The Best Acted Scenes in GAME OF THRONES and HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

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As a connoisseur of all things Targaryen, I must say that this list is as fiery and unpredictable as the dragons themselves! The talent on display here is truly breathtaking, reminding us yet again why Westeros is the go-to destination for top-notch acting.

House of the Dragon‘s second season might not have been everything everyone wanted. But no matter its flaws, it still featured some truly amazing performances. Which ones stood out in a (Narrow) sea of great acting how? And how do they compare to the very best the Realm has offered before? To find out we put together a list of the best acted scenes from both Game of Thrones and its dragon-filled prequel.

REMARK: To ensure fairness and diversity, each character or actor was only allowed one entry. Furthermore, we significantly reduced our extensive initial list by half. Please understand that if someone wasn’t included, it’s a reflection of our regret for not being able to accommodate more names on the list.

GAME OF THRONES

Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell – “I Will Be Your Champion”

Pedro Pascal made a memorable entrance in just season four, leaving an indelible mark on the series as one of its most iconic characters. Among his numerous impactful scenes, we’ve decided to highlight his poignant jailhouse visit with Tyrion Lannister. It was during this encounter that the vengeful Oberyn shared a moving monologue about their first meeting as children, which stood out for its quiet intensity. The scene concluded with one of the show’s most famous lines: “I will be your champion.” Even now, just recalling it sends shivers down our spine. Reflecting on how that fateful battle against the Mountain unfolded, though, is not as enjoyable.

Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark – The Red Wedding

In the annals of Game of Thrones, The Red Wedding stands as the most notorious event, yet it wouldn’t have left such an indelible mark without Michelle Fairley delivering an exceptional portrayal during the bloodshed. As Lady Catelyn Stark transitioned from discomfort to rage, dread, and eventually terror, Fairley perfectly encapsulated the overwhelming emotions a mother might feel in that unfathomable instant.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister – Hot Tub Confession

In a poignant moment of genuine emotion, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau transformed one of the series’ most despised characters, Jamie Lannister, into someone we found ourselves supporting. Known for his arrogance, incest, and even throwing Bran Stark from a tower, Jamie Lannister was in fact hidden among the Realm’s true heroes. Coster-Waldau’s heartfelt conversation with Brienne in a hot tub stood out as a remarkable performance that was both impactful and multi-layered.

Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister – Walk of Shame

Instead of compiling a comprehensive list of Lena Headey’s outstanding performances as Cersei Lannister, we’ve decided to focus on one standout scene: her unforgettable portrayal during the “Walk of Shame.” In this scene, she masterfully embodies a complex character who is at once powerful and vulnerable, resilient yet emotionally exposed. It’s a truly remarkable moment that underscores the exceptional acting talent present in the series.

Kit Harington as Jon Snow – Hardhome Attack

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at Kit Harington’s exceptional skill in portraying battle scenes on Game of Thrones, and the old and new gods would surely concur. However, it was his performance during the White Walker attack on Hardhome that truly left an indelible mark. When his character, as the Lord Commander, watched the Night King raise the dead with a quiet expression of resigned awe and terror, Harington managed to capture the genuine dread that loomed over the living. Though the Night King may have appeared victorious in that scene, it is Harington’s remarkable performance that elevates that iconic moment to one I’ll never forget.

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen – “A Dragon Is Not a Slave”

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that when it comes to unforgettable scenes from “Game of Thrones,” Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the dragon-Unsullied exchange in Astapor truly steals the show. Unlike Kit Harington’s scenes that often revolve around dialogue, Clarke’s performance was a silent, powerful display of emotion – capturing the raw anger, rage, and cunning of the Mother of Dragons in a way that words could never convey. It’s this scene that perfectly encapsulates her character, just as Harington’s moments do for Jon Snow, reflecting the duality of ice and fire.

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister – Courtroom Confession

Peter Dinklage received an Emmy nomination for every season of “Game of Thrones,” making him the sole cast member to win, which makes choosing his best scene quite challenging. However, there’s one scene that remains particularly impactful – the emotional “confession” during his trial for Joffrey’s murder. In a gripping, captivating monologue, Dinklage masterfully portrayed Tyrion’s lifelong pain, anger, and the resilience he has developed as a shield against a cruel, unforgiving world that has always harbored resentment towards him for being born a dwarf.

Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell – “Tell Cersei. I Want Her To Know It Was Me.”

Olenna Tyrell was no warrior. She fought no battles. But thanks to the great Diana Rigg she wielded a tongue sharper than any sword in the Realm. The Lady of House Tyrell was always a powerhouse on the show, but she saved her greatest performance for her last one on the show, when she used her final breathes to tell Jaime Lannister she had been the one to poison Joffrey. In doing so she turned, “Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me,” into an all-time iconic line.

Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark – “My Lord”

In the hit series “Game of Thrones,” two standout characters, portrayed by exceptional actors, had a chance to go head-to-head. Unbeknownst to many viewers, Arya Stark disguised herself as Tywin Lannister’s servant at Harrenhal. Their encounters—filled with subtle jabs, concealed intentions, and palpable tension within the confines of one room—were a testament to what made the show so captivating. The show’s success didn’t stem from its magical elements or dragons, but rather from the compelling characters that formed the narrative core. Charles Dance, Liam Cunningham, and Maisie Williams were among the finest who graced the fictional land of Westeros.

Sean Bean as Ned Stark and Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon – “There’s a War Coming, Ned”

Sean Bean and Mark Addy may not have completed a whole season on “Game of Thrones,” but they left indelible marks as Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon respectively. Consequently, it’s appropriate that they share a spotlight, with a memorable scene that underscored the fact that despite its fantastical setting, the series was populated by genuine individuals – individuals with histories, secrets, friendships that could fray even with those dearly loved. Their private meal in the woods was a subtler moment that spoke volumes due to their nuanced portrayals.

David Bradley as Fake Walder Frey – Winter Comes for House Frey

David Bradley excelled at portraying the infamous Walder Frey on “Game of Thrones,” yet his most remarkable act was when he seemingly played a different character. The series had him enact Arya Stark disguised as Frey, leveraging her Faceless Men abilities to exact revenge for the Red Wedding. Bradley’s portrayal in this scene is nothing short of exceptional, delivering an entirely convincing performance that leaves viewers in no doubt about the deception. It may well be one of the most underrated acting feats in the annals of Westeros history.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower – An Eye for an Eye

As a passionate gamer immersed in the captivating world of Westeros, I’ve got to say, the central figures in the Dance of the Dragons have given some of the most remarkable performances ever witnessed in this realm. Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, portraying their complex frenemies, Queens Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower, are simply outstanding in every scene they grace. However, they truly shine when they share the screen. The pinnacle of their performances, for me, was during their intense confrontation following Rhaenyra’s young son’s accident involving Alicent’s eye. In that instant, years of suppressed frustration and rage erupted, delivering a genuinely stunning moment that showcased the unparalleled talent of both D’Arcy and Cooke.

Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys – Battle of Rook’s Rest

In the series “House of the Dragon,” similar to its precursor, there’s exceptional acting everywhere you look. However, even amidst this exceptional talent, Eve Best consistently shone brightest whenever she appeared on screen. This was particularly evident in her last episode. Without uttering a single word, she delivered an outstanding performance during Queen Rhaenys’ dramatic dragon battle above Rook’s Rest. Best skillfully portrayed all the emotions she felt during her final moments through her expressive acting alone.

Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower – Aegon Fires Otto as Hand

It’s really hard to love Otto Hightower, but it’s really easy to love Rhys Ifans’ portrayal of the man who served three separate kings as Hand. But for all of his success, Otto’s greatest moment came when his own grandson stripped him of his position. That intense scene served the best performance in the single best acted episode of House of the Dragon. Ifans perfectly captured Otto’s exhaustion, disgust, regret, anger, and even his honor, with both humor and deep humanity, in an outstanding sequence.

Paddy Considine as King Viserys and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen – Two Brothers Defend Rhaenyra’s Honor

George R.R. Martin has repeatedly commended Paddy Considine for his exceptional portrayal of King Viserys, making the character feel incredibly authentic. This was particularly evident during a standout scene where a weakened Viserys unexpectedly defended his daughter’s honor before his royal court. The emotional depth of his performance was further amplified by Matt Smith’s portrayal of Viserys’ brother Daemon, showcasing both his compassionate and enraged sides. As the intensity escalated in front of the Iron Throne, each Targaryen had a chance to display their fiery and bloodthirsty nature. The sharp words exchanged between Vaemond Velaryon and Rhaenyra turned an already impressive scene into an unforgettable moment in Westeros’ history.

Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II – The King Learns About His Son’s Murder

In the second season of “House of the Dragon,” Tom Glynn-Carney transformed the questionable monarch, King Aegon II, from an outright monster into a multidimensional character that left viewers both fascinated and repulsed. The scene where he reacted to his son’s murder encapsulated Aegon’s complexity – or perhaps lack thereof – better than any other moment. Actors often bring authentic emotions to life, but Glynn-Carney’s portrayal during this scene was exceptional because it convincingly depicted how King Aegon struggled to express genuine feelings. It was a truly moving performance from an exceptionally talented actor.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for the content I write at TopMob! However, there are some performances that left me so moved, I had to omit them from discussion. You can catch more of my thoughts on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. And if you’re interested in rankings of the Targaryen kings, I’m right there with you!

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2024-12-28 00:33