Top Westeros Houses Ranked: From Stark to Targaryen Secrets

In the universe of Westeros, as portrayed in ‘Game of Thrones’ and its prequel ‘House of the Dragon,’ the landscape is defined by noble families competing for power, loyalty, and existence. From the dragon-wielding Targaryens to the indomitable Starks, each family contributes their unique blend of power, strategy, and drama to the lethal struggle for the Iron Throne. We’ve arranged the most memorable houses according to their impact, durability, and unforgettable scenes spanning both series.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the grandeur of the Lannisters or the honor bound within House Stark. These families weave the intricate tapestry of treachery, conflict, and power struggles that keep us spellbound. Plunge into our ranking of the most influential houses, savoring the finest moments of Westeros – from the fiery clashes of the Dance of Dragons to the bone-chilling wars against the White Walkers.

20. House Reyne

Kick-starting our ranking of notable houses in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, we begin with House Reyne. Though small in size, this house played a significant role in the novels. In the TV series, neither the house nor its members have made an appearance, yet their significance is underscored through “The Rains of Castamere,” a well-known song that serves as the Lannisters’ theme.

According to the lyrics, the Reyne family was known for flaunting their riches, often equating themselves to the Lannisters and even daring to challenge them on occasion. They saw themselves among the noble houses. However, their overconfidence proved their undoing, as the Lannisters viewed this as a provocation. In response, the Lannisters marched onto House Reyne’s castle and annihilated them. As a result, House Reyne faded into history, with all its members meeting a violent end.

19. House Frey

In the epic tale of Game of Thrones, House Frey was undeniably one of the most despised houses. Led by Walder Frey, this influential house held significant power for a time and considered themselves equals to other prominent houses in Westeros. Unfortunately, their reputation took a drastic turn when Robb Stark sought to break an arranged marriage with them, leading to the infamous Red Wedding event.

Subsequently, Arya Stark arrived seeking vengeance and poisoned nearly all connected to House Frey, leaving their lineage in shambles. It’s uncertain if House Frey still exists, but it’s clear they will not recover the prestige they once held.

18. House Seaworth

The Seaworth family is one of the rare Houses in Westeros that didn’t rise to prominence through wealth or power, but instead earned their status through recognition, valor, and honorable actions. This House emerged more recently as a result of Davos Seaworth demonstrating his worth and loyalty to Stannis Baratheon during the Siege of Storm’s End.

Given that Davos’ son perished and he himself joined the Night’s Watch, leaving the fate of the rest of his family uncertain, it’s possible that House Seaworth may vanish just as swiftly as it appeared.

17. House Reed

The modest yet powerful House Reed resides in the North, maintaining long-standing alliances with the Starks. When Bran Stark ventured beyond the Wall, Jojen and Meera Reed accompanied him for his safety. Tragically, Jojen perished during this journey. Later, Meera Reed stayed at Winterfell briefly before traveling a bit south to reunite with her family.

As a cinephile penning down my thoughts, I must admit, House Reed found itself precariously close to extinction, given its sole heir was Howland Reed’s son. However, the unwavering loyalty and righteousness that House Reed embodies truly warrants commendation, making their position on this list nothing short of fitting.

16. House Mormont

The Mormont House bears a resemblance to House Reed, but it seems more powerful according to my perspective, particularly in their shared history. They have been steadfast allies of the Starks and Winterfell for a long time. Despite its size, House Mormont has consistently produced some of the North’s most valiant and formidable warriors.

After most of the Mormont family perished, a ten-year-old girl named Lyanna Mormont stepped up as leader following her mother’s death at the Red Wedding. Despite being young, Lyanna demonstrated remarkable courage, leadership, and resilience, which earned her people’s respect and loyalty, and they followed her until the end.

In the Battle of Winterfell against the White Walkers, Lyanna met a tragic end when a massive wight (potentially Wun Wun) squashed her in its hand. It’s uncertain who will now rule House Mormont, but there are several individuals from the house who still live.

15. House Bolton

Without a doubt, House Bolton is my least preferred House in Game of Thrones, to the point where I can’t help but dislike them, primarily due to one character – Ramsay Bolton. This man was responsible for the torment and humiliation of Theon Greyjoy, renaming him “Reek” and mutilating a crucial part of his body.

Initially, House Bolton held great power and influence, but when Ramsay seized control by assassinating his father Roose, then his step-mother and her baby, effectively eliminating any potential claimants to the throne, it marked a significant decline for the once formidable house in Westeros. Eventually, the Starks took Winterfell and killed Ramsay, which essentially brought an end to House Bolton’s reign of power.

14. House Umber

I find it frustrating that Houses like the Umbers lack a clear stance – they seem to sway with whatever direction the wind takes. But, prior to Jon Snow’s decision to allow wildlings in the North, they were faithful to House Stark. However, Smalljon Umber switched allegiances, swearing loyalty to House Bolton instead of House Stark, who needed him more than ever at that time.

Fortunately for House Umber and Jon Snow himself, he differed significantly from his father, Eddard Stark. Unlike many others who might have executed Smalljon for his treachery following the Boltons’ defeat, Jon Snow chose mercy instead, reinstating their alliance rather than punishing them. While House Umber is one of the most powerful in the North, I personally disapprove of their methods, and thus, I would not elevate them above others.

13. House Karstark

The House Karstark was among the Northern houses that remained faithful to the Starks. Yet, when Robb Stark executed their leader for treason, this allegiance crumbled and the House Karstark ceased to be allies of the Starks. This decision seemed prudent as they were one of the few Houses in the North who managed to avoid the repercussions of the Red Wedding – they had merely not attended the event.

Similarly to House Umber, House Karstark switched allegiance from the Starks to House Bolton but were spared by Jon Snow when the Boltons were eliminated. This ancient alliance was reinstated, and House Karstark, one of the most influential Northern houses, is now headed by Alys Karstark, daughter of Harald Karstark.

12. House Tarly

Most prominently known among House Tarly, a family not particularly fond of battle, is Sam Tarly – Jon Snow’s steadfast companion from the Night’s Watch. Though small in number, House Tarly was renowned for their formidable strength and prowess in warfare. They had served under the more affluent and influential House Tyrell for a considerable period.

Instead, they opted to change allegiances and side with the Lannisters, a move that eventually brought about their demise. Daenerys Targaryen captured them as prisoners and demanded they kneel before her, an order the Tarlys defied. This act of disobedience led to their deaths at the hands of her dragon.

11. House Clegane

In essence, House Clegane is barely recognizable today. They were typically subordinates rather than rulers, serving under stronger, more influential houses. Yet, within the realm of Westeros, they stood out as formidable warriors.

Originally, there were only two members left of House Clegane: the Hound and the Mountain. The former had a charred visage and disregarded his family’s line, while the latter became an unnatural beast. Eventually, these brothers engaged in mortal combat, falling to their deaths simultaneously, thus extinguishing House Clegane for good.

Nevertheless, the Hound remains among my cherished characters, and I believe he richly deserves this lofty position on the list.

10. House Tully

The House Tully wasn’t exceptionally influential during the Game of Thrones timeline, but they boasted a lineage of formidable leaders and strategic alliances. Notably, Catelyn Stark, wife to Eddard Stark and mother of Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Jon Snow, was originally a Tully before her union with Ned.

Edmure Tully, her brother, held the title of heir to House Tully and was the last representative of the Tully bloodline. He had the audacity to propose himself for the Throne, but Sansa swiftly corrected him. Fortunately for him, he retains control of Riverrun, a feat that many noble Houses in Westeros on this list cannot boast about.

9. House Royce

House Royce gained significant influence unexpectedly, becoming one of the most powerful Houses within Westeros. Historically, they served under House Arryn; however, this dynamic shifted following Petyr Baelish’s brief reign. With Baelish out of the picture, Robin Arryn assumed control as the Lord of House Arryn.

As a greenhorn in the realm of Westeros politics, I found myself under Yohn Royce’s tutelage and protection – the venerable leader of House Arryn. In essence, his wisdom and counsel were my beacon, steering me through every critical decision. And it was under his watchful eye that House Arryn wielded its power, a strategic move that, while keeping us out of many battles, allowed our army to swell in numbers, now towering over those of other houses in Westeros.

8. House Arryn

Although House Arryn may not boast the most distinguished members among those in Westeros, its location certainly sets it apart as the most intriguing. Perched high atop towering, precipitous mountains, The Eyrie is home to a unique feature known as the Moon Door – a chilling opening in the floor that plunges any unlucky soul straight into the abyss below.

Following Lady Arryn’s passing, her green and untested son, Robin Arryn, inherited the rule of the Vale. Yet, due to his lack of experience, he found himself under the tutelage of Yohn Royce, the head of House Royce – a steadfast ally of the Arryns within the Vale for many years.

7. House Baratheon

The Baratheon family is widely recognized in the realm of Westeros, yet their glory was swift and fleeting. Robert Baratheon seized the Iron Throne following the death of the Mad King from House Targaryen. Regrettably, his reign didn’t endure for long, as Cersei Lannister took control not too much time afterwards. She was his queen who continued to hold the throne after he met an untimely demise at the hands of a rampaging boar.

As a movie buff immersed in the world of Westeros, I’d say it like this: The Baratheons, one of the noble houses I admire most, held their ground in Stormlands, with their stronghold at Storm’s End. Tragically, they were all wiped out, leaving me wondering who would carry on their legacy. Fortunately, Gendry, Robert’s illegitimate son, rose to the occasion. He returned to claim Storm’s End and breathe new life into House Baratheon, offering them a much-needed second chance.

6. House Tyrell

If House Tyrell had additional combat experience and prominent fighters beyond Loras Tyrell, they would likely rank higher on this list. Their wealth outstrips almost every House within Westeros. Their principal stronghold, Highgarden, is situated in the southern region of Westeros, famously known as the Reach.

They employed their wealth to amass power, yet it has its limitations. In time, each one met their demise; initially, Margaery and Loras fell, leaving only their grandmother, Olenna Tyrell, who ultimately succumbed to poisoning at the hands of the Lannisters – a vengeful act.

5. House Martell

The Martells have consistently managed to steer clear of conflicts and intricate plots among other Houses in Westeros, as they reside in Dorne – a southern realm that mirrors a desert landscape. Due to its arid environment, characterized by sand, intense heat, and abundant sunshine, Dornish life is challenging, which likely explains why it was seldom targeted for attack – the conditions were simply inhospitable.

Although House Martell avoided external conflicts, their internal struggles ultimately led to their demise. Not everyone would rank House Martell among the best, but Oberyn Martell stands out as my preferred character from Game of Thrones, even though his screen time was limited.

By using simpler sentence structures and clearer phrasing, I’ve aimed to make the text more accessible while retaining its original meaning.

4. House Greyjoy

In the Iron Islands, a well-known saying goes: What is lost can never truly perish; the Greyjoys are some of the most formidable and unyielding warriors across all Westeros, particularly in naval battles. They’re self-sufficient and independent-minded, choosing to reside on the Iron Islands and govern themselves as they please. Their actions range from plundering settlements to surviving off their own resources.

As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by the formidable Iron Island warriors, specifically House Greyjoy. However, their valor hides a tumultuous internal struggle that has split this noble house between Euron Greyjoy, championing an alliance with the Lannisters, and Yara Greyjoy, who champions the Targaryens. Despite their current diminished power, it’s undeniable that House Greyjoy from the Iron Islands has a rich history that places them among Westeros’ greatest houses.

3. House Lannister

The Lannister family, while not particularly renowned for their military prowess (except for a few instances), boasted an immense wealth that made them one of the most influential Houses and families in Westeros. For much of the Game of Thrones series, Cersei sat on the Iron Throne before meeting her end along with her brother-lover Jaime in the rubble of King’s Landing. The Lannisters controlled the wealth of many other noble houses from their stronghold at Casterly Rock.

In the final analysis, Tyrion Lannister, the younger brother among two siblings, ended up serving as the King’s right-hand man. Although House Lannister no longer holds the dominance it once did, nor can it regain that power in the future, I am convinced that the noble qualities of the Lannister lineage reside within Tyrion. He is fond of imbibing and possesses a wealth of knowledge.

2. House Targaryen

The House Targaryen is famously recognized as “The House of the Dragon,” serving as the central focus of the recent prequel series. Throughout Westeros’ historical narrative, this dynasty stands out as the most dominant power, with no other House coming even remotely close. This supremacy stems from their unique association with dragons, a symbolism that echoes in their motto “Fire and Blood.” Their motto carries an ominous connotation, mirroring the violent and dramatic events that have marked their history.

Historically, the Targaryens were known for breeding and riding dragons, a feat that allowed them to maintain power and hold the Iron Throne for an extended period. Interestingly, these individuals could withstand fire without any harm or injury. Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, also known as the Mother of Dragons, recently gave birth to the last three dragons discovered in Westeros.

Multiple occasions arose when the duration on the throne for House Targaryen was abruptly ended, often as a result of internal family squabbles or the lunacy of their rulers. I’m eagerly anticipating learning more about the golden era of House Targaryen in the upcoming TV series.

1. House Stark

Among the outstanding Houses in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, House Stark undeniably stands out as the finest in Westeros. They governed the North from Winterfell, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, righteousness, exceptional martial prowess, and overall being exemplary individuals. This was evident starting with Ned Stark. Robb Stark, the eldest son, tragically perished, but the remaining Starks continued to shine, if not even more brilliantly than Robb. Their motto “Winter is coming” became the most renowned in the series!

Arya Stark transformed into an exceptional fighter, much like the enigmatic Faceless Man. Sansa Stark showcased remarkable leadership abilities and strategic intellect. Bran Stark evolved into the Three-Eyed Raven and eventually claimed the Iron Throne, albeit only in the television series.

Jon Snow, a member of the illustrious House Stark, was among the rare leaders throughout history who didn’t crave power but instead chose to relinquish the throne in the North to lead his own life beyond the Wall. To put it simply, House Stark is an exceptional house that undeniably stands out as my top favorite in Game of Thrones.

It’s uncertain whether they will appear in the House of the Dragon Series, but I think even the fans would enjoy some sort of nod or tribute to them. Personally, I certainly would.

2025-06-06 15:46