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!
When a series of tornadoes hits Kansas, the BAU is called in to investigate bodies of young boys that turn up in the aftermath of the storms. Also, work pressures cause tension on JJ's home front.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 616 votes.
The BAU team investigates a series of brutal home invasions and murders in California's Inland Empire that appear to be gang-related, but their investigation may uncover a more sinister motivation.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 570 votes.
The BAU team looks into the real reasons behind an apparent mass suicide of a small group of youths at a military academy. Also, Hotch and Morgan butt heads when a team member could be in jeopardy.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 604 votes.
When married couples fostering young children end up being killed in Seattle, the BAU team looks for an unsub with a maternal-yet-murderous instinct. Also, Garcia fears a possible proposition from Kevin.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 573 votes.
The BAU team is called to investigate a mass murder at an Internet security company in Charlottesville, Va. Evidence soon reveals that the crime is not the work of a typical serial killer.
The team is met with a complicated case that tests their skills and leads to a shocking finale. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to prevent a bloody tragedy. This outcome is met with mixed reviews, with some viewers criticizing the writing for not being able to keep a child safe.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 632 votes.
In the episode "Unknown Subject" of the show Criminal Minds, the team is called to Texas to investigate a serial rapist known as "The Piano Man" in Houston. He has returned and is targeting his previous victims. As the team works to catch the rapist, Prentiss begins to deal with the traumatic experience caused by Ian Doyle after returning to the BAU. This episode will be a test of the team's ability to work together and find the "Piano Man" before he can cause any more damage.
The team must use all of their combined efforts to track down the "Piano Man" as his past victims are in danger. Meanwhile, Prentiss must confront her own personal demons and come to terms with the psychological damage caused by Ian Doyle. This episode promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride as the team must battle a serial rapist and Prentiss must confront her inner demons. It will be a test of the team's collective strength and will show how far they are willing to go to protect the innocent.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 585 votes.
In the episode of Criminal Minds entitled "A Family Affair," the BAU travels to Atlanta to investigate the murders of women. After delving into the clues, they realize that they are searching for an unsub (unknown subject) who is not acting alone.
This episode had viewers on the edges of their seats as they watched the BAU unravel the mystery of the victims' deaths. Unfortunately, fans were disappointed that Reid's babysitting duties of Henry were not shown in this episode. Nonetheless, the team's determination to get to the bottom of the case was an impressive display of their skills.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 586 votes.
In the episode "Proof" of the popular crime drama series Criminal Minds, the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) team is sent to rural Oklahoma to investigate a case involving the murder of several women, all of whom had one of their five senses taken away. As the team searches for clues and attempts to uncover the identity of the killer, JJ (Jennifer Jareau) and Prentiss (Emily Prentiss) get a taste of the cold shoulder from Reid (Spencer Reid). This is due to their deception about Prentiss' faked death, a fact that Reid has yet to forgive them for.
While the team is busy trying to solve the case, they are also trying to make sense of Reid's attitude and the distance he is keeping from them. Despite the tension between them, the team is determined to determine the identity of the killer and bring them to justice. With Reid's help, the team eventually solves the case, but not before learning more about the killer's motivations and the lengths they were willing to go to in order to satisfy their own twisted desires.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 645 votes.
In the gripping episode of Criminal Minds, "It Takes a Village", the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team is put in a difficult position and is called to testify in front of a Senate Committee. The team is being questioned for their retaliatory actions following the departure of Agent Emily Prentiss. Although they are expecting a harsh interrogation, they are surprised to see an unexpected familiar face in the room. It could be their only chance to win the case and keep the team together.
The episode brings up the team's loyalty and sense of togetherness, and how far they are willing to go to protect each other. As the team struggles to keep their integrity and job intact, they must appeal to the Senate Committee in order to save their careers. With the help of the unexpected familiar face, they may be able to keep their unit and win the case. Will the team succeed in preserving their unity and work, or will they be disbanded? Tune in to find out.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 685 votes.
Criminal Minds' episode "Foundation" follows the team as they investigate the case of two kidnapped boys. One of the boys is found in the desert, emaciated and in need of care. The other is still missing and the team must race against time to find him.
The team are faced with a difficult and complex problem as they try to find the kidnapper and the remaining boy. With limited information, the team must use their skills and expertise to piece together the clues and find the missing boy before it's too late. The comments "Bruh wash the kid and give him some clean clothes haha" reflects the urgency and importance of the situation, and the team must act with haste to help the boys.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 600 votes.
This episode of Criminal Minds is Profiling 101, where Rossi and the team teach college students the science of criminal profiling. They take the class through a serial-killer case that spanned 20 years, making it an incredible storytelling performance. This episode was well-received by fans, as they found the writing and directing to be awesome. Joe Montegna was incredible in the episode, making it hard for the viewers to take their eyes off screen.
The mystery and suspense of the episode was what made it so memorable. Many viewers thought they had the ending figured out, but were surprised when the episode concluded. The story never gave itself away and the suspense kept the viewers on the edge of their seat until the very end. It was an episode that will definitely be remembered for its unique storytelling and suspense.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 608 votes.
In the Criminal Minds episode "True Genius," the BAU is called to San Francisco to investigate a series of murder that bear the same tell-tale signs of the infamous Zodiac Killer. As the team works to determine if the notorious killer has returned, Dr. Spencer Reid finds himself questioning how he can best use his genius abilities to help solve the case.
As the team pieces together the evidence and interviews potential suspects, they discover that the killer is not only a copycat, but a genius in his own right. This leads Reid to confront the idea that he could be using his own intelligence to do more, to go beyond the boundaries of the BAU and use his genius to solve the case in ways the other agents couldn't.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 610 votes.
In this episode of Criminal Minds, Agent Morgan is faced with the possibility of his presumed-dead cousin, Cindi, being alive. When Morgan’s sister sees a woman who looks like Cindi, it forces Morgan to confront a lie he told his family last year. The BAU is then forced to reopen the case of her disappearance. This episode brings the team closer together, as personal stakes are on the line.
The episode is sure to bring a twist to the story, as the BAU must uncover the truth behind Cindi's disappearance and Morgan must face the truth about his lie. While this episode dives into the personal lives of the team, it still maintains the thrilling suspense and mystery that is a staple of the Criminal Minds show. It is sure to be full of exciting and unexpected plot twists as the team gets closer to the truth of what happened to Cindi.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 599 votes.
The BAU team faces a terrifying challenge in the episode “Hit” as they come up against a gang of serial-killing bank robbers in Washington, D.C. The team has to quickly come up with a plan to negotiate the situation unfolding inside the bank, with the stakes rising even higher when one of their own is taken hostage by the criminals. The episode promises to be an intense and thrilling ride as the BAU team has to work against the clock to save their colleague and bring the criminals to justice.
The team has to battle against time to save their colleague while also trying to take down the criminal masterminds. With the clock ticking and emotions running high, it’s up to the team to use their wits and expertise to take down the criminals and save the day. It’s sure to be an intense and action-packed episode as the BAU team faces off against the ruthless serial-killers. The episode will no doubt be full of suspense, drama, and thrills as the team does their best to save the day.
The episode was rated 8.10 from 581 votes.
The BAU team continues to pursue a set of bank-robbing serial killers, and with one of the team still a hostage, they must work quickly to diffuse an explosive situation. Meanwhile, wedding bells ring for one of the BAU and Prentiss ponders her future. This episode is one of the best that viewers have ever watched. It has a good balance of both working the case and exploring the characters, which made for a satisfying season finale. Emily and Will both gave amazing performances and the episode left viewers feeling three times more connected to the characters than before. Furthermore, JJ's fight scene was a highlight of the episode.
The double episode was surprisingly well-liked, as viewers usually do not like two-parters. The writers managed to make each episode unique, while still maintaining a compelling story. The finale was an emotional roller coaster with plenty of action and suspense. The case had a big target in the Nation's capital, and the team had to work quickly to save the hostage. The ending was an incredible conclusion to the season and left fans wanting more. Overall, it was a highly entertaining and memorable episode.
The episode was rated 8.30 from 333 votes.
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