Over the years, HBO’s Game of Thrones has solidified its claim on the throne of best shows to have ever been made. Characteristically known for its fast-paced, multidimensional story line, the show depicts a tug of war among different houses of Westeros as they vie for The Iron Throne. Additionally, the narrative structure of the show is peppered by supernatural elements like dragons, black magic, and the White Walkers (quite similar to dead, ice laden zombies).

Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s novel series of the same name, Game of Thrones is a masterclass in fantasy writing. Martin masterfully carves out a mysterious world, without sacrificing on realistic elements making Game of Thrones, an undeniable contender, in the great game of shows. Here are some of the best performances in the series, ranked.

10 Bronn - Jerome Flynn

Jerome Flynn
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

A solid contestant for best on-screen rags-to-riches story, Bronn started off as a drunk sell sword, loose with his words and actions. Though his fortunes turned when he championed for Tyrion Lannister in a deathly duel, winning over the little lord and his loyalties.

9 Theon Greyjoy - Alfie Allen

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Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Theon Greyjoy has one of the most fulfilling and dramatic character arcs in the entire show. Included in his characteristic trajectory are themes of negligence, loss of identity, courage and finally repentance. Despite not being a central character, Theon Greyjoy is often fondly remembered by all Game of Thrones fans for his vulnerability and courage.

8 Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish - Aiden Gillen

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HBO

A starling example of Martin’s genius lies in the unraveling of Lord Baelish's character. Littlefinger, starts off as a fringe player, unable to find his voice and footing in the world of powerful rulers. While the other key players have some asset or inclination to base their claim of power on, Baelish has none. His only ally is his mind, which he puts to best use as the seasons go on. Aiden Gillen’s portrayal of Baelish is a tense, eerie storm, masked underneath a stoically cool exterior.

7 Jaime Lannister - Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

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    Warner Bros. Television Distribution

The air to the mighty House Lannister, Jaime is everything a woman craves and a man envies. Dangerous, quick-witted and with looks to kill, Jamie is on the upward ascent towards the power echelons of Westeros. The only problem ? He’s madly in love with his twin sister, Cersei, a relationship that’s far from plutonic. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau does a tremendous job of portraying Jamie being different forms of a man, from cocky, too vulnerable to madly deranged, but somehow never manages to lose a thin string of endearment, causing Jamie to be liked, even when he's up to no good.

6 Sansa Stark - Sophie Turner

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Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Sansa Stark is the eldest daughter of House Stark. Known for always wanting the easy things in life, she often turns a blind eye to the trials and tribulations of her house in exchange for the pursuit of trivial luxuries. It’s only after a few seasons that Sansa comes to her own and takes up responsibility that she’d been shrugging. Sophie Turner does a great job of transitioning from a little girl taken by petty luxuries into the Head of a family, sacrificing anything for her cause of vengeance.

Related: Sophie Turner's 5 Best Performances, Ranked

5 Arya Stark - Maise Williams

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Warner Bros. Television Distribution

If Sansa is taken by all things girly, her younger sister is quite the opposite. Wanting to have been born a boy, Arya Stark’s entire childhood consisted of gaining her father's approval while conveniently ignoring her mother's dismay. Arya’s one of the few characters on the show that’s had a lot of on-screen trauma to process, resulting in a complete change from her first appearance on-screen.

4 Daenerys Targaryen - Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones
HBO

Before she became the mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen was a meek girl that was being sold to a horse lord in exchange for a few soldiers by her brother. Through her trial of fire, Targaryen went from being burnt to burner. She then took it upon herself to get rid of slavery and act as an agent of change, though the mother of dragons slowly lost herself within her own megalomania, causing a melancholic yet realistic aftertaste within the minds of the viewers.

Related: Emilia Clarke's 5 Best Performances, Ranked

3 Jon Snow - Kit Harington

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Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Jon Snow was by many measures the people's protagonist of the show. Paying homage to the classic storyline of the antihero that’s neglected and sidelined, but comes to his own once things go wrong. Ironically, Jon Snow was never meant to carry the mantle of House Stark on his shoulders, but destiny and Martin had other plans. A ferocious warrior on the battlefield, Snow was soft and just outside of it. Kit Harington delivered a Stoic, sensitive yet firm performance as the renegade bastard, who’s much more than what people call him out to be.

Related: These Are Lena Headley's Best Performances, Ranked

2 Cersei Lannister- Lena Headey

Lena Heady as Cersei
HBO

Lena Headey’s Cersei is the ideal image of a ruthless politician. Her foresight topped with her cunning, makes her one of the most ruthless, tightfisted rulers to have ever ruled over the land. Despite this, there’s also a softer side that comes out only in matters concerning her twin lover, Jamie and her. Throughout the entirety of the show, Cersei has been hated and abhorred, while never ceasing to give up on her primitive cause: protect the family, kill the enemy.

1 Tyrion Lannister - Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones.
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

In a world ruled by powerful men, a dwarf survived and thrived. While other characters have the physicality and power to ascend them to the top, they are no match for Tyrion’s match and charm. Despite not always being on the right side of morality, Tyrion never betrayed an iota of cruelty. He wore his scars bravely and stood tall against the trials and tribulations life threw at him. For his portrayal of Tyrion, Peter Dinklage won a total of four Emmys.