Top 50 MST3K Episodes
Listed here are my top 50 favorite episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000. This was a difficult list to make, as so many of the episodes are equally funny to me. Because of the difficulty in choosing what I feel are the best entries in the show, coupled with the fact that the revival series is now officially on Netflix, this list may change from time to time. Feel free to leave a comment!
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- 1988–19991h 33mNot Rated9.0 (1.5K)TV EpisodeDirectorJoel HodgsonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonThe Mads present the satellite people a film so bad that apologies are sent, and Tom Servo goes off his nut from it.One of the worst movies ever made happens to be, in my opinion, the all-time best episode of the show. Manos: The Hands of Fate and MST3K is a match made in heaven. A fan favorite for a reason!
- DirectorKevin MurphyStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonThe trio sit through a dreary Joe Don Baker disasterpiece as Gypsy tries to find a way to save Joel from being killed by the Mads.Creator and original host Joel Hodgson's last outing as host (although he would make an appearance on Season 10's Soultaker). The guy couldn't have gone out on a better episode. Joel & the Bots do a perfect job riffing this movie starring Joe Don Baker as a slobby, unlikeable detective. Hilarious from beginning to end!
- 1988–19991h 32mUnrated8.9 (1.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsBill CorbettPatrick BrantsegMichael J. NelsonIt's "Canada Bashing Day" on the SOL in every respect between progressive world domination and bizarre looting.Rowsdower! This name will forever be remembered among MST3K fans as one of the main characters featured in one of the funniest and most quoted entry in the series. A nerdy, scrawny kid named Troy joins forces with a dumpy, alcoholic, mullet haired guy named, Zap Rowsdower, to fight against an evil cult. Need I say more?
- DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonMike and the bots watch Santa Claus mess around with a devil while trying to deliver gifts and then sing politically correct holiday songs.Mike & the Bots offer us some of the best riffing ever in this weird Mexican Christmas movie about Santa Claus, his sidekick Merlin, and a devil named Pitch who has set out to stop Santa from delivering gifts on Christmas Eve. The film features a very odd take on Christmas mythology and mixes it with Christian theology to create a very strange Christmas flick. So many great lines by the guys in this one!
- DirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonDoctor Forrester's funding has been cut off, and as he waits for the Satellite of Love to crash, he sends Mike and the Bots Laserblast (1978). Can our heroes escape to the edge of the Universe? More importantly, can they figure out why Leonard Maltin gave the film 2½ stars?Dr. Forrester's last episode on the show happens to be a winner in my books.
- DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonAlien eggs hatch on Earth after a meteor crash which spells trouble for a vacationing family, a singer on tour with his entourage, and a pair of poachers in "Pod People" (Extra Terrestrial Visitors (1983)). Joel and the Bots listen to some "new age" music and write their own song.One of the most popular Joel episodes. The movie is a very bizarre attempt to roll a slasher flick and E.T. like film all into one. With that in mind, how could this entry not be a winner? Some of the best host segments ever featured on the show are found here.
- 1988–19991h 32mTV-148.0 (593)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonMike and the 'bots watch The Creeping Terror (1964), with its infamous walking-carpet monster, and parody Love, American Style (1969).An extremely bad movie with one of the worst monsters ever put to film, happens to be an absolute hysterical entry in the series. I've always felt that these bottom of the barrel movies brought out some of the best riffing from the guys.
- 1988–19991h 37mTV-148.2 (804)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots take on the infamous Christmas classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) in which a group of martians kidnap Santa Claus because they have no one on Mars to give their children presents. The crew writes and performs a pinnacle Christmas carol "A Patrick Swayze Christmas" and each member shares a Christmas-themed essay.All three holiday movies featured on the MST3K are great. This episode is such a staple of the show, and it's not hard to see why.
- DirectorKevin MurphyStarsBill CorbettPatrick BrantsegMichael J. NelsonMike and the 'bots learn the 80s were worse than they thought as they endure the putrid sci-fi epic, Space Mutiny (1988).Extremely bad and cheesy '80s sci-fi flick. Everyone knows and loves this one.
- 1988–19991h 30mTV-147.9 (713)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsBill CorbettPatrick BrantsegMichael J. NelsonA smarmy professor and his dimwitted students camp out in an Arkansas swamp to search for Bigfoot in Boggy Creek II: And the Legend Continues (1983). Pearl makes up her own urban legend, Tom takes up whittling, and Crow tends to his fires.Boggy Creek II: And the Legend Continues feels like one of those movies that was tailor made for MST3K. The movie is about a college professor who enlists help from a few of his students to track down a bigfoot like creature. Needless to say, hilarity ensues.
- 1988–19991h 32mUnrated7.9 (537)TV EpisodeDirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonA jingle writer's honeymoon is derailed when he is forced to write a tune overnight while his new bride fantasizes about redecorating their home with telephones in Once Upon a Honeymoon (1956). Then in Night of the Blood Beast (1958), an astronaut recovering from a rocket crash discovers that alien embryos have been implanted in his abdomen. Concerned about their personal security, Crow and Tom taze, mace, and spray green dye all over Mike. Dr. F has a traumatic trombone recital thanks to Pearl's constant haranguing, but it turns out Crow is an awesome trombonist! Decorating with phones, Gypsy sings a little song. Pearl makes Dr. F apologize. Crow claims he's pregnant with the spawn of the Blood Beast. Crow's rant about babies disrupts Mike's attempts to read letters. Pearl wants Dr. F to act like a baby.One of many low budget Rodger Corman movies featured on the show. An alien impregnates a male astronaut who returns to earth with said alien and alien fetuses in his adnominal cavity. Perfect fodder for the show!
- DirectorJoel HodgsonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonA teenage girl, her dorky boyfriend, and her scientist father discover a caveman in the desert in Eegah (1962). Joel and the Bots discuss 60s sitcoms and the subtler forms of hell.Eegah is a movie about a caveman in 1960s America who falls in love with a girl... and that's about it plot wise. A very funny episode starring Richard Kiel as the Caveman, Eegah.
- DirectorKevin MurphyStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonMary Jo PehlA guy turns people into werewolves for his own sick pleasure while Mike turns into a were-Crow.Features some of the most laugh-out-loud moments in MST3K history.
- 1988–19991h 33mTV-PG8.0 (589)TV EpisodeDirectorJoel HodgsonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonThe crew muses about a wacky short involving the Toronto Skating Club in Circus on Ice (1954). Then the guys watch Monster a Go-Go (1965) where a radiated astronaut has returned to Earth as a giant mutant. It's a battle of the action figures in the invention exchange when the Mads introduce Johnny Longtorso while Joel presents non-violent action figures.This may very well be the worst movie I have ever seen. Words cannot describe how terrible this film is. Still, it is one of my absolute favorite episodes of the show. It also happens to be the first MST3K episode I ever watched. However, I would not recommend this one as a good starting point for newbies, as the movie is so dull, it might turn them away. The first time I watched it, I couldn't quite fully grasp the ingeniousness of MST3K, but still, it did create that spark. A later viewing of this entry solidified it as a personal favorite.
- 1988–19991h 32mNot Rated7.9 (756)TV EpisodeDirectorMichael J. NelsonStarsBill CorbettPatrick BrantsegMichael J. NelsonA grandfather tells his grandson several horrifying stories involving the wizard Merlin and a stolen monkey doll in Merlin's Shop of Mystical Wonders (1996). Crow and Tom review each other, Servo accidentally turns Mike into an infant with magic, and the crew shows off a collection of Ernest Borgnine children's books.A children's movie (?) spliced together with footage from a horror movie made by the same director, equals a truly demented yet hilarious entry in the series.
- 1988–19991h 33mTV-PG8.2 (603)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonThe guys check out the first installment of the short Hired! (1940) where a Chevrolet sales manager tries to boost door-to-door sales. Later, the guys watch a mad scientist's experiments attract the attention of the press and the police in Bride of the Monster (1955). Joel and the Bots stage "Hired: The Musical" and Willy the Waffle returns to defend blatant product placement.Mystery Science Theater 3000 + Ed Wood = Classic
- DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots endure Miles O'Keeffe as Ator while Doctor F. endures Frank's efforts to be Mike Douglas.A cheesy low-budget '80s sword & sorcery movie. What time period does this movie take place in anyway?
- DirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots learn from Body Care and Grooming (1947) that they might as well be dead if they don't keep their socks tidy. Later, the guys take on The Painted Hills (1951) in which famous collie Lassie witnesses the murder of a prospector. Crow gives a detailed report on bearded guys and the crew discusses the end of the film.Not even Lassie was safe from the wisecracks of the MST3K crew.
- 1988–1999TV-147.9 (493)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots get tips on public speaking from the short "Speech: Using Your Voice" and watch a spider devour a town in The Spider (1958). Crow forces the guy to read his screenplay "Earth vs. Soup" and Joel sets up a rehearsal for his rock band Spidorr.A very underrated episode! Great riffs on the short and the movie.
- 1988–1999TV-148.3 (479)TV EpisodeDirectorJoel HodgsonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonA pair of teens discover a band of multi-eyed aliens in Attack of the Eye Creatures (1967). Crow and Tom work through their "best friends" stage and the guys lament how much the filmmakers just didn't care. The Mads get a visit from Larry Buchanan in Deep 13.A crappy remake of a crappy film that somehow manages to be even crappier than the crappy original.
- DirectorMichael J. NelsonStarsBill CorbettPatrick BrantsegMichael J. NelsonMike and the Bots suffer through the 1988 B movie "Hobgoblins," the story of tiny goblin-like creatures who attack a group of teenagers.Infamously bad movie made hilarious by Mike & the Bots. Interestingly enough, the movie itself was intended to be a comedy.
- 1988–19991h 33mNot Rated7.8 (710)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonMary Jo PehlIn order to impress the Bureau of Mad Scientists Pearl unleashes the mephitic "Girl in Gold Boots" a Poorly acted, and even worse edited tale of a girl who attempts to make it big in LA as a dancer with the help of a petty thug. The dancers dress in oven bags, and bad guys are especially greasy and in the end it's got Mike and the bots dressing like mobsters and brain guy starts go go dancing!Great Season 10 episode!
- DirectorKevin MurphyStarsBill CorbettPatrick BrantsegMichael J. NelsonWhy is the Satellite of Love malfunctioning? Who is the hooded figure that wants Bobo's soul? What is the purpose of the mystery ship following the SOL? Find out in MST3K's eleventh season opener, featuring the Joe Estevez epic "Soultaker".Another great Season 10 episode. This episode ensured that I would be a fan for life. It also features appearances by Joel and Frank!
- 1988–19991h 33mNot Rated7.7 (650)TV EpisodeDirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonMike and the 'bots take on Coleman Francis' mise-en-scène epic, Red Zone Cuba (1966). A true tour-de-force of ineptitude, combining 2 vagrant day-labourers, an escaped convict (Francis), Cuba, uranium, and frogs legs.A very bleak and drab Coleman Francis movie. Mike & the Bots offer plenty of funny riffs here.
- 1988–19991h 33mUnrated8.1 (561)TV EpisodeDirectorJoel HodgsonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonDr. Forrester and TV's Frank plan "evil event days" in order to ruin baseball, while Joel and the 'bots watch a hobo melodrama called The Girl in Lovers Lane (1960).A depressing movie made extremely funny by Joel & the Bots. It takes real talent to do that.
- 2017–20221h 28mTV-147.9 (320)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert CohenJoel HodgsonStarsFelicia DayPatton OswaltJonah RayA boy magician, a boozy hero and a furry - something-or-other team up to save a kingdom from a nefarious sorcerer in this 1985 cheesefest.My favorite episode from the return season. An instant classic!
- 1988–19991h 32mNot Rated8.0 (789)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonBill CorbettAn overly obvious '70s wanderer hits on a witch while a babysitter watches over Castle Forrester.Another slightly underrated episode. One of the best from Season 9.
- DirectorMichael J. NelsonStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonMary Jo PehlA schmuck has to correct changes to the future by fixing them in the past while Tom and Crow try to fix Mike's past into something more pleasant.A very funny and popular Sci-Fi channel episode.
- 1988–19991h 33mNot Rated8.5 (809)TV EpisodeDirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots hear all about new-fangled farming techniques in the 50s short The Truck Farmer (1954). Afterward, a one-time overachiever blames his boozy, neglectful parents for his run in with the law in I Accuse My Parents (1944). The guys analyze the main character from the movie and reenact a few choice scenes.A major fan favorite. This 1940s movie is about a down on his luck high school student who gets mixed up with the mob. This episode, like Mitchell, Eegah, and The Painted Hills, came at the end of Creator and original host Joel Hodgson's run on the show. Many fans consider this the era in which the show had fully peaked. After watching this and the aforementioned episodes, it would be hard for me to argue against that point.
- DirectorKevin MurphyStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonDanger!! Death Ray (1967) features a slick secret agent investigating an evil organization that stole a top secret death ray. Tom makes his own death ray for peaceful use but caves in to the pressure to use it on Crow. Later, the Bots stage an episode of "This is your life" for Mike and Crow shows off his sunglasses designs.European spy film made during the James Bond craze of the 1960s. Features a death ray made for peaceful purposes only.
- 1988–1999TV-148.0 (706)TV EpisodeDirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonNew guy, Mike Nelson, finishes his training and makes his way into the theater for the first time. His first outing is the movie The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) about a creepy doctor who keeps his decapitated fiancée's head alive in a laboratory while he tries to find her a new body. Mike tries to escape the SOL but ends up bonding with the Bots instead when his attempts fail.Mike's first episode as host is a standout.
- 1988–19991h 36mTV-148.2 (538)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonThe Mads force Joel and the 'bots to watch Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), the cheesy Japanese monster mash featuring Godzilla's infamous flying kick.Godzilla paired with MST3K sounds almost too good to be true, right? Great riffing and outstanding host segments.
- 2017–2022TV-147.5 (289)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert CohenJoel HodgsonStarsFelicia DayPatton OswaltJonah RayThe Mads turn up the heat with a sequel. This time, a has-been wizard and his gawky apprentice embark on their own mind-bending quest to quash evil.This sequel to Wizards of the Lost Kingdom (in name only, really) is another fantastic episode.
- 2017–20221h 23mTV-147.3 (278)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert CohenJoel HodgsonStarsFelicia DayPatton OswaltJonah RayThe gang gets in the holiday spirit with the tale of a plucky lawyer who sets out to save Santa Claus from the clutches of a spoilsport zillionaire.Jonah and the bots do a great job of riffing this, the third Christmas movie featured on MST3K.
- 2017–20221h 26mTV-147.3 (378)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert CohenJoel HodgsonStarsFelicia DayPatton OswaltJonah RaySaddle up for a trip to a Mexican ranch with a nasty secret in this part-Western, part-monster movie that's all torture for Jonah and the bots.Who doesn't want to watch a movie that combines dinosaurs and cowboys? To be fair, the movie isn't that entertaining, but the riffing sure is! A stellar entry to the series' return!
- DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonMike Nelson and his robot companions watch and give their comments about This Island Earth (1955).Okay, so technically this is a movie and not an actual episode of the show, but the differences between this and a regular episode are pretty minuscule. A good starting point for those new to the show.
- 1988–19991h 32mNot Rated7.4 (445)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonMike and the Bots scratch their heads in confusion as an angel and a devil wage a bet about the morals of bread truck drivers in Out of This World (1954). Then the crew fights lapsing into a depression while watching the incredibly dour High School Big Shot (1959) in which a high school loser takes part in a heist to impress an attractive but dimwitted classmate.Another dark and depressing movie somehow made very funny by Mike and the Bots.
- DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonA giant mutated turtle wakes from eons of slumber and attacks Japan in Gamera: The Giant Monster (1964). The Bots create their own beauty salon and are treated to a visit from Gamera himself on the Hexfield.The first Gamera movie is the funniest riffing-wise of the five Gamera films featured on the show.
- DirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the bots watch a film short about a little boy wandering at the Canadian National Exhibition, and his parents can't find him. Then they watch a film about a shop owner, who convinces three losers to help him rob an armored car. Joel and the bots take acting lessons and hold a writing workshop.A weird Beatnik crime caper movie starring Edward Platt from Get Smart fame.
- DirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonA hero and his loser friend are transplanted to the planet of Gor and are soon caught up in an evil sorcerer's plot in Gor II (1988). Mike and the Bots are inspired to perform the song "Tubular Boobular Joy" because of the amount of skin shown by characters in the movie.This one seems to be a bit underrated and I'm not sure why. A strong early Mike episode.
- 1988–19991h 32mTV-148.3 (672)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonMary Jo PehlA wimpy space hero kicks tyrannical aliens off of Earth while the Widowmaker and the SOL are sucked through a wormhole.Cheesy 1950s Japanese sci-fi.
- 1988–1999TV-148.0 (563)TV EpisodeDirectorMichael J. NelsonStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonMary Jo PehlPearl and Observer are in Ancient Rome pretending to be gods as Mike and the 'bots watch The Horror of Party Beach (1964).Goofy monster movie featuring some of the best riffing from the sci-fi channel era.
- 1988–19991h 31mNot Rated7.8 (560)TV EpisodeDirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonA hero on a quest to gather magical stones battles an evil sorcerer and learns the benefits of a potato diet in Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell (1988). Tom and Crow put on a Renaissance Fair for Mike and Crow reads a trashy romance novel to Pearl as a favor.Another cheesy low budget 1980s sword & sorcery film.
- DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots watch as an alien named Ken joins an Earth spaceship to fight against his former masters in Fugitive Alien (1986). The Mads get a visit from Jack Perkins in Deep 13 while Joel forces Crow and Tom to reenact a scene from the movie.A movie made from strung together episodes of a Japanese TV show.
- 1988–19991h 31mNot Rated8.1 (827)TV EpisodeDirectorKevin MurphyStarsKevin MurphyMichael J. NelsonMary Jo PehlA weather tech's mind gets trapped in a computer and Pearl establishes her own public television pledge program.Super weird and confusing sci-fi movie starring Raul Julia. A major fan favorite from season 8.
- 1988–19991h 38mNot Rated8.4 (541)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonIt's Gamera Movie #4, including the Gamera Theme Song and a reenactment of an old favorite magic trick.Probably the goofiest of the five Gamera movies featured on MST3K. There is a lot to like about this one.
- 1988–19991h 33mUnrated7.9 (663)TV EpisodeDirectorTrace BeaulieuStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonDr. Forrester and TV's Frank fool around with voodoo as Mike and the 'bots make Batman (1966) jokes in order to endure Zombie Nightmare (1987) with Adam West.Very funny and consistent riffing throughout.
- 1988–19991h 39mNot Rated7.8 (531)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonThe crew watch a ninja and a drifter save an airport from thugs in "Master Ninja I" while building a model muscle car and experimenting with their ninja skills.A "movie" made from stitched together episodes of a failed TV-show starring Lee Van Cleef (yes, that Lee Van Cleef) as the 'Master Ninja'.
- 1988–19991h 38mNot Rated7.5 (518)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonJoel and the Bots watch X Marks the Spot (1942), a short in which a reckless driver finds himself on trial in heaven for his carelessness behind the wheel. In King Dinosaur (1955), the crew pokes fun as scientists are terrorized by snakes, bugs, and dinosaurs on a newly discovered planet.A great Season 2 episode. A dinosaur movie that actually tries to pass off an Iguana as a T-Rex...
- 1988–19991h 38mNot Rated7.0 (508)TV EpisodeDirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuJoel HodgsonJim MallonIn The Castle of Fu Manchu (1969), an evil mastermind plans to destroy the world but his arch-nemesis gets in the way. The movie is so terrible that the crew has a nervous breakdown, which thrills the Mads. Joel and the Bots are completely broken and the Mads celebrate their victory a little too quickly.The movie itself is boring beyond belief, but the excellent riffing somehow manages to transform this pile of garbage into a winner.