The 20 Best Mythbusters Episodes Ranked

Summary

• The best
  MythBusters
  episodes blend science and myth debunking with entertaining stunts involving Hollywood movies and urban legends.
• Fans of the show can stream episodes on Max, such as the Demolition Derby test on car accidents and Hollywood movie stunts.
• The episode on the NASA moon landing hoax showcases the show’s dedication to truth, education, and inspiring viewers about space exploration.

The best MythBusters episodes offer a mixture of fun with a strong dose of scientific experimentation. It is a great reality series for people who love science but also like to see everything go wrong at any given time. Premiering on Discovery Channel in 2003, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage are special effects experts who use elements of the scientific method to test out certain rumors, myths, movie scenes, news stories, and more. The purpose of the show is to reveal whether these items are true or if they don’t hold up to the scrutiny of scientific testing.

These episodes involve Jamie and Adam shining a light on a popular myth or urban legend. This includes many conspiracy theories, such as the idea the moon landing was faked. It also approaches many urban legends, such as the idea that Mentos and Diet Coke could cause a person’s stomach to explode. With a mix of fun episodes involving movies like Jaws and Star Wars, MythBusters offered something for everyone as Jamie and Adam set out to blow up and destroy anything they could get their hands on in the name of science and truth.

MythBusters
is available to stream on Max.

20 Indiana Jones Special

Season 14, Episode 2

The Mythbusters team set out to fact-check the feats of Indiana Jones, and it does a great job of breaking down the math and science while also respecting the movies in which they pulled the stunts. The myths from the franchise they attempted to bust include Indiana Jones’ use of his whip to disarm people, the first movie’s booby-trapped cave, and his amazing escape from the rolling boulder at the end of that memorable scene.

The Indiana Jones movies are available to stream on Disney+.

There were a lot of fun moments in this episode, including Adam and Jamie starting to crack the whips at each other. This was also kind of scary, but they were at least careful not to injure one another. This also proved the myth that the crack of a whip could break the sound barrier, which it did clearly in this episode. What really makes it stand out is working with movie myths rather than regular ones, since this is something anyone who has seen the iconic film can relate to.

19 Duct Tape Hour

Season 7, Episode 13

The Mythbusters crew loves duct tape. There have been three separate episodes about it, with Duct Tape Hour, Duct Tape Hour 2, and Buster’s Cut: Duck Tape Hour 2. In this first episode about the duct tape myths, they tested several myths. They want to see if a person can lift a car with only duct tape or use it to plug holes in the bottom of a boat. They also tried to use it to build a working sailboat, construct a potato cannon, and eventually build a working cannon.

The last one was the biggest myth they wanted to bust, as when they finished, they took a real cannon and the duct tape cannon out to test them together. It is obvious why they love duct tape so much. Every single myth they tested was confirmed except for one, and even that one was still plausible (the boat hole patching). In the big finale, the duct tape conning stayed intact and successfully fired a cannonball, proving that duct tape could do just about anything.

18 Hindenburg Mystery

Season 5, Episode 1

In Mythbusters season 5, the team set out to investigate some myths from the Hindenburg mystery. The Hindenburg was a German commercial passenger airship that was in operation from March 1936 until May 1937, when it was destroyed by fire. The myth behind this tragedy (35 people died) was that the Hindenburg was destroyed by a highly flammable doping compound that was used to paint it rather than by the hydrogen used to lift it into the air for flight.

The Hindenburg disaster took place on May 6, 1937.

This could have changed everything people knew about the disaster, but it turns out that the theory was just a false myth. While the team did get the doping compound to catch fire and burn, it did so at a much slower rate than the film footage of the Hindenburg disaster. Based on a real-life tragedy, this was a very intriguing episode of the reality show, as the guys tried to figure out if those lives could have been saved if a different type of paint had been used.

17 Killer Cable Snaps

Season 4, Episode 19

The Mythbusters season 4 installment “Killer Cable Snaps” has two myths that the team busts, one from a movie and the other from a TV show, with the one from the film as the basis for the episode title. In the horror movie Ghost Ship, there is a gruesome scene where a cable was snapped and released at such a high velocity that it sliced everyone standing on the deck in half. The second myth was based on recording audio in old pottery based on an X-Files episode.

Ghost Ship
was a 2002 horror movie by Dark Castle Entertainment.

It is always a blast when the team busts myths from TV shows and movies, as it offers many viewers something familiar to compare them with, and gives them a chance to see if the films or TV shows are scientifically accurate or just throwing out ideas with no basis. In both of these, it was the latter case. After all the testing, they showed it was unlikely a snapped cable could slice someone in half. As for the other one, they got no sounds back when trying to record voices into the pottery.

16 Trench Torpedo

Season 11, Episode 13

The Mythbusters season 11 episode “Trench Torpedo” proves that even later seasons had a lot to offer viewers when it comes to the hit reality show. This episode had two myths to test, with the “Trench Torpedo” of the title and a second one called “Party Balloon Pile-Up.” For the torpedo, the myth was that World War I trenches were designed to reduce the impact of shock waves. The second myth was that a clown car stuffed with balloons would provide an airbag for survival in a crash.

The second one was a little silly, but it was proven that the balloons would not protect a person in the car in the case of an accident. However, the episode thrives because of the trenches and the fact that Jamie and Adam get to blow things up, which is always fun. The best thing is that, with all the explosions the guys got to do, they discovered by the end that it was plausible that the trenches could protect a soldier from a shock wave. Seeing their joy when setting off the bombs was worth the watch.

15 Demolition Derby

Season 7, Episode 1

The Mythbusters episode “Demolition Derby” tested a series of myths concerning car accidents and how to possibly prevent them. This allowed them to also look at Hollywood movies and see if the car stunts in the films could pass the tests of real-life scientific experimentation. Out of the seven experiments, only two of them ended up as plausible. They tested four myths about where a car could drive through something and keep going after the collision.

This episode not only captivated audiences with its adrenaline-pumping stunts but also educated them on the science behind vehicle safety.

The best test was a redo of one from a previous season where the MythBusters team wanted to see if two big rigs would fuse and crush a car if they hit head-on. This time, they successfully pulled off the stunt and busted the myth. This episode not only captivated audiences with its adrenaline-pumping stunts but also educated them on the science behind vehicle safety, blending entertainment with enlightening insights into the physics of car crashes.

14 Jaws Special

Season 17, Episode 1

If there is one thing that has always been popular on reality TV, it is Shark Week. This led Jamie and Adam to test out a lot of myths that have been floating around about sharks in general, including looking at the movie Jaws. Of course, almost everyone knows the myth about punching a shark in the nose being one way to make it leave them alone. The MythBusters team also tested out theories about the actual strength of sharks, whether they are repelled by chili, whether dolphins can deter them, if sharks can smell fear, and much more.

It’s the popularity of sharks that made this MythBusters episode so intriguing. The episode excelled in merging cinematic legend with real-world science, debunking widespread misconceptions while offering a captivating exploration of shark behavior. Their experiments, grounded in curiosity and rigorous methodology, provided both thrilling and educational insights, further solidifying this episode as a standout in the series for its ability to entertain and inform.

13 Underwater Car

Season 5, Episode 4

The episode “Underwater Car” once again took the ideas from Hollywood and the guys wanted to see if any of the escape methods when a car ended up submerged were true. They tested to see when and if a car door could be opened after going underwater, whether a person could escape before the car began fully sinking, and whether a person could open the windows or break through the windows after the car became submerged.

This episode not only dispelled myths but also potentially saved lives by demonstrating practical escape strategies.

The good news is there are ways to get the doors open if a person is either quick to act or patient if they wait too long, and there are a couple of ways to break a window to get out. This episode not only dispelled myths but also potentially saved lives by demonstrating practical escape strategies. The methodical approach taken to explore these scenarios provided viewers with critical survival techniques, reinforcing the show’s commitment to applying science in real-life situations while maintaining an engaging narrative.

12 NASA Moon Landing Hoax

Season 6, Episode 10

The MythBusters team also set out to bust the conspiracy theories that the NASA moon landing was a hoax. Many people seemed to believe that man never landed on the moon and the footage was shot on Earth and faked. However, there are several key parts of these conspiracy theories that the team was able to test and prove that NASA did indeed put people on the moon. From the photos taken to the false scientific theories about what could and couldn’t happen on the moon, they proved time and time again that it wasn’t faked.

They also proved that NASA put a reflector on the moon, solidifying the moon landing as fact. The episode debunked myth and celebrated human achievement by reinforcing the reality of the moon landing. Through rigorous experiments and clear evidence, it reaffirmed the monumental success of one of humanity’s greatest milestones. MythBusters’ dedication to truth through scientific inquiry made this episode a pivotal moment in popular science television, educating and inspiring viewers about the wonders of space exploration.

11 Flights Of Fantasy

Season 18, Episode 2

In “Flights of Fantasy,” the MythBusters team set out to look at two different myths and proved that both of them were plausible. In the first one, Adam and Jamie went to Beale Air Force Base to see if a Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance plane was harder to fly and land than any other plane in the world. Adam Savage flew the plane and realized quickly that this was an almost impossible plane to pilot and land, and he needed help getting it down. The second test was to see if unmanned multirotor flights could cause injuries with their propellors.

They proved that store-bought models were safe, but custom-built models were indeed dangerous. “Flights of Fantasy” intriguingly combined the thrill of aeronautics with the practical concerns of modern technology. By successfully navigating the daunting task of flying a U-2 plane and evaluating the safety of multirotor drones, MythBusters highlighted the complexities and potential risks associated with aviation, both manned and unmanned. Their findings not only provided valuable insights into aerospace technology but also underscored the importance of safety in the rapidly evolving field.

10 Alcatraz Escape

Season 2, Episode 8

One of the show’s best installments came early on in season 2, episode 8. The myth they took on defined the show: attempting to recreate spectacular feats like Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers escaping from Alcatraz prison using an inflatable raft made from rubber raincoats. The team put together just such a boat and set out from Alcatraz — at night — to try and make it to shore. To their surprise, they made it across San Francisco Bay to Marin Headlands. The fact that they made it to land led to this unsolved mystery having a new air of authenticity.

This experiment not only demonstrated the plausibility of the escape but also showcased the MythBusters‘ knack for bringing historical mysteries to life through practical testing. Their successful crossing added a tangible dimension to the legendary tale, compelling viewers to reconsider the feasibility of one of history’s most daring escapes. This episode remains a hallmark of the series, blending historical intrigue with scientific exploration to captivate and educate its audience.

9 YouTube Special

Season 7, Episode 4

MythBusters started out focusing on myths that had been around a bit, like the Alcatraz escape (which – if it happened – occurred in 1962). As the show went on, they tackled myths from a new source — YouTube. The YouTube Special focused exclusively on myths circulated by the then-new platform (the episode aired in 2009). This episode included creating a gigantic ball made out of LEGO bricks and sending it rolling down a San Francisco street after a running friend, dressed like Indiana Jones. They also tested the potency of match heads, proving the Match bomb myth was true.

Venturing into the digital age, this episode highlighted the show’s adaptability and willingness to explore contemporary myths. By diving into YouTube-based phenomena, MythBusters not only broadened its scope but also tapped into the zeitgeist of internet culture, demonstrating a keen understanding of its audience’s evolving interests. This special episode showcased the seamless integration of traditional myth-busting with modern-day folklore, reinforcing the show’s relevance in an ever-changing media landscape.

8 Duct Tape Island

Season 12, Episode 1

The best was the episode “Duct Tape Island” which put the team in a
Survivor
-like situation with only duct tape to rely on.

Most people have probably heard the adage you can fix anything with Duct tape. The MythBusters team decided to put it to the test. They did this more than once, as the first episode was so popular they kept wanting to come back and try more. The best was the episode “Duct Tape Island” which put the team in a Survivor-like situation with only duct tape to rely on. The results were comical but eye-opening. Savage and Hyneman proved that they could use the stuff to build a hammock, a distress signal, clothes, a shelter, and so much more.

This episode was a testament to human ingenuity and the versatility of duct tape, transforming a simple tool into a survival kit. Through a mix of creativity and scientific methods, they showcased duct tape’s astonishing utility in ways that were both entertaining and practical. “Duct Tape Island” not only captured viewers’ imaginations but also provided them with a humorous yet informative look at the potential for innovation in the face of adversity, solidifying its place as a memorable and educational highlight of the MythBusters series.

7 MacGyver Myths

Season 5, Episode 31

MacGyver begged for somebody to come along and test the gizmos the character invented to get out of jams. MythBusters did just that, and in the process, delivered one of the most incredible explosions ever seen on TV. One of the MacGyver myths tested was whether a cement truck full of cement would suppress a bomb blast. The answer was a resounding no, especially after the team loaded it with enough explosives to generate a discernable shockwave. It was another case where TV and movie myths were busted on Mythbusters.

This experiment not only provided a visually spectacular moment but also served as a critical examination of the line between fiction and reality in popular media. By meticulously recreating and testing the imaginative devices and scenarios from the MacGyver series, MythBusters highlighted the hilarious absurdities of the iconic detective show. This episode underscored the show’s unique ability to educate viewers about the principles of science and engineering while entertaining them with the dramatic outcomes of their experiments.

6 Border Slingshot

Season 3, Episode 22

The episode “Border Slingshot” might have anticipated some current concerns when it debuted in 2005. The myth: whether illegal immigrants could use a makeshift catapult to launch themselves over the U.S. border into America. The myth was that immigrants were already doing this from a distance of 200 feet. However, after the testing, the verdict was that this was a fake claim. The person would most certainly be killed in the process, and the labor that went into creating the slingshot (involving a giant crane) would not be able to be hidden in plain sight.

This episode highlighted MythBusters‘ ability to address myths with a mix of seriousness and humor, regardless of the myth’s origin. Their approach provided a blend of scientific inquiry and spectacle, debunking the myth while engaging viewers in critical thinking about the feasibility and safety of such attempts. “Border Slingshot” stands as a testament to the show’s commitment to tackling a wide range of myths, emphasizing the importance of evidence over rumor, and delivering educational content in an entertaining format.

5 Diet Coke And Mentos

Season 4, Episode 14

In what has become one of the most repeated fads of the Internet age, someone somewhere drops some Mentos in a bottle of Diet Coke. Naturally, this led to legends of swallowing Mentos and Diet Coke at the same time blowing up a person’s stomach. Plausible? Nope. Even so, it’s no fun in the extreme, as the team proved by overloading a pig’s stomach with the stuff until they produced the catastrophic result they desired. Cement trucks or Coke bottles, the team will destroy anything.

By taking on viral sensations, the Mythbusters bridged the gap between pop culture and scientific skepticism, educating viewers on the dynamics of chemical reactions in an unforgettable manner. The Diet Coke and Mentos episode became iconic, encapsulating the show’s essence of inquiry, experimentation, and the occasional controlled explosion, all while proving that science can be as entertaining as it is enlightening.

4 Chicken Gun

Season 2, Episode 10

It’s funny to consider that a team composed largely of motion picture effects artists — Savage and Imahara both worked at ILM building models on the Star Wars prequels — would be so good at destroying things. But destroy things they did. One of the best examples was the chicken gun. The simple myth: could a frozen chicken penetrate the window of a flying aircraft? Maybe. However, they pushed it to see if it could penetrate the window if fired out of an air compression cannon. The answer to that was absolutely, positively, it could.

“Chicken Gun” remains a memorable episode for how it calls back to their past careers.

By turning a seemingly absurd question into a compelling investigation, the MythBusters not only provided entertainment with something as silly as frozen chickens but also highlighted the importance of material science. “Chicken Gun” remains a memorable episode for how it calls back to their past careers, and how they creatively explore and explain complex scientific principles, making science accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

3 Star Wars Special

Season 12, Episode 1

For fans of Star Wars, this special is likely regarded as the best MythBusters episode. Aside from the ILM connection, the team worked out of San Francisco and routinely busted myths that arose from other movies (the death of the shark in Jaws being just one example). The team took on many myths, including whether it was as easy to dodge Stormtroopers’ blaster fire as it seemed (no) and whether Ewoks really could have taken down Chicken Walkers on Endor (yes). It was a great episode full of love for the saga.

Diving into the beloved universe of Star Wars, the episode was another testament to Mythbusters‘ ability to merge science with popular culture, engaging fans and skeptics alike. By applying real-world physics to the fantastical elements of the Star Wars universe, they offered a unique perspective on the series’ iconic scenes, grounding them in reality while celebrating their imaginative spirit. This Star Wars special not only satisfied the curiosity of fans but also paid homage to the saga’s enduring legacy, illustrating the show’s commitment to exploring the science behind the fiction in a way that was both educational and highly entertaining.

2 Exploding Toilet

Season 1, Episode 1

A great episode striking right at the heart of fears of many, the exploding toilet episode of MythBusters provided endless fun. Can pouring gasoline down a toilet cause it to explode? No, but once the team determined that it was false, they blew up a toilet anyway. The true joy of the show rested on the fact that regardless of whether something was true or not, it was going to explode. That was the one myth that proved utterly true: everything can and will explode, with the proper ignition.

This initial foray into mythbusting encapsulated the essence of the series, blending educational content with high-octane entertainment. It was a perfect illustration of their methodology: rigorous experimentation followed by a touch of controlled chaos for good measure. This episode not only entertained but also educated viewers about the scientific method and the principles of combustion, setting the tone for a show that would continue to captivate audiences by unraveling the truth behind everyday myths.

1 Dive To Survive

Season 8, Episode 3

One of the best Mythbusters episodes provided a lot more entertainment for movie fans by tackling action-movie tropes. Among the experiments were making a car bulletproof by loading it up with phone books and whether a person can survive a shockwave by diving underwater. The MythBusters team proved the Hollywood trope was accurate, as water diminishes the speed of a shockwave. MythBusters proved this by detonating all kinds of explosives above and below water, and putting Buster through the wringer a few times.

“Dive to Survive” adeptly mixed cinematic thrill with scientific inquiry, illuminating the physics behind a commonly depicted action-movie escape tactic. By empirically testing the efficacy of water in mitigating explosion shockwaves, the Mythbusters provided viewers with a deeper understanding of the forces at play, all while paying homage to the dramatic flair of film. “Dive to Survive” stands as a hallmark of the series, showcasing the team’s ability to educate and entertain by unraveling the science behind the silver screen.