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!
DiNozzo finds himself increasingly captivated by a woman he's never met while investigating the murder of her brother.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 365 votes.
The death of a Navy officer leads Gibbs and the team into the world of high-priced call girls, relying on D.C. Madam Holly Snow to help them catch a killer.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 372 votes.
Secrets arise when Gibbs former mother-in-law surfaces as a witness in a murder investigation.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 366 votes.
Gibbs is worried about Tony's ability to handle his job when Tony's father turns out to be linked to their newest investigation, an assassination attempt on a foreign prince.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 379 votes.
The team finds themselves in a race against time when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a "dirty bomb" in the D.C. area.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 384 votes.
A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 386 votes.
The team literally finds themselves in the dark when the investigation into the death of a lieutenant is connected to a city-wide blackout.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 392 votes.
When a Marine's body surfaces halfway around the world, the investigation forces Ziva to dig up a buried chapter of her life.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 398 votes.
The team discovers the bizarre death of a Marine and his two friends may be linked to their past, but its Gibbs who ends up taking a trip down memory lane.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 450 votes.
Dead Marine's day job at a government think tank leads Gibbs and the team into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy who may be the killer's next target.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 391 votes.
While on the flight back from Paris, Tony and Ziva realize that their assignment to protect a government witness in an embezzlement case is in great danger when they learn that an assassin is located on the same flight.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 376 votes.
The team tries to track down a serial killer, while Abby heads south of the border to give a speech with McGee in tow.
The episode was rated 8.01 from 376 votes.
NCIS episode "Patriot Down" tells the story of a shocking murder that rocks the NCIS team. When one of their colleagues is killed, Agent Gibbs is determined to uncover what happened and finds a surprising connection to the crime.
This intense, emotionally-charged episode follows the team as they investigate the murder, which quickly reveals a tangled web of deceit and betrayal. As the team pieces together the clues, they come to the realization that their colleague's death was part of a larger conspiracy. With tension and suspense at every turn, the team must race against the clock to prevent something even more terrible from happening.
The episode was rated 8.03 from 392 votes.
In the NCIS episode "Truth or Consequences," the team is still reeling from the loss of Ziva as they begin their search for her replacement. Gibbs and his team must put their feelings aside and get back to work. During the episode, the team is tasked with a bizarre case in which someone tried to smuggle a koala into a submarine. As they investigate, the team must grapple with their emotions and the difficult truth of their situation.
The episode is filled with light moments, including a hilarious shot of Gibbs. For fans of the show, these moments serve to provide a bit of levity and respite from the difficult truth that the team is facing. The episode also serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the team, as they come together to solve the case despite their grief.
The episode was rated 8.12 from 487 votes.
In the NCIS episode "Rule Fifty-One", Gibbs heads to Mexico to face his demons and make a startling decision. The episode starts off with Gibbs in a somber mood as he makes his way to Mexico. As the episode progresses, viewers watch as Gibbs grapples with his inner turmoil and struggles to make a difficult decision. The episode ends in a shocking cliffhanger, leaving viewers to wonder what decision Gibbs has made.
Unfortunately, this episode was ruined by a cheap and annoying cliffhanger. It left viewers feeling frustrated and angry that they would have to wait until the next episode to find out what decision Gibbs has made. While cliffhangers can be a great way to draw viewers in and keep them guessing, this one seemed to be done just to be annoying and cheap. Overall, this episode was a disappointment due to the frustrating cliffhanger.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 380 votes.
