Criminal Minds

10 Best Episodes of Criminal Minds - Season 11

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!

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Criminal Minds - S11E4

#15 - Outlaw (Season 11 - Episode 4)

The BAU team investigate a robbery/homicide in Las Vegas, N.M. when three restaurant workers are killed. To gain leads, the team look into a cold case from the town from six years ago. The episode is praised by fans for its portrayal of 'real bad guys' rather than 'poor traumatized dudes'.

The episode is noted for its positive character development, particularly with David Rossi and the Chief of Police. Rossi helps the Chief of Police to 'not hit bottom', and the episode ends with a beautiful conclusion. However, fans also note that the quality of episodes this season has been somewhat lower than usual.

The episode was rated 7.57 from 1161 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E6

#14 - Pariahville (Season 11 - Episode 6)

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Criminal Minds' episode "Pariahville" takes place in a small Floridian town inhabited entirely by sex offenders. When a woman is found murdered, the BAU team is faced with an entire community of suspects. As the team attempts to profile the killers, they find that the profile they have created is not entirely accurate.

The episode also focuses on Lewis, who is presented with an opportunity that might take her away from the BAU. This episode shows the weight of the decisions we make and how they can impact our lives. Teenagers are often portrayed in an annoyingly irritating light, but this episode shows that teenagers can also be wise and mature in certain circumstances.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 1144 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E12

#13 - Drive (Season 11 - Episode 12)

When bodies are discovered in public places throughout Boston, the BAU investigates whether a taxi or ride-share service the victims used before their deaths could lead the team to the UnSub.

The episode was rated 7.60 from 1163 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E1

#12 - The Job (Season 11 - Episode 1)

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The BAU is interviewing different candidates to join their ranks in the wake of Kate’s departure, including a forensic psychologist, Dr. Tara Lewis, who is eager to assist their efforts. Also, the BAU hunts for a serial killer who leaves behind distinctive evidence that points to someone intent on revenge.

The episode was rated 7.65 from 1387 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E7

#11 - Target Rich (Season 11 - Episode 7)

The BAU helps Rossi’s journalist daughter, Joy, investigate the disappearance of a college student. Also, the team is alarmed when Giuseppe Montolo dies in prison after he warns Morgan about the “Dirty Dozen,” an underground group of hitmen, and JJ returns from maternity leave.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 1174 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E9

#10 - Internal Affairs (Season 11 - Episode 9)

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After two undercover DEA agents are murdered and a third goes missing, the BAU joins the NSA to investigate whether an underground Internet drug syndicate is involved. Also, Hotch hopes the team’s work with the NSA brings them closer to finding the “Dirty Dozen” hitmen ring.

The episode was rated 7.69 from 1151 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E17

#9 - The Sandman (Season 11 - Episode 17)

The BAU heads to Wichita in search of an UnSub abducting children while their parents sleep. Also, Morgan tries to find who was responsible for his attack.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 1288 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E15

#8 - A Badge and a Gun (Season 11 - Episode 15)

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Women are found dead inside their own homes throughout L.A. The BAU searches security footage for an UnSub who was invited into each victim's home.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 1207 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E19

#7 - Tribute (Season 11 - Episode 19)

When former team member Prentiss tracks an international serial killer, she enlists the help of the BAU when she believes the UnSub's next victim will be on American soil.

The episode was rated 7.77 from 1414 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E14

#6 - Hostage (Season 11 - Episode 14)

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The episode Hostage of Criminal Minds revolves around an 18-year-old girl who escapes from a suburban home where she was held captive for years with two other women. The BAU team searches for the Unsub who has kidnapped them. This episode is particularly interesting as it does not end with finding the UnSub, instead it starts with it.

The ending of this episode is quite unsatisfactory as the UnSub does not get the worst punishment he deserves. The poor girl had been brainwashed for so long and it was heartbreaking to watch. This episode is bound to leave the viewers with heart-wrenching emotions as the UnSub goes unpunished and the girl gets a second chance at life.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1205 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E21

#5 - Devil's Backbone (Season 11 - Episode 21)

When guards at a Virginia prison intercept a package with evidence relating to the kidnapping of two boys several years ago, the BAU questions a notorious serial killer who may have information on the boys’ whereabouts.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 1476 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E18

#4 - A Beautiful Disaster (Season 11 - Episode 18)

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In this episode of Criminal Minds, the BAU team is called into action when an UnSub targets them. They must find out who is responsible for this attack. This episode also marks the departure of a fan favorite character, Derek Morgan.

This episode is an emotional roller coaster for fans of the show. It is a bittersweet goodbye to a beloved character. While fans are sad to see Derek Morgan leave, they are also happy to see his character go out with a bang. This episode is a beautiful way to say goodbye, and it also hints that his character may not be gone forever.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 1349 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E22

#3 - The Storm (Season 11 - Episode 22)

In the season finale of Criminal Minds, "The Storm", the BAU is shocked when Hotch is apprehended by a SWAT team and suspected of conspiracy. As the team scramble to prove his innocence, they suspect a larger plot is on the horizon.

The episode received mixed reviews from viewers. Some viewers were satisfied with the episode's ending and saw it as a great segue for bringing Emily back for the next season. Others were not as pleased and felt that the story didn't make sense and there were too many things going on. Specifically, the whole Hotchner arrestment was based on a serial killer who indangered him and some viewers felt it was unnecessary. Additionally, some viewers felt the episode was just another example of Hollywood hacks recycling the same story line of one of the good guys being framed.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 1552 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E16

#2 - Derek (Season 11 - Episode 16)

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Criminal Minds' episode "Derek" is a captivating story of FBI agents on an urgent mission to save one of their own. After Morgan is abducted, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) springs into action to find him and rescue him from an unknown captor. This episode is praised by fans for its deviation from the show's usual gruesome murders and its creative use of flashback/fantasy elements.

The episode is available online, with the option to watch it with subtitles. Viewers can easily access the episode and follow along as the BAU works together to find Morgan and bring him back safely. As they unravel the mystery of Morgan's abduction, viewers get to explore deeper aspects of his character and his relationships with his teammates. This episode is a great example of how the show can be entertaining without relying on its usual crime-solving plot.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 1272 votes.

Criminal Minds - S11E11

#1 - Entropy (Season 11 - Episode 11)

The Criminal Minds episode Entropy is an intense and unique episode that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The BAU is tasked with taking down a "Dirty Dozen" hitmen ring and Dr. Reid is at the center of the plan. This episode is sure to surprise viewers with its unique plot line, as it is not the typical Unsub of the Week story.

Viewers have praised this episode for its intensity and uniqueness, leaving them with a feeling of happiness and positivity. Many have stated that this is the first episode of season 11 that they have enjoyed from start to finish. With a thrilling plot and unpredictable twists and turns, this episode is sure to be a fan favorite.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 1258 votes.

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