As HBO prepares to premiere the new spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on January 18, Tvline has ranked all Stark family members from Game of Thrones based on their TV show appearances. The list highlights the enduring influence of the honorable northern house, despite their limited presence in recent spin-offs. Ned Stark tops the ranking for his lasting impact on the series.
Game of Thrones concluded seven years ago, but its legacy persists through spin-offs like House of the Dragon and the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The original series centered on the Stark family from Winterfell, introduced as a happy, honorable group in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. After patriarch Eddard "Ned" Stark's wrongful conviction for treason, the family becomes entangled in Westeros' conflicts.
Tvline's ranking, published on January 12, evaluates the Starks' contributions solely from the HBO show that aired in the 2010s. At number 12 is Rickon Stark, the youngest whose role remains minor until his death by arrow during the Battle of the Bastards in season 6, avenged by Jon Snow and Sansa. Theon Greyjoy, ranked 11 despite lacking Stark blood, grew up as a ward in Winterfell and redeems himself by dying to protect Bran from the Night King in season 8.
Bran Stark places 10th; his journey to become the Three-Eyed Raven turns him into an exposition device, culminating in his unearned ascension as king in the finale, prompting Tyrion Lannister's question, "Who has a better story than Bran the Broken?" Benjen Stark, Ned's brother and Night's Watch member, ranks ninth for his mysterious disappearances and rescues of Bran and Jon, dying against wights in season 7.
Talisa Maegyr, Robb's wife and a show-original nurse, is eighth for her compassionate influence before perishing at the Red Wedding alongside her unborn child. Lyanna Stark, seventh, appears in flashbacks as Ned's sister whose elopement with Rhaegar Targaryen sparks Robert's Rebellion and births Jon Snow, as Jaime Lannister notes, "The things we do for love."
Catelyn Stark, sixth, navigates family tensions and dies heroically at the Red Wedding, threatening Walder Frey amid the betrayal by Roose Bolton. Robb Stark, fifth, emerges as a capable warrior and King in the North but falls to the same massacre due to his marriage to Talisa. Arya Stark, fourth, evolves from tomboy to Faceless Men assassin, delivering the Night King's kill despite underutilized face-changing skills.
Jon Snow, third, rises from bastard to Night's Watch Lord Commander and King in the North, only to assassinate Daenerys and face banishment. Sansa Stark, second, transforms from naive girl to cunning leader, becoming Queen in the North after reclaiming Winterfell. Ned Stark claims first for his execution igniting the War of the Five Kings and his honor shaping the narrative, even post-death.
