Top 10 Criminal Minds episodes, ranked from best to worst 

Criminal Minds captivated viewers with its dark plots, psychological twists, and unforgettable characters. Across its many seasons, certain episodes stood out for their compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and emotional depth. From chilling murders to heartbreaking moments, the series delivered raw and gripping tales that left a lasting impression.

This list of top 10 episodes is a tribute to the most potent stories that the series presented, awarding the latter the status of fan favorite, proving why these particular moments were so fondly remembered and hip to date.

**Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.**

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The list of the top 10 Criminal Minds episodes is provided below:

10. Believer

In the Believer episode, Dr. Spencer Reid meets Owen Quinn, an old FBI agent who claims he was kidnapped by a group called "The Believers." This group of people is accused of planning a series of killings to remove hyoid bones. As the BAU investigates, they run into a spider’s web of deception, and eventually face off in a tense climax that will leave Reid with a life-changing decision to save a teammate.

Fans have complained that the episode lacks the emotional depth and character development found in previous seasons, despite the suspense and high-stakes finale. The fact that a new cult and its complex backstory were presented in one episode made it difficult for the viewers to enjoy the story to the fullest.

Additionally, the lack of screen time for beloved characters made some fans want to have more personal connections and team dynamics. That's why this episode ranks at position 10 in the list.

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9. Lauren

The episode Lauren from Criminal Minds revolves around the actions of Agent Emily Prentiss, who is struggling against her past with the world criminal Ian Doyle. Prentiss goes undercover to destroy Doyle's business, which results in a series of heated encounters. The BAU team laments her death, assuming she was killed while performing her duties, only to discover later that she staged it to protect them.

Despite the emotional outbursts, several viewers were dissatisfied with the program's execution. Opponents cited character inconsistencies and a hasty narration that prevented an in-depth analysis of Prentiss' intentions. There were also conflicting reviews of the introduction of Ashley Seaver, who fans believed did not fit into the established team dynamic.

The episode ranks at position 9 in the list because the fans were dissatisfied with the show's speed and character development, despite the episode's attempt to present a captivating plot.

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8. The Uncanny Valley

In this episode, the BAU deals with several cases of victims being abducted in Atlantic City and found dressed and arranged in a similar way to dolls. The unsub, Samantha Malcolm, is a woman with a troubled past who also had an electric shock treatment as a child. She paralyzes her victims, making them conscious but unable to move to create a hampered doll collection, which she used to have. The racing against time to rescue a diabetic victim before it is too late is taken by the team.

Even though the episode has a unique and creepy setup, certain viewers felt that it was not emotionally layered and character-driven as other episodes were. The development of the unsub's past impeded the development of the BAU team's interactions, making it more difficult for fans to relate to their characters. Furthermore, several people did not think the science behind the paralysis medicine to be believable, adding to the episode's lack of trust. Due to all these reasons, the episode ranks in 8th position in the list.

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7. Masterpiece

Episode Masterpiece introduces us to a narcissistic killer, Henry Grace (alias Professor Rothchild), who surrenders himself before the BAU and dares to hunt them down, five people he hid so that they don’t die. His crimes incorporate complex patterns such as the Fibonacci sequence, as used by Grace, played by Jason Alexander. The episode is a physical fight between Grace and Agent Rossi.

Although the episode had a captivating concept, many fans felt that Jason Alexander's casting was intrusive and excessive, which detracted from its appeal. The story moved too quickly, and a two-part format might have allowed for better development of the intricate plot; it would have been better to tell it in two parts. Additionally, the focus on the unsub's intelligence overshadowed the BAU team's profiling skills, which are usually central to the series. For these reasons, the episode is ranked in 7th position.

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6. Zugzwang

In the Zugzwang episode, viewers witnessed a kidnapping scene of Dr. Spencer's lover, Maeve Donovan, by her stalker, Diane Turner. During that moment, Dr. Spencer Reid finds himself in a personal crisis. The BAU team is in a desperate search for Maeve, as they race against time and end up in an emotionally-charged conflict.

The episode highlights Reid's fragility and genuine care for Maeve, which leads to a terrible turn of events that has a long-lasting impact on him and the crew. This episode was popular among Criminal Minds viewers because of the atmosphere it produced and the behind-the-scenes look at Reid's life.

The strong storyline and the heartbreaking conclusion left an imprint on the viewers as to how the show integrated personal stories with its procedural basis. The episode was always mentioned as one of the most dramatic in the series, depicting the complicated life of the characters outside their workplace.

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5. Mr. Scratch

This episode from Criminal Minds introduces Peter Lewis, a manipulative unsub who utilizes hallucinatory drugs to influence his victims, convincing them they've committed horrific acts. The BAU investigates a series of killings in which the offenders are unable to recall their actions, prompting them to discover Lewis's heinous ways. The episode explores psychological terror as the crew confronts the terrifying idea of losing control of one's mind.

This episode is known for its threatening tone and the introduction of a frightening enemy who kicks off the team's profiling mission. The sophisticated psychological operations and thrilling plot captivated the fans, making this episode stand out and surpassing the show's established plan. Peter Lewis' character became a recurring menace as a novelty in the larger plot of the series.

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4. Mosley Lane

In season 5 episode 16, we have seen that BAU looks at a series of cases of child abduction in Virginia. The team finds out that a couple has been abducting children for several years and keeping them in the house. The case takes on a personal dimension when a mother, whose son was kidnapped years ago, believes that the new kidnapping is related to the kidnapping. The episode delves into the psychological repercussions on families and the never-ending desire for justice.

Fans praised this episode for its scary storytelling and tragic plot. The image of a mother weeping over her loss struck a chord with viewers, and many recognized the long-term consequences of such murders. Furthermore, Matthew Gray Gubler, who acts as Dr. Spencer Reid, was the one who directed the episode, bringing something distinctive into the narration.

The way the suspense and emotional moments were interwoven made Mosley Lane one of the series' best episodes.

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3. Revelations

In season 2 episode 15, Dr Spencer Reid’s life is in the hands of Tobias Hankel, the man with multiple personalities, after he is kidnapped. Reid is subjected to physical and mental torture as he is forced to consume drugs while the BAU team expands efforts in an attempt to find him.

The episode demonstrates Reid’s toughness and the team’s commitment to rescue one of them. This episode is recognized as one that deals with quite strong performances and carries a general emotional impact. James Van Der Beek's portrayal as Hankel was thrilling, frightening, and enhanced the antagonist's personality.

Fans were moved by Reid's predicament and the subsequent influence on his character. Revelations is regularly referred to as one of the show’s greatest episodes. Its brilliance lies in the fact that it combines psychological drama with character development.

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2. 100

In this defining episode, the nemesis of Aaron Hotchner is finally confronted as he comes against George Foyet, known as “The Reaper”. Foyet aims at Hotch’s family, which results in a tragic showdown when his former wife, Haley, dies. The episode looks closely into the emotional turmoil of Hotch and how far he goes to protect his son, Jack.

Fans praise this episode for its high level of drama, character development, and the resolution of a long-running plot. Real emotions and sheer drama make the episode one of the most memorable in the series.

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1. Entropy

In episode Entropy, Dr. Spencer Reid takes part in a psychological battle with an assassin, Cat Adams, in a secret operation. The episode is presented as a dramatic dialogue between the two characters, showing stratagems and mind tricks.

Fans love this episode due to its tight writing, the scenes with an intense performance, and Reid's intellectual sophistication. The uniqueness of the plot and the hold one can feel in the conversation make it a standout episode, earning it the highest rating.

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These top ten episodes combined brilliant writing with powerful storytelling, cementing their place as the best the series had to offer. Every episode, from dramatic high-stakes face-offs to personal tragedies, had something special that resonated with the fans.

These remarkable episodes showcased the strength of the show's characters and the darkness they confronted. They stuck in fans' thoughts long after the credits had rolled, whether showing psychological difficulties, terrible losses, or intense investigations. They truly captured the essence of what made Criminal Minds so popular.