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 dec 20, 2023.
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!
In the episode of Criminal Minds titled Rusty, the BAU team travels to Denver to investigate a series of murders. During this investigation, Prentiss is forced to evaluate her relationship with Special Agent Andrew Mendoza.
In this episode, the audience is left wondering whether or not Andrew had already expected Prentiss for dinner. The table was set for three, and this provided a sense of mystery and suspense. As the episode progresses, it is revealed that the relationship between Prentiss and Andrew is complicated. Prentiss is forced to make some difficult decisions as she navigates her relationship with Andrew.
The episode was rated 7.56 from 666 votes.
Prentiss and J.J. are faced with important decisions to make about their futures as the BAU travels to Beaumont, Texas to investigate a series of murdered businessmen.
The episode was rated 7.63 from 675 votes.
The BAU team investigates a series of seemingly random fatal explosions throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 731 votes.
Following a series of fatal shootings, the BAU team travels to Des Plaines, Ill. to investigate what appears to be a copycat serial killer. Their efforts are thrown off track when members of the BAU are targeted.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 686 votes.
With a member of the BAU in the hospital, the team searches for Everett Lynch, and his daughter, Grace. Also, Spencer has a meaningful visit with his mother, Diana Reid, while she’s experiencing a period of lucidity.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 744 votes.
In the episode "Under The Skin," the BAU team is on the hunt for an UnSub with striking similarities to Rossi's latest obsession, the Chameleon. It's been six months since the Chameleon nearly killed Rossi and then disappeared, and tensions are still high between the two.
Many viewers are disappointed by the show's decision to pursue an Everett Lynch arc, as it tends to become too unrealistic when the show does arcs. Additionally, the writers are criticized for dragging out the Chameleon storyline and for pushing Prentiss from being boring to an "asshole." There are also complaints that the show's sets and props are too amateurish and immersion-breaking, likely due to budget cuts in the final season.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 784 votes.
Criminal Minds is an incredibly popular show, and the final episode of the series, titled “And In the End”, was a bittersweet moment for fans. In this episode, the BAU team confronts Everett Lynch and Dr. Reid suffers from a brain injury. His hallucinations cause him to be visited by ghosts from his past. The team also discovers a shocking secret about Lynch that affects Rossi personally. At the end, the BAU team comes together to celebrate Rossi’s retirement.
The fans of the show were sad to see it end, but were still glad to get a satisfying conclusion to the series. Many fans had their favorite characters, and Spencer Reid was one of the most beloved characters of them all. He was sweet and caring, and his story in this episode was especially touching. The end of the show was a tearful moment for many fans, but it was a great way to conclude the series and bid farewell to the BAU team.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 692 votes.
The members of the BAU take a well deserved break from their rigorous investigations on this episode of Criminal Minds. Rossi and Prentiss help Simmons assemble a new crib, Garcia leads a hacking competition, and Dr. Reid strikes up a conversation with a woman named Maxine. This episode is easily one of the most beloved of the series and with good reason - the chemistry between Reid and Maxine is undeniable.
The episode also gives us a glimpse into the characters’ lives outside of their work. It provides a refreshing change of pace and allows the audience to connect with the characters in a more meaningful way. Additionally, it allows us to check out the acting skills of Daniel Henney who plays one of the main characters in the upcoming Wheel of Time series on Amazon.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 753 votes.
In the season finale of Criminal Minds, the BAU team sets out on an epic hunt to capture Everett Lynch “The Chameleon”, the man who nearly killed Rossi a year ago. This is the conclusion to a story arc that has been years in the making and fans are anxious to see the team put an end to Lynch’s reign of terror.
However, some fans are frustrated with the writers for dragging out the Lynch story for too long and for the unrealistic plot points, such as the whole team coincidentally getting job offers at the same time. Despite these complaints, viewers are still looking forward to seeing the BAU team work together to bring this story to a satisfying conclusion.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 697 votes.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 695 votes.
