggest battle in TV history, here’s the definitive list of the greatest clashes in Game Of Thrones.
9. Greyjoys naval battle between Euron and Yara & Theon
While season seven may have left some disappointed from a narrative standpoint, it delivered in spades on spectacle. This early highlight arrived in episode two Stormborn, where romance was interrupted by Euron Greyjoy’s terrifying cackle.
The whole attack plays out like an intense Viking raid, with soaring fire arrows forming a stunning backdrop of burning ships. After Euron wipes out Ellaria’s sand snakes, a tense showdown sees the feared uncle take Yara captive – with a scared Theon jumping overboard.
Standout moment: ‘Give your uncle a kiss.’
8. Beyond The Wall battle at the frozen lake
The Game Of Thrones super best friends (Jon Snow, Tormund Giantsbane, The Hound, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros Of Myr, Jorah Mormont and Gendry) all ventured beyond the wall for this stand-off with the White Walker armies.
It’s a grand personification of fire and ice, with flaming swords smashing cracks in the frozen lake, before Daenerys returns to reign down dragon justice. It’s a remarkable fight, only hindered by the need to suspend some plot disbelief when it comes to the timing of it all.
Standout moment: Beric’s flaming sword will never get old.
7. Drogon versus Son’s Of The Harpy in Daznak’s Pit
The terrifying Son’s Of The Harpy meet sweet justice as their genocide is interrupted by dragon Drogon, in frankly the most badass entrance in Game Of Thrones history.
It’s not only a triumphant moment, but marks a significant leap compared to previous seasons for the CG animation used on the dragons – which has become a fascinating journey in itself.
Standout moment: Daenerys climbing aboard for the flight of a lifetime.
6. Battle Of The Blackwater
Arguably the first battle to place Game Of Thrones as a significant spectacle force, the Battle Of The Blackwater between King Joffrey’s Lannister forces and Stannis Baratheon is still one of the most impressive.
As the Lannister forces struggles against the endless wave descending on King’s Landing, Tyrion’s master plan comes into action as crates of Wildfire blow up the incoming ships – lighting up the night sky under a stunning green combustion.
Standout moment: Er, the massive green explosion?
5. Mountain Vs The Viper
Is it cheating to include this momentous duel? It doesn’t matter, none of us have slept since Gregor Clegane aka The Mountain popped Pedro Pascal’s brains using his fists.
The fight itself is expertly constructed, luring viewers into a false sense of security before victory is secured in the most brutal fashion possible.
Standout moment: The pop and scream won’t leave our nightmares.
4. The White Walker threat emerges at Hardhome
A moment the back half of the show pivots upon; Hardhome is Jon Snow’s introduction in realising how the White Walkers are, by some margin, the most important threat to the Seven Kingdoms.
The sequence truly takes off when Jon Snow battles one-on-one with the creature, shattering him with dragonglass. This is barely a victory, however, as the Night King raises the fallen into an army of undead followers.
Standout moment: Jon Snow’s slow realisation of the Night King’s power
3. Battle Of The Goldroad and fields of fire
The standout battle sequence of season seven was one of the show’s most impressive, combining huge army clashes, blazing fields and Daenerys rampaging with her dragon.
It’s Bronn’s climb to a giant crossbow which provided the greatest thrills, however, as Jaime Lannister makes a heart-stopping attempt to kill the Mother Of Dragons.
Standout moment: Bronn’s tracking shot climb to the catapult.
2. Battle Of The Bastards
Surprised? While Battle Of The Bastards is a remarkable technical achievement, the battles’ predictable narrative holds it back from securing the coveted top spot.
The overwhelming crush sequence, however, and the sinister tactics of Ramsay Bolton make it one of the show’s most memorable fights – delivering a dramatic end to one of the show’s best villains.
Standout moment: Zig-zag Rickon. Run in a zig-zag!
1. Battle Of Castle Black
No rational human being should dispute season four as the best Game Of Thrones has ever been. Packing Joffrey’s death, eye-popping duels and Brienne vs The Hound, it was the show’s crowning moment as an international phenomena.
Ending this incredible season was the Battle Of Castle Black; an entire episode dedicated to the Night’s Watch fighting the Wildlings with stomping giants and waves of soaring fire arrows.
It’s a remarkable episode for balancing the battle with moments of character, jumping between sub-strands effortlessly before delivering a heartbreaking climax as Ygritte is killed in action. You wanted a war? This is the show’s crowning jewel.
Standout moment: Flaming barrel drops and fleeing mammoths.
Game Of Thrones season eight arrives in April 2019.
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