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!
In order to clear his name, a petty officer volunteers to be court martialed if NCIS agrees to conduct its own investigation after his murder case is dismissed due to a mishandled warrant. Also, Bishop and Jake discuss their marital problems.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 1014 votes.
While visiting a pharmaceutical lab on a murder case, Abby is trapped with no communication to the outside world after armed men take over the building and hold everyone hostage.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 1004 votes.
The Secretary of Defense calls on NCIS to help a sailor who is battling leukemia to locate a donor for a bone marrow transplant, after two of his siblings are killed in the line of duty. Meanwhile, Bishop returns home to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 1056 votes.
Gibbs and Senior FBI Agent T.C. Fornell unite after two British prisoners, including a former spy, escape and arrive stateside via a shipping container. Also, McGee is busy apartment hunting and determined to find out how DiNozzo purchased his lavish place.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 1352 votes.
After being shot, Gibbs fights for his life aboard a Navy hospital ship, while DiNozzo and Joanna travel to Shanghai to try and take down the Calling.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 1152 votes.
Doctor Cyril Taft experiences the rush of an NCIS case after he is assigned surgical duty to Gibb’s suspect and finds key evidence. Also, Dinozzo pays Jeanne Benoit a visit as he chases a lead involving doctors in Sudan.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 1100 votes.
When Secretary of the Navy Sarah Porter learns her daughter has been kidnapped, the NCIS team partners with the FBI to track the case, determine a motive and bring her home. Also, McGee’s childhood friend, NCIS Special Agent Valerie Page is in town to assist the team with advance tactics training
The episode was rated 7.80 from 1152 votes.
A Navy Public Affairs officer is murdered, and the victim's wife and mistress accuse each other of the crime. Meanwhile, Anthony DiNozzo Sr. helps a homeless woman who believes he is her father.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 1179 votes.
The NCIS agents’ personal plans are interrupted when each of them catches errors in a seemingly cut-and-dried closed case. Also, McGee and Delilah argue over the importance of not discussing work during dinner, while DiNozzo bores his date with shop talk.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 1107 votes.
Tony's identity is stolen by multiple perpetrators who go on to blackmail politicians.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 1328 votes.
When a 14-year-old foils a home invasion, Gibbs suspects the teenager is withholding pertinent details. Also, Director Vance and Senior FBI Agent Fornell travel to London as part of the ongoing escaped British spy case.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 1422 votes.
The NCIS team re-examines an ambush on a group of Special Ops snipers in Iraq after an American couple is attacked in the same area six months later. When Gibbs discovers he needs the account of the lone survivor, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Davis, he tries to connect with the wounded warrior who is being treated for PTSD at Walter Reed Medical Center.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 1165 votes.
After Ducky is attacked by a man claiming to have information about his half-brother who died decades ago, the NCIS team searches for the perpetrator, as Ducky recalls the final emotional days he had with his sibling. Also, with the holidays approaching, Bishop and Jake discuss the future of their relationship.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 1073 votes.
The NCIS team, alongside the FBI and MI6, continue an international manhunt for an escaped British spy who has left one colleague fighting for their life in ICU.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 1485 votes.
In this episode of NCIS, a British spy has escaped and is targeting current and former agents. The NCIS, FBI and MI6 teams join forces to catch the fugitive. As the episode progresses, viewers experience an emotional rollercoaster as the series bids farewell to one of its best characters, Tony. In an intense finale, the team manages to apprehend the spy and Tony is given a fitting goodbye.
The episode has received much praise from viewers, with many giving it a 20/10 rating. Viewers were moved by Tony's departure, as the series will never be the same without him. Despite the sadness of saying goodbye to Tony, the episode manages to deliver a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the manhunt.
The episode was rated 8.32 from 1610 votes.
