Game of Thrones, adapted from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series, quickly grew popular amassing a huge fan base for the show. The exquisite writing, impeccable CGI, mind-blowing storylines, and icredible plot twists are some of the reasons why it became one of the biggest, most successful shows HBO has ever produced. But, part of the reason it's a global phenomenon is credited to the characters, both the main ones and the supporting cast.
Not one character on Game of Thrones was irrelevant and that's exactly why it went on for 8 thrilling seasons. There are some brilliant personalities on the show such as Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Cersei Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Tywin Lannister, Ned Stark and many more who were loved by all and grew a massive fanbase.
However, some members of Game of Thrones definitely gave us the ick for as long as they were on screen. Let's take a look at some of the most hated characters from the show ranked from best to worst.
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinions. Reader's discretion is advised
Game of Thrones hated characters: ranked best to worst
1) Janos Slynt
Starting the list strong is the founder of the House of Slynt, Janos Slynt [Dominic Carter]. Being the head of an entire household and a commander in one of King Landing's armies was a huge deal. While he does have a certain respect for being a high-ranking official, it certainly doesn't license him to be cruel to his subordinates.
Up until his death in season 5, Janos was known to be quite the tyrant who was disrespectful to those around him including higher authorities. In the series, Janos was proof of what happens when you have a foot-in-the-mouth disease. The character met his rightful end at the hands of Jon Snow - someone he gravely disrespected.
2) Cersei Lannister
Next up, we have the ultimate baddie - Queen Cersei Lannister [Lena Headey]. She's perhaps one of the most dexterous characters on the show and defines villainy perfectly. Her character even has the perfect backstory supporting her actions as an antagonist.
Cersei has gone through horrible ordeals from her childhood into adulthood. Naturally, this would make one quite bitter - but does her bitterness justify manipulation, blackmail, and murder? Nonetheless, she's rightfully earned her place on this list.
3) Joffrey Baratheon
Another vengeful character on the show is the belligerent young prince Joffrey Baratheon [Jack Gleeson], Cersei's son. This young royal truly abused his power as a prince and was another hated tyrant on the show. The apple certainly didn't fall far from the tree in terms of practicing cruelty.
Joffrey not only harassed Sansa Stark when they wed but also arranged for the execution of his father-in-law Ned Stark. Because of mirth and inhumanity, fans of the show couldn't be happier when he was poisoned and killed.
4) Petyr Baelish or 'Littlefinger'
Known as the master of manipulation, Petyr Baelish is a cruel behind-the-scenes dictator with questionable character. He was a walking red flag from day one. When it came to turning things in his favor, he didn't care about the cost and only focused on the results.
Baelish's grotesque nature on the show had fans wishing he'd die sooner rather than later. While his involvement was crucial to the plot, he got what was coming to him from his most unexpected foe, Sansa Stark.
5) Theon Greyjoy
Theon Greyjoy is possibly one of the most conflicting characters in Game of Thrones. Although he died a horrific death and wasn't exactly a villain, he didn't have the greatest personality on the show. From being unreasonably crude and passing snide remarks, he quickly became disliked in the fandom.
Another reason why he wasn't a fan-favorite is because of his pride and ego which egged him to several crimes in the series. Theon was, in a way, proof that villains are not born; they're created.
6) Craster
This nefarious character is one that fans couldn't stomach because of the heinous acts he committed. Craster would often deprive passersby such as nomads, soldiers, or even travelers with little to no hospitality.
Moreover, what's even more unforgiving was how he treated women from his own family. After committing the acts of incest with his daughters, he'd proceed to get intimate without their consent. After a woman enters his household, it's pretty much a dark and gruesome life for them because of the monster that Craster is.
7) Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark is another one of those characters we can't quite comprehend because of her circumstances. Catelyn married into the Stark family and had five children whom she loved. Nonetheless, she is incredibly manipulative and is partly responsible for the altercations with the Lannisters leading to much more tumultuous situations.
8) Night King
This is where it gets serious because the Night King was no joke on Game of Thrones. Embodying a classic bad guy, both Richard Brake and Vladimir Furdik did a phenomenal job with this character! Being the head of the White Walkers, The Night King is every bit as cold-hearted as can be.
His character shows no remorse for humanity or his enemies. To make matters even worse, he can bring dead people back to life in the form of wights. While it is a flex as a villain, it wasn't the best deal for those who succumbed to his dark and twisted powers.
9) Ramsay Bolton
As far as hatred of a character goes, Ramsay Bolten [Iwan Rheon] is the epitome of evil on the show. For Bolton, things like morality, virtue, humanity, and kindness are non-existent. His ability to completely abandon any semblance of mercy is a haunting affair.
Bolton has gotten away with several unfathomable crimes including murder and inhumane torture. This is why, very much like Joffrey, his death was something viewers greatly anticipated and hoped for. This alone speaks volumes of how hated of a character he was.
10) Viserys Targaryen
Finally, we have one of the most pivotal characters in the show, Viserys Targaryen. It's quite hard to actually hate a Targaryen, especially since the release of House of the Dragon. But, Viserys is the one Targaryen who is truly despicable. Arrogant, ignorant, vile, and cunning are but a few words that describe his character.
He quickly rose to the hate list after forcing his sister, Daenerys, to marry into the Dothraki tribe. The worst part was when he maliciously threatened to murder his unborn nephew/niece. These acts, along with many other despicable deeds, are what earned him a place on this list.
While Game of Thrones concluded five years ago in an epic showdown, the best and the worst of the characters are still talked about passionately to this day.
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