NCIS: The Top 10 Episodes of All Time

For over 20 years, 'NCIS' has captivated audiences with its thrilling investigations, complex characters, and unforgettable moments. Join us as we countdown the top 10 episodes that showcase the very best of this iconic series.

10. Twilight (Season 2 Episode 23)

"Tony returns early, in time to rejoin the team in an investigation of a shooting of two Naval aviators. Tony finds a bomb, then it explodes; Gibbs says that someone has again tried to kill the NCIS gang, which loses one of their members."

9. Heartland (Season 6 Episode 4)

"An ambush in an alley behind a bar leaves one Marine dead and one very ill; the gang investigate. The survivor is from Gibbs's hometown, and the team goes there; flashbacks abound. The bunch put the pieces together and nail the bad guys."

8. SWAK (Season 2 Episode 22)

"Tony opens a letter, literally SWAK, dispersing a fine white powder; the gang does the drill. Kate and Tony get a free trip to Bethesda. Gibbs and company find both the bad lady and the solution of a two-year-old rape case at the USNA."

7. The Arizona (Season 17 Episode 20)

"While investigating an off-base burglary at an Admiral's residence, NCIS becomes involved in a case of an older man that claims to be a Pearl Harbor survivor. He wishes to have his remains buried on the USS Arizona."

6. Call of Silence (Season 2 Episode 7)

"A Medal of Honor recipient from WWII turns himself in and confesses to the team the murder of his friend 60 years ago."

5. She (Season 16 Episode 13)

"After a malnourished and confused 9-year-old is found hiding in a storage unit, the team reopens an old missing persons case that Special Agent Ziva David had a personal interest in."

4. Truth or Consequences (Season 7 Episode 1)

"Having not heard anything from Ziva, Gibbs, Tony, McGee, and Abby wonder; each starts sniffing and digging; they trace her to Somalia. Gibbs, Tony, and McGee go there; Tony and McGee become caught."

3. Keep Going (Season 14 Episode 13)

"During a hit-and-run investigation, Palmer tries to prevent a stranger from jumping off the ledge of a building."

2. Family First (Season 13 Episode 24)

"The NCIS, FBI and MI6 teams continue the international manhunt for an escaped British spy who's targeting current and former agents. Anthony DiNozzo bids farewell to NCIS."

1. The Stories We Leave Behind (Season 21 Episode 2)

"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."

These episodes represent some of the best moments in NCIS history, showcasing the show's ability to deliver gripping storylines, memorable characters, and emotional depth. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, these episodes are a must-watch.