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!
The BAU members investigate targeted killings in Tampa as they cope with their feelings about losing Emily Prentiss.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 549 votes.
The BAU becomes involved in the search for a kidnapped woman in the nation's capital after the body of a second kidnap victim is found in a Georgetown alley.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 542 votes.
The BAU is called to a North Carolina resort town after a woman is found badly injured and another woman is missing. On arrival, the team discovers these two women are not the only victims.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 549 votes.
When an 8-year-old is found murdered on the Appalachian Trail, the BAU team goes deep into its forests in search of a man lurking in the wilderness who is targeting children.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 559 votes.
The team investigates unusual murders in Los Angeles, and more information about Prentiss' past arises.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 567 votes.
The BAU hits the road to track down a pair of young lovers on an interstate murder spree. Also, Prentiss hears frightening news from her former boss at Interpol.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 574 votes.
The BAU searches inside a gated New Mexico community for a killer targeting women, and Hotchner looks to an FBI cadet with a unique past for help with the investigation.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 565 votes.
In the episode "Supply and Demand" of Criminal Minds, the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is on a mission to find a human trafficking ring. Two missing persons were found in the trunk of a car, prompting the investigation. As the team works to unravel the case, Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner hints that budget cuts could lead to changes in the team structure. Meanwhile, Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau makes her return to the FBI with the assistance of SSA Andi Swan, who is the head of the Domestic Trafficking Task Force.
The team must work together to find the elusive human trafficking ring and determine who is responsible. Working against the clock, the BAU is tasked with finding the perpetrators before anyone else goes missing. Andi Swan brings her expertise and knowledge to the team, helping them to stay one step ahead of the criminals. With the help of the entire team, the BAU must locate the ring and bring justice to those who have been wronged.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 554 votes.
The episode of Criminal Minds titled "Safe Haven" follows the team as they investigate a serial killer who is targeting families in the Midwest. The team is determined to find the killer and bring them to justice before anyone else is hurt. During the investigation, Morgan receives an unexpected visit from Ellie, a girl from his past who had been in the foster system. As the team continues to investigate, they discover that the serial killer has a sick and twisted agenda, and must work together to catch them before more innocent lives are taken.
The team is up against an enemy that is determined to keep them from finding the truth. With each new clue, the team is one step closer to the truth and to stopping the killer. As the danger escalates, Morgan and Ellie must confront their pasts in order to move forward. With the teamβs help, they are able to confront the killer and bring them to justice. This episode of Criminal Minds is a thrilling and suspenseful look at the lengths the team will go to protect innocent people from a serial killer.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 577 votes.
Criminal Minds' episode 25 to Life is an intense episode that follows Morgan as he takes a risk and suggests that a man be paroled. Morgan believes the man has been rehabilitated and is a changed person, so is willing to take a chance on him. Unfortunately, days after being released, the man murders someone, leaving Morgan to regret his decision.
This episode is an amazing one, and must have been awful to witness for that man. It is a reminder to be careful when believing someone has been rehabilitated and how important it is to be thorough to try and prevent these types of tragedies.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 570 votes.
In this episode of Criminal Minds, Prentiss enlists the help of two former Interpol friends to track down an old enemy. Meanwhile, Reid discovers crucial clues that could help the BAU team locate the parents of an autistic boy. In this episode, we also get to meet Seaver, who becomes a regular member of the team.
Reid's discovery of clues allows the team to make a breakthrough in their case. With the help of Seaver, the team is able to better understand the dynamics of the family and get closer to finding the missing parents. Prentiss and her two former Interpol friends also make progress in their hunt for the old enemy, as they find evidence that leads them in the right direction.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 579 votes.
In the thrilling conclusion of last season's Criminal Minds cliffhanger, the BAU team must close in on the serial killer who is on a murder spree in Los Angeles with Detective Spicer's daughter as his hostage. As the team races against time, they must anticipate the killer's next moves and find a way to rescue the Detective's daughter and put a stop to the killer's rampage.
The team must find a way to outwit the killer and uncover his motives as they hunt for clues through the streets of Los Angeles. With every moment ticking down, the team must also keep in mind the safety of the Detective's daughter and find a way to rescue her from the killer's grasp. Will the team be able to prevent the killer's plans and bring Detective Spicer's daughter back home safe and sound? Tune into Criminal Minds: The Longest Night to find out.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 629 votes.
In the episode "JJ" of Criminal Minds, JJ is tasked with the mission of reuniting a family whose daughter has disappeared mysteriously. While the BAU team is preparing for the loss of one of their own, Spencer's hair has caught the attention of the viewers. It looks very nice according to the comments.
However, the show takes a drastic turn when the daughter is found alive after almost drowning in a lake. This occurrence is found to be unrealistic by viewers as it is not possible for a person to survive such a situation without any help. Despite this, the episode still manages to keep the audience entertained.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 617 votes.
In the episode Valhalla of Criminal Minds, the team is tasked with solving a series of murders. During the investigation, Prentiss grows suspicious of a former nemesis, and her fear for the safety of the team grows. Many viewers have commented that they wish the team would wrap up their issues with Doyle sooner, and some have expressed their preference for episodes that don't focus on a single team member.
The episode will likely feature the team working together to investigate the murders, and hopefully come to a resolution regarding Prentiss' nemesis as well. It will be interesting to see how the team works together to solve the case, and to find out whether their issues with Doyle can be resolved. It will also be interesting to hear the team's comments on the investigation and their feelings about the situation.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 578 votes.
The episode "Lauren" of Criminal Minds was an incredibly intense one that left fans of the show with a heavy heart. As Prentiss takes on Ian Doyle, JJ receives an unexpected call and returns to help. With emotions running high, viewers were left unsure of what the outcome might be.
The intensity of the episode was too much for many fans, and they were left in fear that their favourite show was coming to an end. Luckily, the show was able to make up for it in season 7. In the end, the episode was a success and fans could rest easy knowing that the show could finally get back to solving cases without the Doyle arc.
The episode was rated 8.21 from 615 votes.
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