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 apr 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!
When a dead body is found at an ancient burial site that is thought to be cursed, the team tries to determine the motive and the symbolism behind the crime. Also, as Torres continues therapy with Dr. Grace, he discovers that their lives are in danger.
The episode was rated 7.58 from 516 votes.
The NCIS team jumps into motion to investigate who is responsible for a potential bioterror attack at a strip mall parking garage; Knight's father deals with a health scare while in Japan.
The episode was rated 7.58 from 421 votes.
In preparation for a role, a world-renowned actress shadows the NCIS team as they investigate a decapitation case.
The episode was rated 7.59 from 424 votes.
Agent Knight goes viral for saving a mother and child from a potentially fatal car accident.
The episode was rated 7.59 from 379 votes.
The NCIS team digs deep to investigate a Navy lieutenant who’s accused of trying to murder her husband but has no memory of the attack. Also, Kasie navigates a potential medical scare.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 391 votes.
NCIS investigates the death of a college student who was killed while running across the street and had connections to McGee’s wife, Delilah.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 425 votes.
NCIS must investigate the Secretary of the Navy when her husband claims she tried to murder him.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 503 votes.
McGee’s personal life and professional life intersect when a dad from his children’s school is linked to a break-in at a government storage bunker.
The episode was rated 7.63 from 545 votes.
Agent Knight's past resurfaces when her ex-boyfriend, a National Parks Service agent, teams up with NCIS to investigate a campsite murder.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 537 votes.
Agent Parker steps up to protect Director Vance after a terrifying home invasion. Also, the team detects advancements in Jessica and Jimmy’s blossoming romance.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 518 votes.
Following the cliffhanger season 19 finale, with Special Agent Alden Parker still on the run with his ex-wife Vivian, the team investigates who from his past might have a personal vendetta against him in hopes of clearing Parker’s name. Enlisting the help of NCIS: Hawai’i’s Special Agent Jane Tennant and computer specialist Ernie Malick, who are in town meeting with director Leon Vance in preparation for a global military exercise, the group tracks down their prime suspect, The Raven. The crossover continues on NCIS: Hawai'i S02E01 Prisoners' Dilemma (II).
The episode was rated 7.67 from 568 votes.
NCIS agents from Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Hawai’i, all in D.C. to attend the retirement party of a beloved Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) professor, find themselves jointly investigating his shocking suicide. The crossover continues on NCIS: Hawai'i S02E10 Deep Fake (II) and NCIS: Los Angeles S14E10 A Long Time Coming (III).
The episode was rated 7.69 from 422 votes.
NCIS works to solve the murder of a Marine private who appears to have been killed for helping an Afghan refugee. Also, Jimmy navigates the pressure of parenting his teenage daughter, who is eager to go out on an unchaperoned group date.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 409 votes.
When a suspicious murder occurs in the classified section of the National Archive, NCIS must investigate a string of Russian spy encounters that may be linked to the crime. Also, Jimmy accidentally makes a confession that could change the course of his relationship with Knight.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 385 votes.
Agent Torres finds himself in prison as the team tries to stop an impending terror attack on U.S. soil.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 381 votes.
