Game of Thrones is one of the most exciting and action-packed series in television history, and it has 10 sword fights that stand out as the show’s finest. Although Game of Thrones‘ ending proved controversial and the show received increasing amounts of criticism as it approached that point, the first four seasons are widely considered to be among some of the best ever made. A big part of Game of Thrones‘ attraction is its first-class action sequences, including some of the best sword fights in TV history.

Game of Thrones is loaded with dangerous characters who are incredibly skilled with a blade, and the violent nature of the narrative leads to no shortage of intense fight scenes. Many of the show’s best scenes are rooted in drama and dialogue, but the dramatic build-up is what makes the fight sequences so impactful. These are, of course, aided by Game of Thrones‘ cast and crew, with some great stunt choreography alongside the acting, writing, and direction.

10The Hound Vs. The Mountain

Game of Thrones season 8, episode 5, “The Bells.”

Game of Thrones fans waited a long time for the Cleganebowl, and though their fight hovers just above absurdity, it still ends up being a unique clash of the titans. The Hound and The Mountain trade blow after lumbering blow, and though Sandor Clegane seems to get the best of his brother on numerous occasions, Gregor refuses to die. Ultimately, The Hound ends up grabbing hold of his brother and jumping into the burning ruins of the Red Keep hundreds of feet below, and the brothers die together. It may not feel realistic, but it’s one of the grandest spectacles in Game of Thrones history.

9Brienne Of Tarth Vs. Jaime Lannister

Game of Thrones season 3, episode 2, “Dark Wings, Dark Words.”

Brienne of Tarth’s fight with Jaime Lannister is a hard one to judge since Jaime is in manacles during their duel, but it ends up feeling like Brienne is going easy on him in the beginning, fearing she might kill him and fail in her mission to return him to King’s Landing. By the end of the duel, Brienne manages to pummel Jaime into the river, knocking his sword out of his hand. Though the end comes swiftly once Brienne unleashes her full effort on him, the fight is highly entertaining, and it’s hard to know which way it’s going to swing, which makes it truly riveting.

8Arya Stark Vs. Brienne Of Tarth

Game of Thrones season 7, episode 4, “The Spoils of War.”

Styles make fights, and Arya Stark’s duel with Brienne of Tarth is one of the most entertaining fight scenes in Game of Thrones because of the differences between them. Brienne is massive, and she wields a huge sword, whereas Arya is small, and she fights with her thin Braavosi blade. Arya’s dancing movements and quick jabs also contrast sharply with Brienne’s powerful slashes and parries, making for an incredible display of skill. Their fight is also shot well enough that it looks completely feasible, despite the huge difference in their sizes.

7Jon Snow Vs. White Walker

Game of Thrones season 5, episode 8, “Hardhome.”

In Game of Thrones season 5, Jon Snow fights a White Walker at the wildling settlement known as Hardhome. Jon is on the ropes for most of their fight, and when he tries to use a normal blade against the creature, it shatters against the icy sword wielded by the White Walker. Luckily, Jon is able to recover Longclaw, his Valyrian steel blade, which allows him to defeat the White Walker and escape Hardhome. This fight is incredibly tense, there’s a real sense of peril, and the shock of Jon Snow being able to kill a White Walker makes it one of the best sword fights in Game of Thrones.

6Jon Snow Vs. Styr, The Magnar Of Thenn

Game of Thrones season 4, episode 9, “Watchers on the Wall.”

Another of Jon Snow’s best fights in Game of Thrones comes in the battle against the wildlings at Castle Black during season 4. Jon loses his sword again in this fight, and he is pummeled badly for a time by the massive Styr, but he manages to regain his footing and drive a hammer into the Magnar’s skull. This duel is one of the most exciting parts of the battle, and it’s filmed with an expert’s touch that conveys the chaos and fear of such a wild moment without making it impossible to follow.