HBO's Game of Thrones brought the wonders and dangers of George R. R. Martin's hit series to life despite the show's unpopular ending. But every new season brought a bigger budget for the show allowing for more action-packed sequences and intensity like no other.
With that, every season also meant one (sometimes two) large scale battle that brought to warring parties to the battlefield for a much-anticipated fight. The Battle of the Bastards, The Long Night and many more had fans glued to their seats with excitement, shock and a little fear for their favorite characters. With that, here are 10 Most Epic Large Scale Battle Sequences from Game of Thrones.
Spoils of War
The Dothraki employed sophisticated guerilla tactics against the formulaic and outnumbered Lannister army, surrounding them instantly and cutting their defenses, to quote Tormund Giantsbane, like piss through the snow. On top of that, Daenerys rode above while her dragon rained fire on the scrambling Lannister soldiers.
Talk about not having a dull moment, The Spoils of War episode finally gave fans a glimpse at the Dothraki army in the field, and they didn't disappoint. Not only that, but it also introduced the Scorpion, the only weapon capable of bringing down Daenery's dragons.
Final Fight
Fans were unhappy with her choice to decimate the city, but Daenerys sure enjoyed every bit of it. The Siege of King's Landing proved that despite her best efforts, Daenerys couldn't escape the sins of her father.
What's worse was Tyrion's reaction as everything she built over the last 8 seasons was ruined, thrown away in exchange for a reign fueled by fear. This battle had Daenerys use all her strength, power and anger to prove she is a conqueror, though one not capable of breaking the wheel.
The Long Night
The much-awaited showdown between the living and dead was met with, well, lots of death. Though there were some complaints that fans couldn't see what was happening, the battle was an all-out massacre. The White Walkers were relentless, like the Zombies from World War Z, they just kept coming and coming.
Plus, fans were sitting anxiously to see who'd be killed off before the arrival at King's Landing, with Jorah paying the price. What The Long Night did perfectly was combining action with primal horror as fans (and the living, for that matter) had no idea how, when and where the White walkers would be coming from. Death loomed ominously throughout the whole episode, especially in the beginning.
Another Siege of Meereen
Despite Daenerys's genuine intentions, the city of Meereen was basically a guinea pig for her as she experimented with the implementation of new laws and disbandment of slavery.
Her response to all the civil unrest and illegal wrongdoing was perfect, employing her dragons and the army she brought with her. Call it a show of force or simply a laydown of the law, this was one of Daenery's coolest moments as slavery was finally put to rest.
Targaryen Fleet Assault
The Greyjoys may be the inferior family amongst the rest, but they outnumber and out-muscle almost anyone on the sea easily. When Euron and his mighty fleet ambush the Targaryen fleet, the Greyjoy's finally get some time in the spotlight, making quick work of the Dragon's ships.
His ego may get in the way, but Euron can back it up as a fierce fighter and clever naval captain.
Fight Beyond the Wall
If Metallica's hit Creeping Death had a cinematic music video, it'd be this scene when Jon and co. venture beyond the wall for a white walker. The anticipation builds slowly but surely as the army of the dead beat the living at the waiting game. The group's efforts were essentially futile as the dead just kept coming and coming, much would have been different if Daenerys and her dragons hadn't arrived.
This battle featured some fan-favorite characters go to town on some much-hated monsters, not to mention Beric Dondarrion's flaming sword, where do you get one of those?
Hardhome
Uniting with enemies is hard, fighting alongside them for the survival of humanity is even harder. Hardhome showed fans a fraction of the army of the dead and what they're capable of. Not only was this battle intense, but scary as fans watched wildings and crows be torn apart limb by limb.
Even scarier was the desperation from the others to climb aboard the remaining boats in fear of being left behind. But Jon's selfless nature ensured the survival of those who made it and convinced any doubters the only chance of success was through the unification of their armies.
Invasion of King's Landing (Stannis)
If anyone had a legitimate chance of taking the Iron Throne amongst the many that tried, it'd be Stannis. The Battle Of Blackwater Bay almost became the end of Joffery's reign of terror. Had it not been for Tyrion's leadership and use of wildfire, much would have been different.
As one of the battles to take place in an early season, this was a real treat for GOT fans as they finally got to see some battlefield action. Also, it featured The Hound doing what he does, killing literally everyone that stands in his way.
The Watchers on The Wall
Not a whole lot goes on at the wall, but when wildlings attempt an invasion from within and outside the fort, there's plenty of work to go around. From atop the wall to the snow-covered ground, the Crows had their hands full from every angle.
What made this even better were the weapons installed into the wall itself making an appearance, like the steel anchor that slid across the ice, obliterating every climber it came across.
Battle of The Bastards
The Battle of the Bastards was not only the most epic fight sequence but arguably the greatest scene in all of GOT. Fans were immersed in the chaotic battle as enemies flew by and horses ran left and right.
Iconic and downright epic, it finally brought an end to the much-hated and sadistic Ramsay Bolton, whose wrongdoings against Sansa were finally answered for. The entire episode was brutal, persistent and bloody, everything a GOT fan could ask for in a battle.