The BEST episodes of NCIS
Every episode of NCIS ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of NCIS!
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it’s a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.
#1 - The Stories We Leave Behind
Season 21 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/19/2024
As NCIS mourns the loss of Ducky, the agents find comfort in working on one of his unfinished cases involving a woman whose father was dishonorably discharged from the Marines.
#2 - Family First
Season 13 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/17/2016
The NCIS, FBI and MI6 teams continue the international manhunt for a spy who's targeting current and former agents. Anthony DiNozzo receives life-changing news.
#3 - Keep Going
Season 14 - Episode 13 - Aired 1/24/2017
While investigating a hit and run, Palmer spots a man on a ledge and attempts to talk him down.
#4 - Till Death Do Us Part
Season 9 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/15/2012
Terrorism shakes the foundations of the Navy and NCIS to such an extent that Gibbs and the team face surprises that will devastate them.
#5 - Pyramid
Season 8 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/17/2011
The lives of NCIS members are in jeopardy when they come face-to-face with the infamous Port-to-Port killer, on the eighth season finale of NCIS.
#6 - Rendezvous
Season 14 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/16/2017
Gibbs, McGee and Torres travel to a remote area in Paraguay, controlled by a group of violent rebels, in an attempt to locate a missing Navy SEAL who disappeared during an unsanctioned trip.
#7 - The Arizona
Season 17 - Episode 20 - Aired 4/14/2020
The team tries to verify the identity of Joe Smith, who claims he served on the U.S.S. Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and wants to be buried there upon his death.
#8 - Twilight
Season 2 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/24/2005
A group of serial terrorists seek revenge and send Ari on an assignment to kill Gibbs. The NCIS team goes on a hunt after him, but when they discover that Ari has a bigger plan, it is already too late – the NCIS team will have to face the death of one of their team members.
#10 - She
Season 16 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/12/2019
After a malnourished and confused 9-year-old is found hiding in a storage unit, NCIS reopens an old missing persons case when the girl is believed to be the daughter of a Navy recruit who disappeared 10 years ago. Also, Bishop discovers notes that Special Agent Ziva David kept on the case long after NCIS officially stopped investigating.
#11 - Damned If You Do
Season 10 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/14/2013
The international manhunt for Eli David's killer turns into a federal witch hunt against Gibbs and the team, which questions their unconventional methods and threatens their future at the agency.
#12 - House Divided
Season 15 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/26/2017
Two months after Gibbs and McGee were last seen fighting an elusive group of rebels in a Paraguay jungle, the NCIS team in D.C. tirelessly searches for their missing colleagues. Also, Vance and Torres are summoned to a congressional hearing regarding the fallout from the Paraguay mission
#13 - Heartland
Season 6 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/14/2008
When a murder investigation leads the team to Gibbs' hometown, secrets about his past are revealed.
#14 - Shabbat Shalom (1)
Season 10 - Episode 11 - Aired 1/8/2013
While the NCIS team investigates the link to a dead journalist and a Navy petty officer, Ziva is taken aback by the sudden emotional visit by her father, who she hasn't seen in more than two years. While Ziva questions the purpose of her father's visit as the Director of Mossad, her father insists he is in the U.S. strictly to see his daughter for Shabbat dinner.
#15 - Dead Letter
Season 13 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/10/2016
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.
#16 - Rule Fifty-One
Season 7 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/25/2010
Gibbs heads to Mexico to face his demons and make a startling decision.
#17 - Great Wide Open
Season 19 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/11/2021
Gibbs and McGee head to Alaska while the team works at home to uncover the conspiracy behind the serial killer.
#18 - Judgement Day (1)
Season 5 - Episode 18 - Aired 5/20/2008
When a former NCIS agent is found dead, the entire team is put in danger as they hunt after the killer.
#19 - Requiem
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/6/2007
Gibbs finds himself emotionally challenged when he agrees to investigate a crime connected to a friend of his daughter, who passed away years ago, and the investigation leads to a shocking conclusion.
#20 - Spinning Wheel
Season 13 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/15/2015
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.
#21 - Homefront
Season 13 - Episode 22 - Aired 5/3/2016
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.
#22 - Swan Song
Season 8 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/10/2011
After new evidence reveals that the Port-to-Port killer has infiltrated the agency, the NCIS teams chase every lead in a race to track him down.
#23 - Shiva (2)
Season 10 - Episode 12 - Aired 1/15/2013
In the aftermath of an event that strikes close to home, the NCIS team unites to seek answers and demand justice in order to protect their most vulnerable colleagues.
#24 - Something Blue
Season 14 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/9/2017
The stress of McGee and Delilah’s imminent wedding takes its toll, as Delilah is rushed to the hospital. Also, the NCIS team travels out to sea after a young and healthy Petty Officer aboard a Navy destroyer dies in his sleep.
#25 - Scope
Season 13 - Episode 18 - Aired 3/15/2016
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.