Game of Thrones dominates a list of the most hated TV characters of all time. Based on the ongoing book series by George R.R. Martin, HBO’s massively popular fantasy adaptation follows nine noble families fighting for control of Westeros and the Iron Throne. The series, which aired from 2011 to 2019, is known for its morally gray characters who are not easily categorized as good or evil. However, the show also produced multiple characters who are universally despised by audiences.
In fact, Game of Thrones characters dominated a recent Ranker list (shared by @westerosies on Twitter) of the most hated TV characters of all time. Check out the top 12 below:
Based on 178 thousand votes, Joffrey Baratheon ranked as the most hated TV character of all time with Ramsay Bolton right behind him in second place. Cersei Lannister came in 7th place, meaning three of the top 10 characters are from Game of Thrones. Furthermore, Petyr Baelish aka Littlefinger and Roose Bolton ranked 14 and 15 respectively.
How Game of Thrones Produced Such Despicable Characters
Game of Thrones‘ most hated characters – Joffrey, Ramsay, Cersei, Littlefinger, and Roose – existed previously and were fully fleshed out in George R.R. Martin’s source material, A Song of Ice and Fire. Therefore, the biggest challenge was bringing their villainy to life on screen. For its two most hated characters, Joffrey and Ramsay, Game of Thrones opted for two largely unknown actors, Jack Gleeson and Iwan Rheon, who brought an unparalleled level of cruelty, arrogance, and sadism to their roles. In fact, both actors have struggled to find other roles after playing such despicable characters.
Joffrey was responsible for one of the first major twists in Game of Thrones by beheading the beloved Ned Stark, which cemented him as a loathsome figure from that point on. After Joffrey was poisoned and killed off early on in Game of Thrones season 4, Ramsay emerged as perhaps an even more despicable villain. Neither of these characters undergo anything resembling a redemption arc before being killed off, with their only purpose being to torment and antagonize the show’s more morally gray protagonists, underscoring its complex but bleak portrayal of humanity.
Game Of Thrones
- Release Date:
- 2011-04-11
- Cast:
- Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Richard Madden, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Maisie Williams, Alfie Allen, Peter Dinklage
- Genres:
- Drama, Action, Adventure
- Seasons:
- 8
- Story By:
- George R.R. Martin
- Writers:
- D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
- Streaming Service(s):
- HBO Max
- Franchise(s):
- Game of Thrones
- Directors:
- David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
- Showrunner:
- David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
