This Starz Original Brutally Killed More Named Characters Than Game of Thrones (& I Can Prove It)

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Fans of *Game of Thrones* remember many shocking deaths, like Oberyn Martell’s brutal fight with the Mountain and the well-deserved end of Ramsey Bolton. *House of the Dragon* continues this trend, not shying away from killing off characters, just like its predecessor.

While *Game of Thrones* is famous for killing off a huge number of characters, another show actually features even more brutal deaths. *Spartacus*, a historical drama on the Starz network (known for shows like *Outlander* and *Black Sails*), stands out because almost every named character who dies meets a particularly gruesome end – often involving dismemberment, beheading, crucifixion, flaying, disembowelment, or death in gladiatorial combat.

Game of Thrones Favored Quality Over Quantity With Brutal Character Deaths

Over eight seasons, roughly 30 characters died, though there’s debate about which deaths truly count. We’re using a rounded number for a fair comparison. Most of these deaths served the storyline – they were assassinations, acts of revenge, happened in battle, or were quick executions – and only about 25% of them were particularly violent.

Some of the most shocking deaths in *Game of Thrones* include Oberyn Martell’s skull being crushed and Ramsey Bolton being torn apart by his own dogs, as we’ve already discussed. Viewers will also never forget the horrific deaths of Viserys Targaryen, who was drowned in molten gold, Talisa Stark, who was stabbed during the Red Wedding, and Shireen Baratheon, who was burned alive as a sacrifice.

When they first happened, and even now, certain deaths in *Game of Thrones* are still discussed because of how surprising they were. However, many other character deaths in the show weren’t as visually shocking or gruesome. While emotional impact is important, *Spartacus* truly excelled at delivering violent and graphic deaths. Joffrey Baratheon’s poisoning at his wedding was a shock, but not nearly as visually disturbing as the way Ramsey Bolton met his end.

Spartacus Showcased Graphic Deaths in Nearly Every Episode

The series *Spartacus* ran for four seasons, depicting the harsh lives of gladiators and the story of a major rebellion in Ancient Rome. While inspired by the real-life Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who led a large slave uprising, the show took many liberties with historical facts to create a more dramatic and exciting narrative.

One way the show *Spartacus* differs from historical reality is its very graphic portrayal of violence and sex. It’s known for its over-the-top and realistic style, emphasizing the brutality of deaths with things like slow-motion blood, dismemberment, beheadings, and crucifixions.

While *Game of Thrones* features a larger total number of named character deaths, *Spartacus* actually has over 200 – more than double the amount in *Game of Thrones*. *Spartacus* is known for its particularly brutal deaths, like Batiatus having his throat cut in slow motion, Ashur being stabbed and decapitated, Crixus’ beheading with his head put on display, and Oenomaus’ drawn-out death in the arena.

The Brutality of Spartacus Wasn’t Just for Shock — It Was the Message

Both shows featured violence, but in different ways. *Game of Thrones* was a sprawling fantasy with a focus on political intrigue and building its world and characters. *Spartacus*, while also violent, used bloodshed to represent the hardships faced by people in ancient Rome. It wasn’t just about spectacle; the deaths had meaning.

Both *Spartacus* and *Game of Thrones* featured violence, but they approached it differently. *Game of Thrones* had a higher body count overall and is known for that, but *Spartacus* distinguished itself by showing almost every major death in graphic, slow-motion detail. While *Game of Thrones* often used emotional impact and sometimes implied violence, *Spartacus* made the gore itself the central focus.

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2025-10-18 04:36