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!
Demons of the past come back to haunt Gibbs when he finds a cryptic message waiting for him at a crime scene.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 373 votes.
DiNozzo's investigation into a Navy Lieutenant's apparent suicide takes a surprising and deadly turn when its seems that it might have a connection to a larger, deadly scheme.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 420 votes.
Secrets from Ducky's clandestine past come to the forefront after he's attacked at a crime scene. The team uncovers disturbing secrets from the good doctor's past.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 382 votes.
With the appearance of Mossad agent Michael Rivkin, Tony is forced to question Ziva’s loyalty to NCIS. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Special Agent Callen goes undercover to try to catch a terrorist cell while OSP psychologist Nate Getz discovers the startling truth about Gibbs and Special Agent Lara Macy’s relationship.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 375 votes.
When a petty officer is found murdered, Gibbs learns about the mysterious connection between the disbanding of his team and the case.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 450 votes.
When a government scientist goes missing, Abby is recruited to carry on his work, but the team worries that she may meet the same fate as her predecessor.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 357 votes.
During the week of Christmas, The Team is Forced to work overtime when they discover their prime suspect had been dead for 17 years.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 390 votes.
A Navy bank has been robbed. NCIS is responsible for the investigation. One of the new recruits assigned to the fraud unit, Special Agent Dwayne Wilson, joins the team to help.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 389 votes.
Gibbs and his team are searching for a cyber serial killer who takes videos of his victims. The team quickly finds out that the video's of the dead victims are false.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 390 votes.
A strange delivery in a box arrived at the Navy facilities: The delivery driver and a Navy MP officer discover it is a sailor's corpse. A shocking revelation comes to light after the team is forced into playing a dangerous war game.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 408 votes.
After a security breach at the SecNav's residence leads to the death of an ICE agent, Gibbs and the team are forced to work with ICE and the FBI to find his killer. Meanwhile, Tony finally comes face-to-face with Michael Rivkin.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 358 votes.
The NCIS team must reveal the truth behind the murder of a jail guard which resulted in a prison riot and McGee being held captive by the inmates.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 369 votes.
The team is forced to rely on information from questionable sources while trying to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 390 votes.
The episode Aliyah of NCIS begins with Ziva's homecoming to Israel with Gibbs and the team. Unfortunately, her reunion with her father, the powerful head of Mossad, is not a happy one. As tensions between them continue to rise, Gibbs finds himself in a difficult position and is forced to make a decision that sends shock waves through NCIS.
Although this episode was met with mixed reviews, some viewers were not pleased with the introduction of Dinozo, who seemed to be a bit annoying and out of place. Unfortunately, he could not be kicked out as it was integral to the plot. Despite this, Aliyah still managed to be a captivating episode. With tensions rising and Gibbs making a difficult decision, viewers were kept on the edge of their seat throughout the episode.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 365 votes.
In the episode Heartland of NCIS, the team is led to Gibbs's hometown while investigating a murder. This episode reveals secrets about Gibbs's past and the last scene at the train station gives a significant flashback, where Gibbs meets his wife Shannon and this explains the foundation of his rules. It is a 60 second scene which is loved by viewers for its impact in providing insight into Gibbs's past.
Viewers have been enthralled by this episode, commenting on how amazing it is to learn about Gibbs before he was Gibbs. The last scene at the train station has been highly praised as it provides the viewer with great insight into the character of Gibbs. Furthermore, viewers are urged not to miss out on this episode, as it has been deemed one of the best episodes the show has ever produced.
The episode was rated 8.20 from 411 votes.
