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 team travels to San Diego to stop a rapist and murderer who commits his crimes in the middle of the day.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 1088 votes.
The BAU works to capture a serial killer who has evaded capture by altering his appearance.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 711 votes.
The BAU team believes a dangerous cult may be responsible for the mass murders of five college students in an empty house.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 778 votes.
The BAU unit travels to NYC to investigate a series of murders that appears to have been committed by a vigilante conducting revenge on former criminals who have been released by the justice system.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 761 votes.
When a young girl is abducted in broad daylight from a playground in a seemingly safe neighborhood, the BAU team initially believes her father is responsible. When he is able to provide an alibi, the team is forced to look for clues where the girl lives to determine who is really responsible.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 803 votes.
The BAU team travels to Mexico to aid in the capture of a serial killer who is targeting elderly women.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 691 votes.
Elle, along with many others, is held hostage on a train in Texas by a paranoid schizophrenic who is convinced that the U.S. government is monitoring him. Hotchner and Gideon are forced to play into the man's fantasy to save the people he has taken hostage.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 762 votes.
The team investigates the death of one teen, and the disappearance of another , which may be linked to a satanic ritual.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 864 votes.
The BAU investigates the kidnapping of a U.S. District Attorney's daughter and determines the kidnapper isn't seeking money -- he's after her twin sister.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 1007 votes.
The BAU works with the CIA to identify a mole within that organization, whose leaks are putting operatives at risk.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 690 votes.
The BAU profiles a serial killer who takes families hostage and lives with them as a father figure during what is supposed to be their family vacations.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 935 votes.
In the episode "L.D.S.K.", the BAU team is tasked with identifying a killer who is randomly shooting at victims in broad daylight. With the help of local law enforcement officers, they manage to recreate one of the shootings in order to better understand the killer's motives.
The episode was well-received, with viewers praising Reid for his excellent job. It was also noted for the hilarious wordplay involving a Nietzsche quote, where Gideon states "I was aiming for his leg", leaving viewers unsure of whether he was joking or not. This added a comedic element to the episode, making it even more enjoyable.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 1003 votes.
Criminal Minds' episode Somebody's Watching is one of the fan-favorite episodes. In this episode, Dr. Reid falls for a starlet, Lila Archer, and finds himself in danger when her stalker turns into a killer. The episode is highly beloved by fans and it is often cited as one of the best episodes ever.
The chemistry between Reid and Lila is one of the main highlights of the episode, and many fans hope for the two to have a reunion. Unfortunately, the acting of Amber Heard, who portrays Lila, is often lamented by viewers, who can't help but notice her lack of depth and range. Nevertheless, the episode remains highly-praised and beloved by viewers.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 730 votes.
The team from Criminal Minds is in the midst of their vacation when they each receive a strange and cryptic clue from a psychopathic killer. This challenge forces them to put their vacation on hold and save his next victim. As the episode progresses, the team discovers that this killer is playing a deadly game of cat and mouse, and they must discover the clues and save the next victim before it's too late.
The episode is full of suspense and excitement as the team races against the clock to save the victim. The ending is particularly nerve-wracking as the team must make a difficult decision that could potentially cost lives. The episode is a timeless classic, as it has been watched multiple times and never gets old. The plot is captivating and the suspense keeps the viewer enthralled. An unforgettable episode, The Fisher King (1) is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The episode was rated 8.14 from 749 votes.
In the episode "Riding the Lightning" of Criminal Minds, FBI profiler Gideon is tasked with interviewing a couple on death row for serial murders. After the interviews, Gideon suspects that the woman is actually innocent and he has only two days to prove it. He and his team work tirelessly to find the evidence they need to prove the woman's innocence and save her life.
The episode highlights the importance of standing up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves. It also emphasizes the idea that the work we do for others and the world is what remains and is immortal. The episode shows the power of selfless fighting and how it can have an incredible impact on the lives of others.
The episode was rated 8.16 from 806 votes.
