Top Riffing Moments
Awful plots and incompetent direction usually spell disaster for any film. But this show saw opportunity where others saw failure. Its episodes prove that hilarious commentary can make terrible movies entertaining.
"Hobgoblins"
Rick Sloane's 1988 disaster represents everything MST3K does best. This Gremlins knockoff follows teens terrorized by puppet creatures that make fantasies reality, resulting in scenarios involving exotic male dancers, self-destruction attempts, and a security guard protecting a movie studio vault containing these demonic hand puppets.
MST3K: Hobgoblins (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Hobgoblins" (Cont.)
"Hobgoblins" consistently ranks as #1 across best-of lists like Yarbarker, earning its status as probably the most "so bad it's good" movie the show ever featured. The film displayed a complete lack of internal logic, terrible special effects, and a nonsensical plot about dreams becoming reality.
MST3K: Hobgoblins (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Space Mutiny"
The legendary David Ryder name-calling sequence is just unforgettable. In this episode, the gang releases an endless barrage of alternative names for the muscle-bound protagonist. These include Slab Bulkhead, Punch Rockgroin, Big McLargeHuge, and Fridge Largemeat, creating a famous running gag.
MST3K 820: Space Mutiny (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Space Mutiny" (Cont.)
This low-budget Star Wars ripoff shamelessly borrowed battle sequences directly from the 1978 Battlestar Galactica series, though it’s unclear whether the writers were aware of this during production. The result is a campy 80s spectacle featuring a future where everyone dies by falling off guardrails.
MST3K 820: Space Mutiny (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Werewolf"
Joe Estevez stars in this linguistic nightmare where pronunciation becomes pure comedy. The cast can't decide whether it's "werewolf," "wurwolf," or something entirely different. Besides, the movie's central premise involves gentle skull-grazing as a method of lycanthropic transformation, a concept that was quite ridiculous.
MST3K: Werewolf (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Werewolf" (Cont.)
It spawned countless jokes linked with this documentary-style approach to monster movie-making. Apart from the strong riffing, Mike and the bots turn into a 60s girl group to perform "Where Oh Werewolf," a musical masterpiece inspired by a scene where a man turns into a werewolf.
MST3K: Werewolf (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"The Final Sacrifice"
Every character in another gloriously Canadian cult thriller delivers dialogue with inexplicably strange inflections that defy explanation. Troy, the geeky protagonist, demonstrates bizarre enthusiasm for random food discoveries in abandoned cabins while pronouncing "Rowsdower" in different ways. Meanwhile, villains sound exactly like Yosemite Sam.
MST3K 910: The Final Sacrifice (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"The Final Sacrifice" (Cont.)
That’s not all, an old fugitive also provides mystifying exposition about satanic cults operating seven years after the opening credits. Zap Rowsdower has undoubtedly become a cult icon, with fans celebrating his everyman heroics and the episode's quotable lines.
MST3K 910: The Final Sacrifice (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Laserblast"
Film critic Leonard Maltin's two-and-a-half-star endorsement of this science fiction disaster provided the MST3K writers with a goldmine of meta-commentary opportunities. The segment is filled with memorable quips, especially on the film's bizarre plot, poor acting, and low-budget special effects.
MST3K ~ S07E06 - Laserblast (HD) by CORE
"Laserblast" (Cont.)
Running jokes include the sheriff's resemblance to Hank Williams Jr ("Are you READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?"). The stakes couldn't have been higher for the success of “Laserblast,” as it served as the final MST3K installment on Comedy Central, with genuine uncertainty about the show's future survival.
MST3K ~ S07E06 - Laserblast (HD) by CORE
"The Wild Wild World Of Batwoman"
This unhinged superhero parody proves so insane that Mike and the robots can barely manage to reel it in for coherent jokes. The movie lacks logic with its weird plot, featuring a female Batman knockoff, random musical numbers, and villains whose motivations shift from scene to scene.
MST3K 515: The Wild Wild World of Batwoman by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"The Wild Wild World Of Batwoman" (Cont.)
It gains additional strength from "Cheating," one of MST3K's finest educational shorts about academic dishonesty. Combined with the main feature's spectacular incompetence, viewers get a double dose of vintage Americana gone wrong. However, some fans find the film’s ineptitude challenging to watch.
MST3K 515: The Wild Wild World of Batwoman by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"The Touch Of Satan"
Who doesn’t remember the immortal line: "This is where the fish lives”? The seemingly random declaration occurs during a tour of a rural property, becoming an instant classic. Some notable segments include Crow being accused of witchcraft and "stoned" by Mike.
MST3K - Touch of Satan (S09 E08) [HD] 1080p60 - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"The Touch Of Satan" (Cont.)
Not to forget that hilarious attack by Tom Servo's deranged Grandma armed with a toy pitchfork. Fans highlight it as an "unsung classic" and praise its blend of spooky atmosphere and MST3K's trademark wit. The episode holds an IMDb rating of 8.0/10.
MST3K - Touch of Satan (S09 E08) [HD] 1080p60 - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"Mitchell"
Joel Hodgson's final segment carries immense emotional weight for longtime fans, marking the end of an era as the show's creator escapes the Satellite of Love. Here we see a brilliant 2001: A Space Odyssey parody where Gypsy reads the Mads' lips while they discuss firing Mike.
MST3K: Mitchell - Why We Love It by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Mitchell" (Cont.)
This leads to Joel's dramatic rescue mission and departure to Earth in an escape pod. Joe Don Baker stars as the titular Mitchell, a lethargic cop. MST3K later riffed on another Joe Don Baker creation, Final Justice, and the treatment was even harsher.
MST3K: Mitchell - Why We Love It by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Samson Vs The Vampire Women"
Mexican professional wrestler El Santo stars in yet another bizarre horror film while never removing his iconic silver mask, even during supposedly intimate moments. The plot follows the iconic luchador as he battles an army of vampire women who threaten innocent victims.
MST3K: Samson Vs. The Vampire Women - Cheap Thugs by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Samson Vs The Vampire Women" (Cont.)
This culminates in scenes where he defeats the evil creatures by literally lighting them all on fire while they sleep in their coffins. The movie treats a masked wrestler as a legitimate supernatural action hero, serving endless material for cultural commentary and absurdist humor.
MST3K: Samson Vs. The Vampire Women - Cheap Thugs by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Pod People"
The birth of an eternal catchphrase occurs when teenage musicians finish recording an incomprehensible song and ask their leader for feedback. He throws up an "OK" sign and exclaims, "It stinks!" Joel and the bots later recreate this scene with their own musical version.
MST3K Best of - Pod People by Karate Popcorn
"Pod People" (Cont.)
This Spanish production represents pure narrative chaos. It was originally conceived as an evil alien invasion film, but last-minute script changes turned it into an ET knockoff after Spielberg's success. The hasty rewrite creates a schizophrenic movie where friendly alien powers make no sense.
MST3K Best of - Pod People by Karate Popcorn
"The Pumaman"
Donald Pleasence's villainous pronunciation of "puma" provides endless entertainment. His over-the-top performance as the antagonist contrasts hilariously with the bumbling superhero whose flying sequences appear to involve someone simply dropping the actor from various heights. This unintentionally causes comedic "flight" scenes.
The Pumaman - Why We Love It by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"The Pumaman" (Cont.)
The film's main premise, that ancient Aztec aliens granted puma powers to selected humans, results in abilities that include flying, enhanced vision, and teleportation, though none remotely resemble actual puma capabilities. By this point, the crew could riff on movies with their eyes closed.
The Pumaman - Why We Love It by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Starcrash"
Another spectacular Star Wars ripoff represents the second and final Jonah Ray episode to crack most top lists, emerging from the Netflix reboot era. Caroline Munro stars as Stella Star, a space smuggler who teams up with a robot named Elle to battle an evil count.
"Starcrash" (Cont.)
Early jokes focus on the film’s exploitative visuals, while the latter half underlines more plot-driven humor as the story becomes more chaotic. A noteworthy host segment includes Crow writing a spoof called “World War Space,” full of “PEW! PEW! PEW!” laser sound effects.
"Soultaker"
The tenth anniversary celebration brings back beloved characters Joel Hodgson and TV's Frank for a memorable reunion that delights longtime fans. Joel explains his post-escape adventures, including time spent in Australia before returning to Minnesota, while Frank teams up with Professor Bobo.
MST3K - Soultaker (Ep. 1001) [4K] - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"Soultaker" (Cont.)
The Satellite of Love's built-in ten-year breakdown timer provides the perfect excuse for Joel's return visit to perform maintenance repairs. Vivian Schilling's earnest but misguided script attempts serious metaphysical themes while delivering hilarious dialogue and scenarios that suit the MST3K treatment.
MST3K - Soultaker (Ep. 1001) [4K] - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"The Giant Spider Invasion"
Here, the SOL crew deals with alien pods (inspired by Invasion of the Body Snatchers) that take over Pearl and the Bots, leading to a subplot where Bobo must wrestle the mother pod to save the day. The story follows several characters, including Sheriff Jones.
MST3K - Giant Spider Invasion (S08 E10) [HD] 1080p60 - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"The Giant Spider Invasion" (Cont.)
"Packers win the Super Bowl! Packers!" becomes a running gag as Mike and the bots celebrate their shared cultural heritage while mocking the movie's cheap production values. It celebrates Wisconsin culture with numerous jokes about the Green Bay Packers and local stereotypes.
MST3K - Giant Spider Invasion (S08 E10) [HD] 1080p60 - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"Eegah"
Richard Kiel towers over this caveman epic as the titular primitive giant who encounters modern teenagers in the desert, leading to uncomfortable romantic subtext between the cave dweller and his young female captive. The movie is known for its laughably bad acting and cheap production values.
MST3K - Eegah (S05 E06) HQ-1080p60 - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"Eegah" (Cont.)
Arch Hall Jr's cherub-faced acting as the male lead generates sympathy from Joel and the bots, who observe that “it looks like it hurts to be him”. The desert setting, the caveman’s odd behavior, and the strange plot twists serve as rich material for the snarky commentary.
MST3K - Eegah (S05 E06) HQ-1080p60 - Project MSTie by Project MSTie
"I Accuse My Parents"
A neglected teenager turns to organized crime after his parents fail to provide proper guidance, ultimately killing a man and blaming his upbringing for his criminal descent. The 1944 cautionary tale about juvenile delinquency offers a suitable platform for humor about moral panic and outdated social attitudes.
MST3K: I Accuse My Parents - Citizens On Patrol by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"I Accuse My Parents" (Cont.)
One of the funniest parts has Crow, Joel, and Servo doing a fake "Psych 101" lecture where they break down the main character's messed-up mind. They even use a silly wind chime setup to show what his mental state is like.
MST3K: I Accuse My Parents - Citizens On Patrol by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Manos: The Hands Of Fate"
Fertilizer salesman Harold Warren created perhaps the most technically incompetent film ever subjected to the show’s treatment after losing a bet about moviemaking difficulty. Every aspect of production fails spectacularly, from the post-dubbed dialogue to editing so poor that scenes drag endlessly without purpose.
MST3K - S04E24 - (HD) Manos The Hands of Fate by Mystery Science Theater 3000 Rarities Archive
"Manos: The Hands Of Fate" (Cont.)
The story follows a family who, while lost on a road trip, stumbles upon a remote lodge run by the sinister Master and his creepy servant Torgo. This segment is widely credited with resurrecting Manos from obscurity and is often cited as essential viewing for bad-movie buffs.
MST3K - S04E24 - (HD) Manos The Hands of Fate by Mystery Science Theater 3000 Rarities Archive
"Kitten With A Whip"
Ann-Margaret's rebellious teenager manipulates an older politician in this surprisingly competent thriller that actually exceeds most of the movie quality standards. Its relative professionalism paradoxically works in the episode's favor, allowing viewers to enjoy the commentary without suffering through genuine cinematic torture.
MST3K: Kitten With A Whip (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Kitten With A Whip" (Cont.)
The movie looks into juvenile delinquency themes through the lens of political scandal, as a wayward girl involves a respectable family man in her criminal schemes. It holds a solid IMDb episode rating of 7.5/10 and is fondly remembered by fans for its humor and energy.
MST3K: Kitten With A Whip (FULL MOVIE) by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Prince Of Space"
This dubbed children's adventure brings to us the villainous Krankor, whose distinctive laugh rivals Fran Drescher and Janice from Friends for sheer ear-piercing intensity. Besides, Mike and his robot companions find themselves chased through time and space by Pearl Forrester and her cronies.
MST3K: Prince of Space - Why We Love It by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Prince Of Space" (Cont.)
Ancient Rome is the backdrop for this particular adventure, while audiences laugh at Krankor's attempts to defeat the heroic Prince of Space through various incompetent schemes. The crew jokes about the film’s low-budget production, including the villain’s crazy costumes and the Prince’s peculiar powers.
MST3K: Prince of Space - Why We Love It by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Santa Claus"
Mexican Christmas cinema reaches nightmare-inducing heights in this space-based Santa tale featuring robotic reindeer and international child labor. Santa operates from a castle in outer space where children from every nation manufacture toys under questionable working conditions. Demonic forces led by Pitch attempt to corrupt innocent children.
MST3K: Santa Claus - Positively Evil by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Santa Claus"
As a fine Christmas offering, this episode surpasses even "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" through sheer surreal ambition. The film's Santa manages to visit only four children during an entire night's work, while the segment includes the politically correct holiday anthem “Merry Christmas... If That's Okay”.
MST3K: Santa Claus - Positively Evil by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Jack Frost"
Russian folklore meets gaudy color palettes in yet another fairy tale that stands as the most insane entry. The plot contradicts rational summary, involving a central character turned into a bear, forcing the actor to stumble around wearing an obviously fake bear head.
MST3K: Jack Frost - Can't Catch Me by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Jack Frost" (Cont.)
The film's commitment to Slavic storytelling traditions—complete with moral lessons and fantastical elements—clashes hilariously with its low production values and dubbing quality. During the show's run, these Russian and Finnish imports gave welcome relief from the usual diet of American B-movies and Japanese monster films.
MST3K: Jack Frost - Can't Catch Me by MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
"Mac And Me"
McDonald's product placement reaches unprecedented levels as alien visitors develop an inexplicable obsession with American fast food culture, leading to scenes that feel more like extended commercials than narrative cinema. The movie's shameless corporate synergy, combined with special effects, makes the original E T look like Avatar.
Mac And Me (1988) - Clip: Runaway Wheelchair by Shout! Studios
"Mac And Me" (Cont.)
The story centers on a "Mysterious Alien Creature" (MAC) who escapes from NASA agents and befriends Eric, a wheelchair-bound boy. Together, they try to reunite Mac with his alien family. Interestingly, the episode is known for being the highest-budget film MST3K has riffed on, after Marooned.
Mac And Me (1988) - Clip: Runaway Wheelchair by Shout! Studios
