Westeros has seen countless rulers rise and fall over millennia, from the Age of Heroes to the War of the Five Kings. While many wore the crown, only a few truly earned the title of great king. Some conquered, some united, and some simply held the realm together during turbulent times. Here's our ranking of the best kings in Game of Thrones history.
10. Robert I Baratheon
Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) famously overthrew the Targaryen dynasty by defeating Rhaegar Targaryen in single combat, earning the nickname "The Demon of the Trident." He ruled for 15 years, beloved by soldiers and nobles alike for his charisma and larger-than-life personality. However, Robert's reign was marred by his hedonistic tendencies. He preferred hunting and drinking over governing, leaving his council to manage the realm. His neglect led to massive debt and ultimately contributed to the instability that followed his death.
9. Baelor I Targaryen
Baelor I Targaryen was a deeply religious king who prioritized peace above all else. He ended the conflict with Dorne that his predecessor Daeron I had started, securing a peace agreement through diplomacy. However, his devotion to the Faith of the Seven turned into fanaticism. Baelor made questionable decisions based on visions, such as expelling thousands from King's Landing and attempting to replace ravens with doves. His reign was more about piety than practical governance.
8. Daeron I Targaryen
Daeron I Targaryen ascended the Iron Throne at just 14 years old, showing remarkable courage by launching a campaign to conquer Dorne without dragons. He initially succeeded where previous Targaryens had failed. But his youth made him naive and overconfident. Holding Dorne required experience he lacked, and he died young before he could mature into a capable leader. His conquest was a military victory but a strategic failure.
7. Viserys I Targaryen
Viserys I (Paddy Considine) inherited a prosperous realm and maintained peace for 26 years, making him popular among nobles and commoners. His reign was one of the most stable in Westerosi history. However, his reluctance to make tough decisions, especially regarding succession, sowed the seeds for the Dance of the Dragons. His indecision between Rhaenyra and Aegon II led to a devastating civil war that tore the realm apart.
6. Maekar I Targaryen
Maekar I, known as "The Anvil," was a battle-hardened commander who never expected to be king. He rose to power after multiple heirs died, bringing military discipline to the throne. While he was not charismatic or politically savvy, he fought alongside his men and protected the realm. His inflexibility and lack of finesse made him less effective in peacetime, but his dedication to duty was undeniable.
5. Aegon V Targaryen
Aegon V, affectionately called "Egg" in his youth, traveled the realm as a boy and saw the struggles of the common people firsthand. As king, he enacted laws to protect the smallfolk, earning their love. His idealism, however, clashed with the nobility, who resisted his reforms. Aegon V's reign was a testament to the power of empathy and good intentions, even if they weren't always realized.
4. Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Jaehaerys I, often called "The Conciliator," ruled for 55 years, bringing unprecedented peace and prosperity to Westeros. He built roads, unified the realm, and established a stable legal system. His reign is considered the golden age of the Targaryen dynasty. Jaehaerys was a master of diplomacy and governance, balancing the needs of the crown with those of the lords and smallfolk.
3. Aegon I Targaryen
Aegon the Conqueror united six of the Seven Kingdoms through fire and blood, establishing the Targaryen dynasty. His conquest reshaped Westeros, creating a centralized monarchy. Aegon was a visionary leader who understood the importance of unity and strength. While his methods were brutal, his legacy as the founder of the Iron Throne is unmatched.
2. Daeron II Targaryen
Daeron II, known as "Daeron the Good," brought Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms through marriage and diplomacy, not war. He was a wise and just ruler who focused on peace and prosperity. His reign saw the integration of Dornish culture and the strengthening of the realm. Daeron II proved that a king could achieve greatness without a sword.
1. Jaehaerys I Targaryen (Again)
Yes, Jaehaerys I tops our list. His long reign of peace, legal reforms, and diplomatic skill set the standard for what a great king should be. He navigated challenges with wisdom and grace, leaving a legacy that few could match. For fans of epic fantasy, his story is a reminder that true leadership is about more than conquest—it's about building something that lasts.
For more on the world of Westeros, check out our ranking of the 30-Year Fantasy Hall of Fame: 10 Perfect Shows Ranked and explore the new mobile game Command Dragons in 'Game of Thrones: Dragonfire'.
