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!
When a coast guard officer is gunned down on a cargo vessel, the NCIS team searches for the killer, but finds a Lebanese family seeking refuge on American soil. Meanwhile, Tony and McGee try and find the perfect woman for Gibbs.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 456 votes.
Gibbs and the NCIS team have to find answers regarding Tony's months-long assignment when an NCIS agent is found dead.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 549 votes.
The Secretary of the Navy partners Gibbs with Dr. Samantha Ryan after top secret information is leaked by someone on the inside.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 484 votes.
The investigation into the murder of a Navy Commander leads the NCIS team to E.J. Barrett’s whereabouts.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 490 votes.
When a Navy captain is killed in a hotel room, NCIS must track down and protect his very pregnant companion from unknown assailants. Meanwhile, Jimmy has problems of his own when he brings his future father-in-law to work.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 485 votes.
After a warehouse fire reveals missing Navy documents, posing a potential threat to national security, the NCIS team joins the Baltimore P.D. investigation, reuniting Tony with a boy from his past.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 479 votes.
When a Navy captain is found dead with an unusual costume hidden under his uniform, NCIS uncovers a secret society of real-life super heroes and must track down the villain.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 472 votes.
After Anthony DiNozzo, Sr. is found in a car with a dead body in the trunk and no memory of the previous night, the NCIS team must figure out if he is capable of murder. Meanwhile, Tony is sidelined for this case and must go against orders to try and prove his father’s innocence.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 464 votes.
As the NCIS team continues its search for a missing Marine, Gibbs and Ziva travel to her last known whereabouts in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Tony reveals his deepest fears and Gibbs is forced to relive events from his past.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 480 votes.
The NCIS investigation of a fire on a Navy vessel reveals evidence that elevates security at all U.S. Navy facilities worldwide. Meanwhile, DiNozzo and Ziva travel to Italy when an explosive device is found hidden on a Navy ship.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 465 votes.
In the NCIS episode Up in Smoke, the NCIS team is faced with a high-stakes mission to stop a terrorist from obtaining secrets from the Navy. The team discovers a high-tech bug embedded in the tooth of a probationary agent, and must use their expertise to figure out the best way to stop the terrorist before they can get their hands on the information. While the team is on the job, the festivities for Jimmy Palmer’s upcoming wedding continue with the bachelor party.
Up in Smoke is an exciting episode of NCIS, as the team must use their investigative skills to protect the Navy. With tensions running high and their backs against the wall, the team must race against the clock to prevent the terrorist from getting away with classified information. However, the team is not alone in this episode as the bachelor party for Jimmy Palmer’s wedding also adds a lighter moment to the episode.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 481 votes.
The NCIS team is put to the test when the current husband of both Gibbs' and Fornell's ex-wives, Diane, is suspiciously kidnapped. In a race against the clock, the team must use their skills and resources to find the kidnapper and bring Diane home safely. As they investigate, they uncover a web of lies and deceit that could have serious consequences for the entire team.
As the team follows up on leads, they uncover a connection to a mysterious organization known as the Devil's Triangle. With Diane's life in the balance, the team must untangle this web of secrets and lies to find the kidnapper and rescue Diane. With tensions high, the team must act quickly to save Diane before it's too late. In the end, the NCIS team must use their smarts and strength to bring Diane home safe.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 456 votes.
NCIS is back with a thrilling episode, “A Desperate Man”. In this episode, the team must investigate the death of Navy lieutenant commander in a building under construction. With the help of her distraught detective husband, they must find the killer. In the midst of all this, Ray’s return has Ziva thinking of her future.
This episode promises to be full of suspense and drama as the team navigates the case while dealing with the detective husband’s emotions. Meanwhile, Ray’s return brings up questions of what is to come for Ziva. Will she stay with NCIS or will she take a different path? Will the team be able to solve the case and find the killer? All this and more will be answered as the episode progresses.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 488 votes.
When the NCIS team investigates the crash of a military plane that was transporting caskets, they uncover a strange discrepancy with the DNA remains. The team must use all their expertise to figure out the cause and determine who is responsible for the crash.
As the NCIS team digs deeper into the mystery, they uncover more and more evidence that points them in a certain direction. With the help of their colleagues in the field, they follow the leads and eventually come to a conclusion that will put an end to the case.
The episode "Engaged (1)" is an exciting and thrilling episode of NCIS. It is filled with suspense and intrigue as the team works to solve the mystery and find out who is responsible for the crash. With its amazing plot and characters, NCIS fans are sure to enjoy this episode.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 491 votes.
This episode of NCIS, titled Till Death Do Us Part, follows the team as they investigate a terrorist threat that shakes the foundations of the Navy and NCIS. As they investigate, Gibbs and the team are met with some shocking surprises that will test the strength of the team.
The NCIS team will have to use their collective resources to uncover the truth and find out who is responsible for this terrorist threat. With the stakes high, the team will have to make some difficult decisions as they uncover the truth. As they search for answers, they also have to confront the personal dangers that come with the job. This episode will show the team's strength in the face of adversity and will leave viewers wondering what will happen next.
The episode was rated 8.29 from 530 votes.
