Criminal Minds is a crime drama show that follows an elite team of FBI profilers as they attempt to analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds. The show first aired in 2005 and is now available on Paramount+. With 17 seasons, it can be difficult to know which episodes are the best. That's why we have ranked the best episodes of Criminal Minds so you can get the most out of the show.
From the pilot episode to the series finale, Criminal Minds has offered fans many memorable episodes. From thrillers to heart-breaking moments, it’s hard to pick the best ones. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best episodes ranked from top to bottom.
Whether you are a fan of the show or just getting started, our list of the best episodes of Criminal Minds will help you get the most out of this amazing show. So settle in for a thrilling ride with Criminal Minds as you watch some of the best episodes the show has to offer.
Written by Sophie and last updated on oct 04, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
The BAU is faced with more Gold Star killing with the same gruesome M.O. Elias Voit says goodbye to his family. Prentiss wrestles with the fallout of her run-in with Brian Garrity. Garcia hacks the cloned phone brought in by Tyler Green.
The episode was rated 7.52 from 289 votes.
The BAU investigates the "Moving Day Murders" and track a ritualistic killer with a twisted method of subduing his victims. Tyler goes rogue to track down the latest Gold Star lead. Prentiss is targeted by conspiracy theorists.
The episode was rated 7.56 from 304 votes.
The BAU enlists Voit to help capture Jade and Damien, the UnSubs behind the Gold Star killings. Damien and Jade get the upper hand and the BAU must watch as Voit tries to negotiate with them in order to avoid a mass casualty event.
The episode was rated 7.56 from 289 votes.
Alvez and Garcia profile who might be targeting Tyler's ex-girlfriend. JJ helps Prentiss work through an existential hangover. When Rossi's Voit delusions reach a breaking point, Rossi confronts Voit and unpack what has been truly haunting him.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 271 votes.
With Jade on the run, the BAU continues to assemble the pieces connecting Gold Star victims to Aida Limited. Jade and Dana follow Voit’s breadcrumbs to the heart of the “conspiracy.” A search warrant execution by the BAU has deadly consequences.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 258 votes.
The BAU tries to get ahead of Jade and Damien who are on a killing spree. Rossi must confront an old flame to unpack the secrets behind the Gold Star program. Tyler and Rebecca attempt to gain leverage over Elias Voit's lawyer.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 252 votes.
The BAU zeroes in on a sadistic UnSub in D.C. with a twisted M.O. Prentiss and Rossi dive into the BAU's history to find connections to Gold Star. Prentiss reaches out to someone from Rossi's past. Voit utilizes his lawyer to reach out to Damien.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 268 votes.
When the identity of the last Gold Star member is revealed, the pieces of the puzzle click together. Prentiss, now in mortal danger, must confront Jade and her accomplice to expose the truth behind the “conspiracy” before time runs out for the BAU.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 253 votes.
Prentiss uncovers a series of brutal killings linked by a specific calling card. Despite being haunted by Elias Voit, the BAU is forced to team up with him to track the Gold Star killer. Rossi and Prentiss devise a plan to gain leverage over Voit.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 315 votes.
The BAU investigates a series of killings with the same brutal M.O. they saw with the strike team deaths. The team tries to link the victims to determine if they are dealing with the same killer. Rebecca joins Lewis and Tyler Green on a stakeout.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 299 votes.
