Every battle sequence on Game of Thrones, ranked worst to best

5. BATTLE OF THE BLACKWATER (“Blackwater,” Episode 209)

Major Players: Tyrion Lannister, Joffrey Lannister, Bronn, Stannis Baratheon, Ser Davos Seaworth, the Hound, Tywin Lannister, Podrick, Matthos Seaworth, Lord Mace Tyrell, Ser Loras Tyrell, Cersei Lannister, Sansa Stark

Deaths: Matthos Seaworth

Battle: Early in the War of the Five Kings, Stannis Baratheon leads his fleet to attack King’s Landing in his bid to take the Iron Throne from Joffrey Lannister. When the sea attack commences, Tyrion has an unoccupied ship packed with wildfire sent into the ranks of Stannis’s fleet; Bronn ignites the ship with a fire arrow and the resulting massive explosion largely obliterates the armada.

Despite the setback, Stannis lands a substantial army and assaults King’s Landing at its weakest point: the Mud Gate. King Joffrey panics and retires, so Tyrion leads the counterattack on the beach. Tywin Lannister arrives with a reinforcing Tyrell army and Stannis’s forces are routed.

Importance: The Battle of Blackwater Bay is one of the most important battles the early seasons of Game of Thrones. Stannis is initially one of the strongest contenders for the throne but he never fully recovers from the terrible losses sustained at the Blackwater. The newly forged Lannister-Tyrell alliance gives Joffrey the most powerful military clout in all of Westeros.

Cinematics: Sumptuously filmed at night in the light of the green wildfire and the orange fires burning on the Blackwater Rush, “Blackwater” fans are more likely to remember the impressive fireworks than the substantial storming and battle of the Mud Gate. From the astounding use of conflagrations to the expert weaving of participant storylines, Thrones shows us how brilliant it is (and will continue to be) at staging epic battle sequences.

Quote: “There are brave men knocking at our door. Let’s go kill them!” (Tyrion Lannister)