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, itโs 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!
Though Rossi is sad because his favorite bar is closing, the team goes to Boston to solve a series of strangulations.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 791 votes.
As the BAU zeroes in on the suspect of the ritualistic killings they've been investigating in Arizona, a bizarre connection within the unsub's family could lead them to finally nab the suspect.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 867 votes.
Victims of arsenic poisoning are found in Long Beach. The investigation reveals that the killer has a fascination with Greek mythology, based on handwritten death threats to the deceased and other mysterious clues. Meanwhile, Hotch becomes concerned about participating in Jack's third-grade career day.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 744 votes.
The BAU meets their new section chief, Mateo Cruz, who, unbeknownst to them, shares a long work history with JJ. Cruz joins the team as they comb the streets of Baltimore for an unsub who leaves victims unable to communicate.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 853 votes.
A murder investigation leads to Garcia delving into her hacker past -- and reconnecting with her former love.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 791 votes.
When skeletons are discovered in the backyard of a home in Virginia, family secrets and past racial divisions are brought to light.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 813 votes.
As the team searches for a vigilante killer in Cleveland, Rossi's former Marine sergeant goes missing in Los Angeles; J.J.'s secret catches up with her.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 779 votes.
The BAU team is tasked with a new case in the episode "Final Shot". A sniper has struck Dallas, and the team is tasked with figuring out what the underlying motivation is behind the attack. Is this connected to the upcoming anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, or is something else at play?
The team is under pressure to figure out the motivation behind the attack and find the sniper before any more lives are taken. While they investigate, the team must piece together the clues to uncover the sniper's identity and the true motivation behind the attack. With the clock ticking, the team races against time to solve the case and protect the people of Dallas.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 842 votes.
In the episode of Criminal Minds, "Route 66", Hotch collapses during the initial briefing for the team's latest case. Hotch is rushed to the hospital, while the rest of the team is urged by Rossi to go to Wichita, Kansas to help find Samantha Wilcox, who was abducted by her ex-con father Eddie Lee Wilcox. Evidence suggests that Samantha may be a willing participant in their getaway, but is unaware of her father's past which includes mob connections and murder. Meanwhile, Hotch is in surgery, and in this process his thoughts are haunted by both his deceased wife Haley and George Foyet aka The Reaper.
The episode of "Route 66" is a powerful episode that explores the inner workings of Hotch's mind in a very unique way. Through his thoughts, we are given a glimpse into the fear, guilt and regret that Hotch is feeling in the wake of his near-death stabbing by The Reaper. The episode also explores the relationship between Samantha and her father, and the lengths Eddie is willing to go to protect her. It is a tense and emotional episode that brings up powerful questions about the nature of family and loyalty.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 813 votes.
When a 4-year-old girl goes missing while staying with a relative in Mississippi, the BAU uncovers some startling truths as the team races to find the child and bring her to safety.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 788 votes.
In the episode Rabid of Criminal Minds, the BAU is faced with a puzzling case when three bodies are discovered with animal and human bite marks in a shallow grave near Milwaukee. The team works hard to solve the case and uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths.
Meanwhile, Spencer and Penelope are getting ready for a company fitness test, but they are trying to keep it a secret from Morgan. Itโs a hilarious moment as the two of them frantically try to hide their preparation from Morgan. This episode is definitely a creepy one, but Spencer and Penelopeโs antics make it a lighthearted and enjoyable one as well.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 786 votes.
When a young boy goes missing from his home in St. Louis, the BAU team of Criminal Minds is tasked with investigating a similar cold case in order to uncover the identity of the UnSub. The father of the missing boy is portrayed as an irrational figure, creating conflict and tension as the team struggles to find the missing child.
The episode was praised for its intense and thrilling plot, as well as its well-crafted characters and suspenseful moments. Although some viewers felt that the father's behavior was silly, the episode was overall well-received for its gripping and captivating story.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 786 votes.
In the first episode of Criminal Minds, "Angels (1)", the team is drawn into a case of murder in Texas. A string of murders of prostitutes seem to be linked to religious overtones. As they dig deeper into the case, they soon realize they have put themselves in danger as they investigate.
The team must work quickly and efficiently to solve the case and protect themselves from the perpetrator. With each clue they uncover, the team edges closer to uncovering the mystery, but their lives are constantly put in risk as they investigate. Will they be able to solve the case and protect themselves?
The episode was rated 7.94 from 784 votes.
In the 200th episode of Criminal Minds, JJ is kidnapped and the BAU must delve into her time at the State Department to find clues to her whereabouts. While on their search for her, the team calls upon Prentiss to assist in the crisis.
This highly anticipated 200th episode of the show does not disappoint. While JJ's disappearance creates an emotional roller coaster for the team, fans of the show are delighted to see the return of Paget. As the team rushes to find her, the audience is left on the edge of their seat as they wait to see if they will be able to come to JJ's rescue in time.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 832 votes.
This episode of Criminal Minds was incredibly intense and heartbreaking. The investigation in Texas revealed a deep web of corruption and Garcia had to save her friend. Throughout the episode, the team had to face difficult challenges and investigate a mysterious set of circumstances that put their friend in danger. The intensity of the episode was palpable, and the emotions of the characters had the audience on the edge of their seats.
The plot was so gripping that it kept viewers in suspense until the very end. The team had to use their skills and quick thinking to bring justice to the situation and to save their friend. This episode was full of twists and turns and even had moments of heartbreak as the team faced the darkness of the corruption they were investigating. The ending left viewers with a sense of satisfaction, but also with a heavy heart.
The episode was rated 8.21 from 785 votes.
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