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The Worst Episodes of House of the Dragon

Every episode of House of the Dragon ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of House of the Dragon!

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The Targaryen dynasty is at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5 - Unbowed and Unbent
    5.9/10(58 votes)

    #1 - Unbowed and Unbent

    S3:E5

    As the search for Aemond and Vhagar continues, Daemon attempts to control the spiraling situation in King's Landing.

    Director:Nina Lopez-Corrado
    Writer:Philippa Goslett

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  2. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 - The Queen Who Ever Was
    6.2/10(114 votes)

    #2 - The Queen Who Ever Was

    S2:E8

    As Aemond becomes more volatile, Larys plots an escape, and Alicent grows more concerned about Helaena's safety. Flush with new power, Rhaenyra looks to press her advantage.

    Director:Geeta Patel
    Writer:Sara Hess

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  3. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 4 - Tumbleton
    6.3/10(67 votes)

    #3 - Tumbleton

    S3:E4

    Ormund's invasion of Tumbleton forces Rhaenyra into a corner.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:David Hancock

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  4. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 - Smallfolk
    6.4/10(113 votes)

    #4 - Smallfolk

    S2:E6

    With few options left, Rhaenyra summons a trusted knight for a risky venture and plots with Mysaria to catalyze the smallfolk. Meanwhile, Daemon's unease grows, and Aemond takes steps to reshape the Green Council.

    Director:Andrij Parekh
    Writer:Eileen Shim

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  5. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 6 - Faceless Men
    6.4/10(60 votes)

    #5 - Faceless Men

    S3:E6

    While Rhaenyra and Daemon focus on how best to deal with Ormund, tensions among their neglected allies begin to erupt.

    Director:Loni Peristere
    Writers:David Hancock, Shyam Popat

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  6. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 7 - The Dragon in Winter
    6.5/10(62 votes)

    #6 - The Dragon in Winter

    S3:E7

    Torn between Mysaria and Daemon's visions for her reign, Rhaenyra grows desperate for a sign that she will prevail.

    Director:Nina Lopez-Corrado
    Writers:Philippa Goslett, Zenzele Price

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  7. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5 - Regent
    6.6/10(109 votes)

    #7 - Regent

    S2:E5

    Amid whispers of bad omens, the Greens consider how to fill a void on Aegon's Council, Jacaerys sets out on a rogue mission to strike a deal, and Daemon enlists Lord Willem Blackwood to help persuade the Brackens to bend the knee.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Ti Mikkel

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  8. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 3 - Rhaenyra Triumphant
    6.6/10(75 votes)

    #8 - Rhaenyra Triumphant

    S3:E3

    Rhaenyra learns the situation in King's Landing is not what she anticipated. Unable to locate her enemies, and with demands coming from all sides, Rhaenyra must navigate a delicate balance between appeasing her supporters and consolidating her rule.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Sara Hess

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  9. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 6 - The Princess and the Queen
    7.0/10(167 votes)

    #9 - The Princess and the Queen

    S1:E6

    Ten years later. Rhaenyra navigates Alicent's continued speculation about her children, while Daemon and Laena weigh an offer in Pentos.

    Director:Miguel Sapochnik
    Writer:Sara Hess

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  10. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 - The Burning Mill
    7.0/10(122 votes)

    #10 - The Burning Mill

    S2:E3

    As ancient grudges resurface, Rhaenys suggests that Alicent may see reason while the men around her seek bloodshed. Ser Criston proposes a bold scheme. Daemon arrives at Harrenhal to raise an army for the Blacks.

    Director:Geeta Patel
    Writer:David Hancock

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  11. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 - Rhaenyra the Cruel
    7.1/10(129 votes)

    #11 - Rhaenyra the Cruel

    S2:E2

    As Otto schemes to turn the public against her, Rhaenyra questions Daemon's loyalty. Meanwhile, Ser Criston Cole concocts a misguided plan for revenge.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Sara Hess

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  12. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 4 - King of the Narrow Sea
    7.2/10(171 votes)

    #12 - King of the Narrow Sea

    S1:E4

    Daemon returns to court after the successful completion of the battle. Princess Rhaenyra must deal with potential suitors in order to keep her line of succession.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Ira Parker

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  13. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 8 - The Treasons at Tumbleton
    7.2/10(58 votes)

    #13 - The Treasons at Tumbleton

    S3:E8

    Shifting alliances irrevocably reshape the war as Rhaenyra's forces converge around Tumbleton and both sides vie to gain the upper hand.

    Director:Andrij Parekh
    Writers:Ryan J. Condal, Ti Mikkel

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  14. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 2 - The Rogue Prince
    7.3/10(191 votes)

    #14 - The Rogue Prince

    S1:E2

    Princess Rhaenyra dives deep into the prophecies about House Targaryen while confronting a realm that resists the idea of a woman on the Iron Throne, and Prince Daemon, embittered over being passed over as the heir to Westeros, prepares to go to war.

    Director:Greg Yaitanes
    Writer:Ryan J. Condal

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  15. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 9 - The Green Council
    7.3/10(148 votes)

    #15 - The Green Council

    S1:E9

    While Alicent enlists Cole and Aemond to track down Aegon, Otto gathers the great houses of Westeros to affirm their allegiance.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Sara Hess

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  16. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 - A Son for a Son
    7.3/10(152 votes)

    #16 - A Son for a Son

    S2:E1

    While Rhaenyra struggles to come to terms with her son's murder, in King's Landing, Alicent grows concerned that Aegon's Small Council may lead them to an all-out war. Larys suggests Aegon needs a new Hand, and Rhaenyra arrives at a fateful decision.

    Director:Alan Taylor
    Writer:Ryan J. Condal

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  17. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 3 - Second of His Name
    7.4/10(180 votes)

    #17 - Second of His Name

    S1:E3

    Daemon and the Sea Snake battle the Crabfeeder. The realm celebrates Aegon's second nameday. Rhaenyra faces the prospect of marriage.

    Director:Greg Yaitanes
    Writers:Ryan J. Condal, Gabe Fonseca

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  18. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 5 - We Light the Way
    7.4/10(168 votes)

    #18 - We Light the Way

    S1:E5

    Daemon visits his wife in the Vale. Viserys and Rhaenyra broker agreements with the Valeryons. Alicent seeks the truth about the princess.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Charmaine DeGraté

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  19. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 - The Red Sowing
    7.4/10(111 votes)

    #19 - The Red Sowing

    S2:E7

    As Rhaenyra looks to gain an advantage by unusual means, Daemon pressures a young liege lord to raise up his bannermen.

    Director:Loni Peristere
    Writer:David Hancock

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  20. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 - Queen's Landing
    7.4/10(89 votes)

    #20 - Queen's Landing

    S3:E2

    As Alicent risks everything to fulfill her end of the bargain, Rhaenyra must decide whether the Iron Throne is worth the cost.

    Director:Clare Kilner
    Writer:Sara Hess

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  21. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1 - Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood
    7.5/10(117 votes)

    #21 - Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood

    S3:E1

    Driven by her faith in Alicent, Rhaenyra positions herself to take King's Landing while the Triarchy sails to take on Corlys in the Gullet.

    Director:Loni Peristere
    Writer:Ryan J. Condal

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  22. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 1 - The Heirs of the Dragon
    7.6/10(260 votes)

    #22 - The Heirs of the Dragon

    S1:E1

    Viserys hosts a tournament to celebrate the birth of his second child. Rhaenyra welcomes her uncle Daemon back to the Red Keep.

    Director:Miguel Sapochnik
    Writer:Ryan J. Condal

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  23. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 7 - Driftmark
    7.6/10(158 votes)

    #23 - Driftmark

    S1:E7

    As the families gather on Driftmark for a funeral, Viserys calls for an end to infighting and Alicent demands justice.

    Director:Miguel Sapochnik
    Writer:Kevin Lau

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  24. House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4 - The Red Dragon and the Gold
    7.7/10(127 votes)

    #24 - The Red Dragon and the Gold

    S2:E4

    In Rhaenyra's absence and with no word from Daemon at Harrenhal, Rhaenys tries to keep the peace on the Black Council as Cole mounts a campaign into the Crownlands. In King's Landing, Aemond continues to undermine Aegon's fragile hold on authority.

    Director:Alan Taylor
    Writer:Ryan J. Condal

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  25. House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 8 - The Lord of the Tides
    7.8/10(164 votes)

    #25 - The Lord of the Tides

    S1:E8

    Six years later. With the Driftmark succession suddenly critical, Rhaenyra attempts to strike a bargain with Rhaenys.

    Director:Geeta Patel
    Writer:Eileen Shim

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Unbowed and Unbent" is the worst rated episode of "House of the Dragon". It scored 5.9/10 based on 58 votes. Directed by Nina Lopez-Corrado and written by Philippa Goslett, it aired on 7/19/2026. This episode scored 0.3 points lower than the second lowest rated, "The Queen Who Ever Was".