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, itβs 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!
A group of suspects with a pack mentality who kill for the thrill of it are the subjects of a BAU manhunt.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 597 votes.
The BAU team tracks a serial killer who keeps the eyes of his victims as souvenirs.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 615 votes.
Garcia plays a crucial role in a case when she travels to Alaska with the BAU team to investigate the murders of several members of a small town.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 554 votes.
The BAU team profiles a serial killer who uses the Internet as his hunting ground, bringing a whole meaning to the term "social networking".
The episode was rated 7.76 from 552 votes.
The BAU must determine what caused a disturbed man to murder several people at a pharmacy before he harms anyone else.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 627 votes.
The BAU team must profile a serial killer covered in tattoos who commits suicide, but leaves clues to the whereabouts of his last victim.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 568 votes.
The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 604 votes.
The BAU team is back on the case in the episode "Outfoxed", this time to track down a family annihilator. However, before they can get too deep into the investigation, they must take a break to seek the advice of "The Fox", a horrific killer from their past. This mysterious figure has been a thorn in the team's side for some time, and when they do finally come face to face with "The Fox", they are met with an ominous message for their leader, Agent Hotchner.
This episode of Criminal Minds brings with it a sense of dread and suspense, as the team must face their past in order to have any chance at apprehending their current target. With the stakes high and the team's morale low, Agent Hotchner's ability to lead them through this difficult situation and come out the other side intact will be tested. With the added mystery of "The Fox" and his mysterious message, it will be an intense episode of Criminal Minds that viewers won't want to miss.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 625 votes.
In the episode "Risky Business" of the show Criminal Minds, the BAU is tasked with investigating a rash of teen suicides in a small Wyoming town. After questioning the families of the victims and investigating the crime scenes, the team discovers that the teens were all part of a suicide cult that was started by one of the victims. They soon realize that the other teens were being manipulated and coerced into taking their own lives by their leader.
As the investigation continues, the team discovers that the leader had a history of mental illness and used his illness to take advantage of vulnerable teens. The team eventually finds the leader and apprehends him, but not before more teens take their own lives. In the end, the team is able to get the leader the help he needs and stop the cult from taking any more lives.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 586 votes.
In the gripping episode of Criminal Minds, "The Slave of Duty," the BAU is tasked with solving a home invasion case that has left a young couple deeply traumatized. To tackle the case, the team reunites and Agent Hotchner may have to make the difficult decision of leaving the team to do what is right.
With the stakes high, the BAU will have to navigate through the difficult emotions of the young couple and work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Along the way, Agent Hotchner will have to decide if he should stay with the team or take the path of duty. This episode will surely explore the ethical dilemmas that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 604 votes.
In the episode "Our Darkest Hour" of the show Criminal Minds, a series of rolling blackouts in the city of Los Angeles lures a serial killer out of hiding. This gives the killer renewed opportunities to continue his killing spree and puts the team of agents from the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) into action.
The episode focuses on the interactions between the agents and the detective assigned to the case who is described as a 'dumbass', and his inability to comprehend the techniques used by the BAU. Despite this, the agents are able to use their skills and experience to track down the killer and bring him to justice.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 552 votes.
Criminal Minds episode Nameless, Faceless follows Special Agents Rossi, Morgan, and JJ as they profile a killer targeting an emergency room doctor. As the agents work to figure out the killer's motives and identity, the team's leader Hotch goes missing.
This episode of Criminal Minds proves to be an intense one as the agents frantically try to piece together the clues to solve the case and find their leader. While the case itself is interesting and the agents' investigation leads to some unexpected solutions, viewers were disappointed by the Hotch storyline. Many felt it was unnecessary and "Hollywood bullshit."
The episode was rated 7.94 from 680 votes.
In the episode of Criminal Minds titled "The Uncanny Valley," the BAU team investigates an abduction case that is complicated by an unusual personal obsession. As the team pieces together the clues to find the victim and apprehend the abductor, Hotch is struggling with his return to work after taking a break due to personal issues. The episode is sure to be full of suspense as the team follows the leads, and Hotch is challenged to overcome the obstacles he is facing in order to help the team succeed.
The episode promises to be an exciting one as the BAU team works to solve the abduction case while Hotch battles his own personal struggles. Hotch's inner struggle with his emotional and psychological state will be explored as he fights to get back to the person he was before his break. Will he be able to overcome the obstacles and help the team in the case? The episode will be full of suspense and drama as the team works to find the victim and apprehend the abductor, and Hotch attempts to get back to his old self.
The episode was rated 7.96 from 604 votes.
In Criminal Minds episode Mosley Lane, the BAU is called to Ashburn, Virginia, to investigate a predator who has been abducting children over the past 8 years. The team is tasked with profiling the criminal to uncover the identity and motives of the kidnapper.
This episode of Criminal Minds is a particularly sad one, as the team is trying to prevent the abduction of more children. However the episode is made more enjoyable by the inclusion of actor Evan Peters, who performs a powerful and engaging role in the episode.
The episode was rated 8.13 from 617 votes.
In this intense episode of Criminal Minds, the BAU team races to help Hotchner find The Reaper and save his family before it's too late. The tension in this episode is almost palpable and really keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. The stakes are high as the team must act quickly and strategically to rescue Hotchner's family and capture The Reaper, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the clock.
The Reaper has already proven to be a formidable enemy, so the team must use all of their experience and knowledge to take him down. Every second counts, and the team is forced to make split-second decisions that could have major consequences. This episode is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, as the team's fate hangs in the balance and the future of Hotchner's family hangs in the balance. With so much at stake and suspense at every turn, this episode of Criminal Minds is sure to be a thrilling and memorable ride.
The episode was rated 8.44 from 680 votes.
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