Ranking the greatest episodes of Chicago Fire is an immense challenge, as the series has spent over a decade perfecting the delicate balance between high-octane rescue sequences and gut-wrenching character drama. As of early 2026, the list has been refreshed to include transformative moments from the recent Season 14, where the stakes for Firehouse 51 have reached an all-time high. From the tragic losses that reshaped the firehouse family to the cinematic crossovers that united the “One Chicago” universe, here are the 20 best episodes of Chicago Fire, ranked.
The Foundation of Grief and Heroism
At the pinnacle of the list sits “Sacred Ground” (S8, E1), an episode that remains the undisputed emotional peak for most fans. Watching Joe Cruz lose his best friend, Otis, and the subsequent reveal of the “Brotherhood” memorial statue, serves as the show’s most poignant exploration of grief. It is followed closely by “My Miracle” (S5, E22), which perfected the “cliffhanger” formula by leaving the entire squad’s lives in jeopardy while Matt Casey delivered a tearful, final goodbye to Gabby Dawson over the radio.
The series has always excelled at honoring its departing legends. “Never Say Goodbye” (S12, E13) was a masterclass in giving Chief Wallace Boden the heroic retirement he deserved, while “Two Hundred” (S10, E5) managed to make Jesse Spencer’s departure feel both natural and heartbreaking as he left for Oregon.
High-Stakes Arson and Modern Thrills
Kelly Severide’s evolution from a reckless squad leader to a brilliant arson investigator has provided the show with its best procedural elements. The recent winter premiere, “A Man Possessed” (S14, E8), has already earned a spot in the top tier. It showcased Taylor Kinney’s incredible range as Severide spiraled into a “possessed” state, hunting a killer after his mentor, Tom Van Meter, was placed in a medically induced coma.
Similarly, “I’m Not Leaving You” (S7, E22) and “Carry Me” (S5, E20) highlight the gritty, investigative side of the show, with the latter featuring the tragic death of Anna Turner—a storyline that fundamentally changed Severide’s character arc.
The Masterful Crossovers
The “One Chicago” universe is at its best when the lines between Fire, P.D., and Med are blurred. “Deathtrap” (S5, E15) remains a standout for its sheer scale, focusing on a massive warehouse fire that resulted in the death of Detective Olinsky’s daughter. “A Dark Day” (S2, E20) is equally legendary, featuring a hospital bombing that trapped Dawson and paved the way for the high-intensity crossovers that became the franchise’s hallmark.
The Official Top 20 Ranking (Updated Jan 2026)
| Rank | Episode Title | Season/Episode | The Definitive Moment |
| 1 | Sacred Ground | S8, E1 | Otis’s final words and the memorial reveal. |
| 2 | My Miracle | S5, E22 | Casey’s radio goodbye to Dawson. |
| 3 | Real Never Waits | S2, E22 | The explosion that took the life of Leslie Shay. |
| 4 | Deathtrap | S5, E15 | The warehouse fire and the Olinsky tragedy. |
| 5 | A Dark Day | S2, E20 | The hospital bombing crossover event. |
| 6 | Never Say Goodbye | S12, E13 | The retirement of Chief Wallace Boden. |
| 7 | Always | S3, E1 | The immediate, crushing fallout of Shay’s death. |
| 8 | Going to War | S7, E2 | The terrifying high-rise apartment fire. |
| 9 | I’m Not Leaving You | S7, E22 | The Mattress Factory fire cliffhanger. |
| 10 | The Last One for Mom | S4, E20 | Severide’s bond with a young boy in mourning. |
| 11 | A Man Possessed | S14, E8 | (New) Severide’s 2026 arson hunt. |
| 12 | A Coffin That Small | S1, E19 | The neighborhood funeral for a young victim. |
| 13 | Telling Her Goodbye | S5, E16 | The hostage situation inside Firehouse 51. |
| 14 | Carry Me | S5, E20 | The death of Anna Turner. |
| 15 | I Am the Apocalypse | S3, E19 | The high-stakes backdoor pilot for Chicago Med. |
| 16 | Two Hundred | S10, E5 | Matt Casey’s emotional departure for Oregon. |
| 17 | The Magnificent City | S10, E22 | The long-awaited “Stellaride” wedding. |
| 18 | Show of Force | S10, E12 | Stella Kidd’s legendary escalator rescue. |
| 19 | Too Close | S13, E15 | The first major test for Chief Dom Pascal. |
| 20 | Not Like This | S2, E10 | The community saves 51 from decommissioning. |
As Chicago Fire continues through its 14th season, it remains a powerhouse of network television by never forgetting its core message: that beneath the turnout gear and the sirens, it is the family we choose that keeps us standing.
