The Best Seasons of 'Criminal Minds'

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Vote up the best seasons of Criminal Minds.

Fans of Criminal Minds are very passionate about the series, so it's no surprise that arguments are often had over which is the best season of Criminal Minds, especially as the series reaches its end. The series began in 2005 on CBS, where it quickly gained a strong following. The procedural series tells the story of a group of behavioral profilers as they work various cases, and tackle their personal struggles. The team, which has undergone many cast changes, work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), who use behavioral analysis and profiling to investigate crimes. This list of the best seasons of Criminal Minds is ranked from best to worst and has been voted on by many fans of the show, so this list isn't just one person's opinion. Some of the greatest episodes and some of the most memorable quotes from Criminal Minds and come from different seasons, so determining what the best Criminal Minds season is can be challenging.

If you're wondering, "What is the best season of Criminal Minds?" and "Which season of Criminal Minds is the best?" then this list will answer your questions. Be sure to also check out Criminal Minds episodes based on real-life killers and the best seasons of NCIS.

You can use this list to create a new list, re-rank it to fit your opinion, then share it on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networks you belong to.

 


  • Criminal Minds - Season 3
    Photo: CBS
    1
    828 VOTES

    Criminal Minds - Season 3

    The third season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 26, 2007 and contains 20 episodes. This season introduces the character of David Rossi, played by Joe Mantegna.

    This season features several unforgettable episodes including "Doubt," "About Face" and "Lo-Fi."

    Memorable moments from Season 3 include:

    • Gideon quits the BAU.
    • Reid and Prentiss are held hostage.
    • An SUV explodes carrying a member of the BAU team.
    828 votes
  • Criminal Minds - Season 5
    Photo: CBS
    2
    994 VOTES

    Criminal Minds - Season 5

    The fifth season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 23, 2009 and contains 23 episodes. This season finds the team dealing with a serial killer known as the Reaper.

    This season features several unforgettable episodes including "Nameless, Faceless," "The Uncanny Valley" and "Our Darkest Hour."

    Memorable moments from Season 5 include:

    • Hotch steps down as Unit Chief.
    • The team face "The Prince of Darkness."
    • Hotch beats Foyet to death.
    994 votes
  • Criminal Minds - Season 4
    Photo: CBS
    3
    668 VOTES

    Criminal Minds - Season 4

    The fourth season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 24, 2008 and contains 26 episodes. This season finds the team developing their trust in one another to solve various crimes.

    This season features several unforgettable episodes including "Mayhem," "Cold Comfort" and "…And Back (Part 2)."

    Memorable moments from Season 4 include:

    • J.J. has a baby.
    • The team investigates a pair of sadistic brothers.
    • Jason Alexander plays an obsessive psychopath.
    668 votes
  • Criminal Minds - Season 7
    Photo: CBS
    4
    612 VOTES

    Criminal Minds - Season 7

    The seventh season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 21, 2011 and contains 24 episodes. This season dives deeper into the team's personal lives.

    This season features several unforgettable episodes including "It Takes a Village," "Foundation" and "Run."

    Memorable moments from Season 7 include:

    • Hotch starts dating Beth.
    • JJ and Will get married.
    • Prentiss takes a job at Interpol.
    612 votes
  • Criminal Minds - Season 9
    Photo: CBS
    5
    430 VOTES

    Criminal Minds - Season 9

    The ninth season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 25, 2013 and contains 24 episodes. This season primarily focuses on the past of Jennifer "JJ" Jareau.

    This season features several unforgettable episodes including "The Inspiration," "200" and "Demons."

    Memorable moments from Season 9 include:

    • Hotch has a near death experience.
    • JJ is held captive and tortured.
    • Blake resigns from the FBI.
    430 votes
  • Criminal Minds - Season 2
    Photo: CBS
    6
    761 VOTES

    Criminal Minds - Season 2

    The second season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 20, 2006 and contains 23 episodes. This season introduces the character of Emily Prentiss, played by Paget Brewster.

    This season features several unforgettable episodes including "The Fisher King (Part II)," "Revelations" and "No Way Out II: The Evilution of Frank."

    Memorable moments from Season 2 include:

    • Elle shoots a rape suspect.
    • Frank Breitkopf kills Gideon's girlfriend.
    • Emily Prentiss reports on Hotch to Strauss.
    761 votes