Game of Thrones may gravitate toward ruthless stabbings and the occasional beheading, but underneath all that bloodshed lies the heart of some truly epic love stories. Naturally, many of those said love stories tend to take a backseat due to all of the other tens of thousands of storylines going on, but they're still there nonetheless and help to make the HBO series the hit success that it is. Granted, even the best Game of Thrones couples have faced their fair share of ups and downs, most of which have ended due to death or betrayal. But hey, when you live in an area like Westeros, that's the risk everyone kinda has to take.
So who are these mystery duos, you may ask, who have pierced our hearts with their inspiring and, at times, intoxicating romances? I suppose everyone's opinion on the matter would vary slightly, depending upon your tastes in TV love interests. But on the whole, there are certain Game of Thrones couples that inarguably reign supreme over all others, regardless of your own personal prejudices. No one on this show is perfect. Far from it, actually. However, certain couples manage to get pretty dark close. So without further adieu, here is my official ranking of the top 11 GoT couples, ranked from least to most.
11. Samwell Tarly & Gilly
In a world where men are the dominant gender, it's refreshing to see such an equal partnership spring up like the one between Sam and Gilly. Sure, their storyline was a little bit of a snoozefest in Season 6, but that doesn't take away from the special bond these two share.
10. Grey Worm & Missandei
Granted, this relationship is mostly made up of a few brief words and occasional staring, but they still somehow manage to make these interactions downright adorable. Now if they could just pick up the pace a little bit, I want to 'ship these two so hard.
9. Bronn & Himself
No one loves Bronn more than Bronn does. And you know what? I kind of love him for it.
8. Tyrion Lannister & Podrick Payne
Fine, so these two aren't technically a couple, at least in the romantic sense of the word. They're just so darn cute together, though, which made it impossible for me not to include them. Between Podrick's unyielding loyalty and Tyrion's intrigue of Pod's extracurricular, um, talents, these is one reunion that needs to happen ASAP.
7. Loras Tyrell & Renly Baratheon
Don't let the fact that Renly died via a smoke demon baby take away from the truly special relationship he had with Loras. There was a mutual love and respect between the two of them that's rare to come by, and unfortunately for them, even rarer to hold onto.
6. Oberyn Martell & Ellaria Sand
Ever since Oberyn's death, Ellaria has become slightly unhinged (like killing sweet, innocent Myrcella Lannsiter), but back during the days when they were still together, it was absolute magic. They were so open and free with their sexuality and trusted each other without question. It was inspiring and proved that you don't need to be married to make an incredible match.
5. Daenerys Targaryen & Daario Naharis
Being a badass queen can take a lot out of you, which is what made Dany's relationship with Daario so special. This guy absolutely worships the ground she walks on and constantly encourages her to go after what she both wants and deserves. And even though it may have started out as a purely sexual thing, they've developed a special connection, which is what made their sudden break-up all the more heartbreaking. Poor Michiel Huisman. (Also, call me?)
4. Brienne Of Tarth & Tormund Giantsbane
So they aren't an actual couple yet. SUE ME! It's bound to happen and based on the chemistry we've seen between them already, it's going to be amazing.
3. Daenerys Targaryen & Khal Drogo
OK, so this marriage didn't exactly get off to a great start, but once Dany decided to take charge of the situation, Drogo respected her for it and their arranged marriage grew into an epic love story that was just as sweet as it was sexy as hell.
2. Ned & Catelyn & Stark
Sure, Ned was keeping a major secret from her throughout the better part of their marriage regarding Jon Snow's real parentage, but he was only doing it out of loyalty to his sister. Aside from that, these two really did share a very deep and real love for each other. You could always tell that Ned didn't just view her as his wife, but rather as his partner. They made all their decisions together and their marriage was made all the stronger because of it.
1. Jon Snow & Ygritte
Our beloved bastard may know nothing, but Ygritte was never afraid to educate him in all manners of life. This couple defied all gender stereotypes in the best way possible. So much so, in fact, that we just became used to seeing Ygritte save Jon's life rather than vice versa. It was a refreshing change of pace to see such a strong and powerful woman be rewarded for being a strong and powerful woman. More of that, please!
Images: Macall B. Polay/HBO (3); Helen Sloan/HBO (2); HBO (4); Giphy (3)
