15 Best ‘House of the Dragon’ Episodes, Ranked According to IMDb

House of the Dragon, the prequel to the critically acclaimed Game of Thrones, proved to be a sensation with its consistent writing, beautiful character development, and a nuanced approach at maintaining the brutal vibe that made Game of Thrones famous. As suggested by the title, the series follows the Targaryen family, which fans of the original series would know lost control of Westeros a few generations later.

With the recent premiere of the Season 2 finale, it’s worth looking back at the show’s best episodes as ranked by IMDb, to see what fans and critics loved the most about it. While House of the Dragon doesn’t reach the same emotional heights as Game of Thrones, the show still has some amazing stand-out moments thanks to its interesting characters and iconic dragons.

15 “The Burning Mill” (Season 2, Episode 3)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Tensions rise in the Riverlands as the houses of Blackwood and Bracken use the succession crisis to re-ignite their ancient feud, and Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) captures the ruined castle of Harrenhal to rally an army. The new Hand of the King, Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), decides to take action and prepares to attack the lords of the Crownlands, who declared for Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy). Meanwhile, Rhaenyra hopes the war can be averted and attempts to speak with her old friend, Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).

“The Burning Mill” is an episode that builds up the volatile state of Westeros and shows how little power the people in charge have over things. It demonstrates how conflicts can grow beyond the scope of the people who initiated them, while new characters like Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) and Simon Strong (Sir Simon Russell Beale), offer new insight into the storylines of Cole and Daemon’s stories. While very contrived, the ending between Rhaenyra and Alicent provides a good moment of realization between the two when Alicent realizes that her rationalization for the war was based on a misunderstanding. – Tyler B. Searle

14 “The Princess and the Queen” (Season 1, Episode 6)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

A decade after episode five, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), having survived his collapse, is now the father of three children with Alicent Hightower. Princess Rhaenyra gives birth to another child, sparking speculation about parentage, with whispers suggesting Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) isn’t the father. Meanwhile, Daemon is married to the pregnant Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell), living in Pentos with their two children, and facing an intriguing offer.

The shift from youthful to mature characters over a decade is seamless, leaving viewers with little confusion about identities, thanks to the exceptional efforts of the casting department. As the first 10-minute one-take scene focuses on Rhaenyra, fans observe the decade-long evolution of her relationship with her stepmother and former best friend. The power dynamics are exposed, unveiling the strategic moves each has made in their intricate game. Additionally, akin to other episodes in the season, this episode attempts to cram as much information as possible to bridge the 10-year gap, and it succeeds in this endeavor. Nevertheless, it leaves many fans dissatisfied as several desired moments occur off-screen.

13 “Rhaenyra the Cruel” (Season 2, Episode 2)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Following the assassination of his son, Prince Jaehaerys, King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) is furious and demands blood. While his Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), arranges a royal procession to blame Rhaenyra for the tragedy, Ser Criston sends Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor) to Dragonstone to assassinate Rhaenyra. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra confronts Daemon about how his actions have hurt his position.

“Rhaenyra the Cruel” has some of the most emotionally charged moments in Season 2. This leads to numerous great arguments, such as Rhaenyra chastising Daemon and Otto calling out Aegon’s impulsive actions, which allow the cast to let loose and showcase their acting talents. Then there is the battle between Arryk and his twin, Ser Erryk (Elliot Tittensor), which is a tragic representation of the self-destructive nature of the civil war. – Tyler B. Searle

12 “A Son for a Son” (Season 2, Episode 1)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Following the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), Rhaenyra is distraught, which leaves her council paralyzed and unable to conduct the war in her name. When she demands revenge on Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) for killing her son, Daemon wastes no time using his former mistress, Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) to arrange for some assassins to sneak into the Red Keep. Meanwhile, her eldest son, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett), acquires the loyalty of great houses, and Aegon settles into his new role as king.

“A Son for a Son” doesn’t open with an epic battle, instead dwelling on the pain and consequences of HotD Season 1’s finale. Rhaenyra’s scenes are particularly strong: D’arcy only has one line in the whole episode, yet manages to draw viewers into her grief through non-verbal acting and stellar facial expressions. It ends in a truly grisly fashion as the assassins, unable to find Aemond, settle for Aegon’s young son, cutting off his head in front of his mother. – Tyler B. Searle

11 “The Rogue Prince” (Season 1, Episode 2)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

“The Rogue Prince” resumes about six months after the first episode’s conclusion, with the eponymous rogue prince, Daemon, now illegally stationed on Dragonstone, with a pilfered dragon egg in tow. Meanwhile, Prince-Admiral Craghas Drahar (Daniel Scott-Smith), leading the Triarchy launches an assault on Westerosi vessels in the Stepstones region with his pirate fleet. Viserys declines to engage, aiming to steer clear of overt conflict with Essos, and instead, heeding advice to ensure succession through strategic marriages.

Numerous parallels exist between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon characters, like Otto Hightower and Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), or King Viserys and Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy). The episode highlights the evident Targaryen house dynamic, with Viserys frequently sidelining significant matters in favor of pursuing a spouse. It also showcases Rhaenyra’s (Milly Alcock) competence in managing her uncle and other affairs after being overlooked by the men on the council.

10 “King of the Narrow Sea” (Season 1, Episode 4)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Following an unsuccessful months-long journey to select a consort, Rhaenyra comes back to King’s Landing. Meanwhile, Daemon, having conquered a significant portion of the Stepstones, returns as the newly titular title. Daemon pledges allegiance to Viserys and relinquishes his crown. Daemon successfully seduces Rhaenyra, but due to physical limitations, he leaves her unfulfilled. Upon returning to the Red Keep, Rhaenyra leverages her position to manipulate Ser Criston into a sexual encounter.

While sex has been prominent in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon introduces it in this episode, paying off the tension built between Daemon and Rhaenyra since the first episode. It also demonstrates the showrunner’s ability to film intimate scenes without overly sexualizing female characters yet achieve the intended impact nonetheless. While primarily centered on Rhaenyra’s sexual awakening, the episode also reveals a softer side to Otto Hightower, highlighting his genuine concern for the King despite his complexities.

9 “The Green Council” (Season 1, Episode 9)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Connecting the late king Viserys’s final words, “The Song of Ice and Fire,” to her son Aegon, Queen Alicent orchestrates a complex political maneuver in King’s Landing to secure the coronation of her eldest child. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Hand, the queen, and their allies triumphantly declare Aegon II as the next king. Meanwhile, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best), rejecting her allegiance to Aegon, is captured. However, at the final moment, she escaped on the back of her dragon, Meleys.

“The Green Council” is a densely packed episode, centering solely on a subset of House of the Dragon characters confined within a relatively small space, grappling with a weighty decision. It highlights how the fate of the Seven Kingdoms is on the brink of being entirely consumed by what amounts to essentially a family dispute. It also reveals more than any previous episode the folly inherent in this power struggle. The episode also satirizes the power game by compelling someone who has no desire to be king, despite continuously emphasizing his incompetence throughout the episode.

8 “Second of His Name” (Season 1, Episode 3)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

For three years, Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) and Prince Daemon have waged war against the Crabfeeder and his forces in the Stepstones without the backing of the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, King Viserys orchestrates a grand hunt to commemorate the second birthday of his son Aegon, born to the pregnant Queen Alicent (Emily Carey). The ailing king insists that seventeen-year-old Rhaenyra must enter into matrimony to forge a potent alliance and safeguard their lineage.

“Second of His Name” primarily serves to showcase Viserys’ ineptitude as a ruler , whether with the perilous situation of the war in the Stepstones, where Corlys and Daemon are faring poorly, or to choose a suitor for his daughter. The episode draws parallels between Daemon and Rhaenyra as they wage their individual battles with their house’s words, “fire and blood,” at the forefront. In the final act, Daemon steals every scene without uttering a single word, providing one of the best “show, don’t tell” examples in the series.

7 “The Heirs of the Dragon” (Season 1, Episode 1)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

After nine years on the throne, King Viserys arranges a tournament to honor Queen Aemma Arryn’s (Sian Brooke) pregnancy, believing it to be the awaited male heir. Despite Lord Corlys Velaryon’s caution about the Triarchy’s threat to Westeros shipping lanes, the Small Council dismisses the warning. During the tournament, the ordinary-born and charismatic Ser Criston Cole outshines Daemon. Simultaneously, Viserys, in a tragic turn, sacrifices Aemma in childbirth against her pleas, opting for a C-section. Sadly, their newborn son, Baelon, passes away shortly thereafter.

“The Heir of the Dragon” brings viewers back with a visceral Game of Thrones-style scene featuring a brutal c-section, leaving fans breathless and in shock. In a short amount of time for a TV episode, the first installment already successfully establishes a solid foundation, allowing viewers to grasp the reign they are entering and gain insight into each character’s personality.

6 “We Light the Way” (Season 1, Episode 5)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

In the Vale, Daemon perpetrates the murder of his wife, Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford). Before leaving King’s Landing, Ser Otto cautions Queen Alicent that Rhaenyra’s ascent to the throne poses a threat to Alicent’s children, as they share the king’s lineage. Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon’s (Theo Nate) betrothal eases Lord Corlys’ concerns. During their betrothal celebration, Alicent disrupts Viserys’ speech, clad in a green gown, signaling House Hightower’s call to arms. In a misunderstanding, Criston, fearing blackmail, ruthlessly kills Joffrey (Solly McLeod), Laenor’s lover, devastating Laenor and shocking the guests.

“We Light the Way” illustrates the turning point inAlicent and Rhaenyra’s friendship , revealing how declaring allegiance to Alicent was a decisive choice. Moreover, it introduces another player in the power game, one reminiscent of characters like Little Finger or Varys in Game of Thrones. Moreover, as the episode concludes before a significant time jump, it feels rushed in attempting to neatly tie up all the loose ends.

5 “The Red Sowing” (Season 2, Episode 7)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

When Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) bonds with the dragon Seasmoke, Rhaenyra expands her list of potential dragon riders to lowborns born with Targaryen blood. Rallying as many as she can to Dragonstone, including a blacksmith named Hugh (Kieran Bew) and a drunk named Ulf (Tom Bennett), she introduces them to Vermithor, the Bronze Fury, with disastrous results. Meanwhile, Alicent retreats into the woods, while Daemon is forced to humble himself before the River Lords and their new lord, Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes).

After spending an entire season on the back foot, “The Red Sowing” sees the balance of power shift toward the Blacks. The third act is one of the best from both House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones:thedragons Vermithor and Silverwing convey the proper amount of majesty and power for creatures of their size, and the scene of Vermithor decimating the dragonseeds is one of the show’s most brutal moments. The Harrenhal plotline is also superb, reinforcing that Daemon cannot rule through fear alone, which causes him to question whether he truly wants the crown. – Tyler B. Searle

4 “Driftmark” (Season 1, Episode 7)

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10

King Viserys and his court gather for Lady Laena’s funeral on Driftmark. Rhaenyra and Daemon share an intimate reunion. Meanwhile, Prince Aemond (Leo Ashton) asserts his claim to Vhagar, leading to a confrontation with his relatives. Lucerys (Harvey Sadler), in the scuffle, slashes Aemond’s eye with a knife. Ser Qarl (Arty Froushan) seemingly kills Laenor, leaving Rhaenys and Corlys devastated, thinking their son is dead. Daemon and Rhaenyra privately wed in the ancient Valyrian Dragonlord tradition to continue the Targaryen bloodline. Unbeknownst to all, Laenor fakes his death and escapes Driftmark with Qarl.

The episode is a rollercoaster, commencing with a funeral and concluding with a wedding – two aspects from the Old Valyria that fans have seldom witnessed. “Driftmark” also highlights the showrunner’s adeptness in handling the source material by providing a more satisfying conclusion and explanation for the loose details from the book. Additionally, it marks Rhaenyra’s initial stride in officially asserting her power and actively engaging in the game of politics.

3 “The Black Queen” (Season 1, Episode 10)

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

Princess Rhaenys arrives at Dragonstone to declare King Viserys’s demise and Prince Aegon’s ascent to the throne which stuns Rhaenyra, leading to a premature stillbirth. Daemon urges Rhaenyra to go to war. Meanwhile, Otto Hightower outlines King Aegon II’s terms for Rhaenyra’s surrender. Princes Jacaerys and Lucerys are dispatched as envoys to secure alliances with Houses Arryn, Stark, and Baratheon. Lucerys encounters Prince Aemond, and as he departs on his dragon, Arrax, Aemond pursues him on Vhagar. The rebellious dragons defy their riders, leading to Vhagar subsequently devouring both Lucerys and Arrax, leaving Aemond stunned. Rhaenyra is devastated and enraged upon receiving the news.

“The Black Queen” is filled with both remarkable and tragic events.Emma D’Arcy’s outstanding acting during childbirth stands out, underscoring the burdens faced by female rulers. The episode concludes with a poignant tragedy for young Prince Lucerys and marks the end of the peaceful era for the House of the Dragon as the Dance of the Dragons commences.

2 “The Lord of the Tides” (Season 1, Episode 8)

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

Six years after the previous episode’s events, Lord Corlys Velaryon sustains severe injuries in the Stepstones. His brother, Ser Vaemond (Wil Johnson), pleads with King’s Landing to designate him as Corlys’ heir, asserting the illegitimacy of Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys. Bedridden, disfigured, and mentally impaired, King Viserys’ reign is overseen by Queen Alicent and her father. During Vaemond’s petition at court, the ailing king enters, barely able to walk, and proclaims Lucerys as the heir to Driftmark. Daemon ruthlessly beheads Vaemond for denouncing Rhaenyra and her children as bastards.

The episode features one of the show’s best scenes, highlighting Considine’s superb acting as he portrays a father and grandfather giving support to his dearest family while appearing almost lifeless himself. “The Lord of the Tides” also includes several tender, and almost reconciling, moments between childhood best friends before the storm hits and the children are thrust into turmoil. It also serves as a reminder of why Daemon is beloved, showcasing his ruthless yet impressive defense of his wife and her children.

1 “The Red Dragon and the Gold” (Season 2, Episode 4)

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

One by one, the lords of the Crownlands are defeated by Ser Criston and his army, until only Lord Simon Staunton (Michael Elwyn) of Rook’s Rest remains. Since Daemon is still at Harrenhal, and Rhaenyra is too important to risk, it’s decided that Rhaenys and her dragon, Meleys, will fly to Lord Staunton’s aid. Meanwhile, Aegon is growing increasingly frustrated that his councillors don’t respect him as king, and decides to prove himself.

While the buildup is full of stellar character moments, especially from Aegon, the standout moment of “The Red Dragon and the Gold” is The Battle of Rook’s Rest. It is a bloody and brutal affair, with men being burned alive and crushed underfoot as the dragons clash in the skies. It offers the characters and audiences a taste of what is to come should the dragons be fully unleashed. Beyond the beautiful dragon clashes, the human characters shine in moments like Aemond turning on his brother, Criston risking his life to rescue his king, and Rhaenys choosing to fight to the bitter end. – Tyler B. Searle

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