NCIS is one of the longest-running crime drama series on CBS. It first aired in 2003 and is currently in its 22nd season. The show follows a team of special agents as they investigate military-related crimes. It has gained a large following and has been praised for its action-packed plotlines. For those looking to jump in, here are the best episodes of NCIS ranked.
The top NCIS episodes all feature exciting investigations with twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, many of them showcase the personal relationships between the agents and the criminals they're pursuing. From solving cases involving stolen submarines to terrorism, these episodes will keep you guessing until the very end.
From investigating a Navy officer's suspicious death to tracking down a terrorist organization, these NCIS episodes are sure to keep you hooked. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new viewer, these episodes are the perfect way to get into the show. So, read on and discover the best episodes of NCIS ranked.
Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 18, 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 NCIS team must determine if the murder of a Navy commander's wife is linked to her profession as a therapist or an act of terrorism after finding the commander's name on a Jihadist target list. Meanwhile, the team discusses Halloween costumes and Tony's recent dating habits.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 763 votes.
The NCIS team consults with three cyber-terrorists they imprisoned after a city-wide Internet shutdown the week before Christmas. Also, McGee reflects on the case and Gibbs' infamous rules as he pens a heartfelt letter to his father.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 704 votes.
When a Navy Lieutenant is killed on his way to a private meeting with the President, the NCIS team must determine if the murder was part of a recent stream of muggings in the area or a targeted hit to keep intel secret.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 817 votes.
The NCIS team suspects Gibbs' arch-nemesis is behind an explosion at a global terrorism summit. Gibbs elects to sit out the investigation in order to help a grief-stricken Fornell, whose life is on the verge of imploding following his wife’s murder.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 636 votes.
Special Agent Ned Dorneget from NCIS cyber operations assists the team when a Navy ensign who worked in the Office of Naval Intelligence is murdered. Also, the team discovers that Jake and Gibbs have become good friends.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 824 votes.
During a joint Coast Guard and NCIS training exercise at sea, Gibbs and CGIS Agent Borin spot a deceased man overboard, who is discovered to be a missing crew member from a ship 60 nautical miles away. Upon boarding the ship for questioning, Gibbs finds himself on a vessel that has been commandeered by pirates.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 787 votes.
While the NCIS team investigates the cause of a hit and run accident that resulted in the death of a Petty Officer, Gibbs searches for a way to clear a Navy Hospital Corpsman, who has served two medical tours in Afghanistan, after she's indicted for illegally providing medical aid to the victims of the crash, even though the surviving victims swear by her life-saving techniques.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 754 votes.
After investigating the murder of a retired Master Sergeant, the NCIS team uncovers a fraudulent charity that preys on those searching for missing military personnel. Meanwhile, Bishop agonizes over the results of her probation evaluation, and Tony contemplates adopting a stray cat that followed him home.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 778 votes.
Gibbs and McGee travel to Russia to safely escort home an NCIS computer engineer connected to classified intel, but their mission is compromised and they are forced to go off the grid while hunted by a Russian mercenary group. Meanwhile, the team in D.C. frantically uses every asset and inter-agency contact they have in an attempt to locate their missing team members.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 904 votes.
The Secretary of the Navy assigns the NCIS team to a joint terrorism task force after a Naval research scientist is murdered and the lead suspect is wanted by the Russian government. In order to get a jump on the case, Gibbs has DiNozzo run interference with the leader of the task force, FBI Agent Leia Pendergast.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 802 votes.
Flashbacks into his past help tell the tale for Dr. Mallard as he and Bishop travel to England in search of answers to find out why an Englishman murdered in the United States would have a list of deceased Navy men on his person.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 811 votes.
While stuck at the Dulles airport due to inclement weather, DiNozzo, Bishop and her husband Jake work an NCIS case involving an elevated terrorist threat at Northeast airports during the Thanksgiving travel surge. Jamie Bamber guest stars.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 752 votes.
NCIS feverishly investigates a global terrorist group that is recruiting teens via the Internet, following a deadly bombing overseas that results in an emotional and surprising loss for the team.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 765 votes.
The NCIS team investigates copy-cat crime scenes while Gibbs navigates two ex-wives relentlessly trying to get his attention.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 636 votes.
The NCIS cyber case turns into a united global effort after evidence confirms “The Calling,” an international terrorist group that recruits children through the internet, has been purchasing S-bombs off the black market.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 789 votes.
