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The Best Episodes of Modern Marvels

Every episode of Modern Marvels ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Modern Marvels!

Binge this in 21d 13h•Peaking at 9.6/10

HISTORY’s longest-running series moves to H2. Modern Marvels celebrates the ingenuity, invention and imagination found in the world around us. From commonplace items like ink and coffee to architectural masterpieces and engineering disasters, the hit

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Modern Marvels Season 7 Episode 25 - Video Games: Behind The Fun
    9.6/10(11 votes)

    #1 - Video Games: Behind The Fun

    S7:E25

    A fun-filled glimpse into the not so distant history of video games. Since inception, the gaming industry has been a driving force in computer technology and video games are one of today’s dominant entertainment mediums. We’ll talk to creators of many of the most popular games in an hour packed with thrilling visuals from the virtual world of video games.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 32 - Gunslingers
    9.2/10(12 votes)

    #2 - Gunslingers

    S10:E32

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 11 - Medical Imaging
    9.0/10(14 votes)

    #3 - Medical Imaging

    S6:E11

    The story of medical imaging, the technology that allows us to see inside the human body, is full of amazing stories. Learn how X-rays were discovered in 1895, completely by accident; how ultrasound was developed to locate enemy submarines, and how the CAT Scan might never have been built if it weren’t for The Beatles!

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Modern Marvels Season 7 Episode 15 - Race Cars
    9.0/10(15 votes)

    #4 - Race Cars

    S7:E15

    Today, race cars tear up the tracks at 300 m.p.h. Computers and space-age composite materials are as much as part of racing as the drivers. They’re fast, they’re thrilling, and they’ve gone high-tech. We’ll review the history of the innovations that led to today’s technological wonders.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Modern Marvels Season 8 Episode 21 - Saloons
    9.0/10(13 votes)

    #5 - Saloons

    S8:E21

    From a computerized liquor-dispensing system in modern L.A., to a ladle and a tin cup in an 1850′s mining camp, MODERN MARVELS investigates the history and technology of the American saloon.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Modern Marvels Season 17 Episode 4 - Engineering Disasters 22
    9.0/10(17 votes)

    #6 - Engineering Disasters 22

    S17:E4

    They are catastrophic failures with deadly consequences. Caused by a single spark or a massive collapse, these disasters reveal one thing–the danger inherent in our most common industries. From a massive oil spill to refinery blaze to a downed plane, find out what went wrong… and how to prevent the next engineering disaster.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Modern Marvels

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  7. Modern Marvels Season 7 Episode 34 - Death Devices
    8.9/10(26 votes)

    #7 - Death Devices

    S7:E34

    Since the creation of the first laws, societies have demanded the ultimate punishment for certain capital crimes. Throughout history it has been left to a select few to develop the devices that will carry out the mandate of the people. This is the story of those inventors and their dark inventions. Modern Marvels traces the evolution of death technology up to the present and then take a brief look into its future.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Modern Marvels Season 9 Episode 46 - Cranes
    8.9/10(16 votes)

    #8 - Cranes

    S9:E46

    One of the most useful machines ever created, the crane is a simple but important combination of the pulley and the lever. Though cranes have been helping us build civilization from at least the time of the Egyptian pyramids, the modern steel-framed construction cranes are a relatively recent development. Put on your work boots as we ride through the history of cranes from ancient days to skyscraper construction sites, ocean-freighter docks, and the International Space Station.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 23 - Tank Crews
    8.9/10(17 votes)

    #9 - Tank Crews

    S10:E23

    During WWII, American tank crews duked it out with Nazi Panzers in a high-explosive duel to the death. The German tanks had thicker armor and better guns than the mainstay of the U.S. armored forces, the M-4 Sherman. For many crewmen, the Sherman lived up to its nickname as a steel coffin. But what the tanks lacked in firepower and protection, the crews made up for in guts and good old-fashioned Yankee ingenuity. We’ll meet some of these armored warriors from WWII.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 34 - Engineering Disasters 4
    8.9/10(14 votes)

    #10 - Engineering Disasters 4

    S10:E34

    Engineering disasters can result in personal tragedy, national humiliation, and economic ruin. But buried within their wreckage lie lessons that point the way to a safer future. The fire at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel, the collapse of Seattle’s Lacey V. Murrow Floating Bridge, the car that spurred creation of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, and the flaw that grounded the first commercial jet are among the engineering disasters that led to improvements in design and safety.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 38 - The Tool Bench: Power Tools
    8.8/10(14 votes)

    #11 - The Tool Bench: Power Tools

    S6:E38

    The history of civilization could easily be measured in terms of our ability to make, use, and improve tools–an activity that is at least 4 million years old! At the tip of our toolmaking timeline are power tools. We’ll examine today’s power tool industry, which is booming thanks to more powerful, lighter, and quieter cordless tools.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 46 - Niagara Power
    8.8/10(12 votes)

    #12 - Niagara Power

    S6:E46

    An exploration of the rich history of one of the world’s greatest technological achievements–the harnessing of power from Niagara Falls. From the “War of the Currents”, a battle between geniuses Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, to the Robert Moses Plant, primed to take the powerhouse into the 21st century, we highlight its story.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Modern Marvels Season 7 Episode 20 - The Erie Canal
    8.8/10(19 votes)

    #13 - The Erie Canal

    S7:E20

    The Erie Canal was America’s first superhighway. It was a narrow ribbon of water carved through sheer rock and untamed wilderness. It featured an ingenious network of stone locks and aqueducts. Skeptics called it “Clinton’s Ditch,” but visionaries saw it as the gateway to a gleaming future. An engineering marvel when it was built some called it the Eighth Wonder of the World.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Modern Marvels Season 9 Episode 7 - Private Jets
    8.8/10(28 votes)

    #14 - Private Jets

    S9:E7

    From today’s ultra chic, state-of-the-art private jets to Lockheed’s 1957 Jetstar, this 2-hour special investigates the history, the luxury, and technology of America’s corporate jets. We meet a few of the men and women who pioneered them–Bill Lear, Clyde Cessna and his nephews, Walter and Olive Beech. Actor Michael Dorn explains what it takes to buy a previously-owned jet. And, we see the latest in kit jets and look into the new must-have of the super rich–jets the size of commercial airliners.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Modern Marvels Season 9 Episode 8 - James Bond Gadgets.
    8.8/10(18 votes)

    #15 - James Bond Gadgets.

    S9:E8

    His movies are legend, his women beautiful, and his toys the best in the world. Whether James Bond is foiling villains in space-age flying machines or eavesdropping on his enemies with ultra-sophisticated spy gear, British Secret Agent 007 is always guaranteed to have the most outrageous and wonderfully creative gadgets ever to grace the silver screen. Bond had it all. But as we see in this exclusive look at his gadgets, it takes a lot to save the world!

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 33 - More Engineering Disasters
    8.8/10(14 votes)

    #16 - More Engineering Disasters

    S10:E33

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Modern Marvels Season 14 Episode 4 - Pumps
    8.8/10(16 votes)

    #17 - Pumps

    S14:E4

    The history of the pump is chronicled. Pumps used in water distribution in Southern California - The Colorado River Aqueduct, a robotic cow-milking pump and a pump used in heart surgery.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 7 - Monumental Statues
    8.7/10(13 votes)

    #18 - Monumental Statues

    S6:E7

    What inspires societies to create sculptures on a superhuman scale? We’ll examine gigantic statues and the monumental commitment of time, money, and talent needed to complete them. We’ll study the Sphinx, Colossus of Rhodes, Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer, Russia’s Motherland and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 9 - The Police Car
    8.7/10(13 votes)

    #19 - The Police Car

    S6:E9

    More than the gun, more than the billy club, it is the critical weapon in law enforcement’s arsenal. But for decades, police have struggled to stay ahead of well-equipped bad guys. Rare photos and interviews tell the story of their battle for high-tech horsepower.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 41 - Forts
    8.7/10(17 votes)

    #20 - Forts

    S6:E41

    The art of fortification evolved along with man’s need to defend his territory from attack. There was no other reason. From hills surrounded by branches and crude fences to intricate walled cities, to impenetrable castles – the strongholds of the past echo the history of great battles for territorial control.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Modern Marvels Season 8 Episode 27 - West Point
    8.7/10(24 votes)

    #21 - West Point

    S8:E27

    For nearly 200 years, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, has trained students in the art of war. Located 50 miles north of New York City, its 25 buildings overlook the Hudson River on a 16,000-acre government reserve. During the Revolutionary War, West Point stood guard over the river, protecting it with artillery and a 136-ton chain! From humble beginnings, the academy grew with the nation, as each war forced changes to keep pace with America’s expanding world responsibilities.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 45 - Police Guns
    8.7/10(13 votes)

    #22 - Police Guns

    S10:E45

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Modern Marvels Season 10 Episode 46 - Terror Tech: Defending the Highrise
    8.7/10(23 votes)

    #23 - Terror Tech: Defending the Highrise

    S10:E46

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 15 - Weather Prediction
    8.6/10(16 votes)

    #24 - Weather Prediction

    S6:E15

    A study of the discoveries, inventions, and technological advances that have helped us understand and predict weather accurately. From simple observations made by early humans, to early instruments such as thermometers and barometers, to Doppler radar and satellite imaging, we’ll see how man has tried to harness weather.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Modern Marvels Season 6 Episode 45 - More Engineering Disasters.
    8.6/10(24 votes)

    #25 - More Engineering Disasters.

    S6:E45

    Throughout history the same builders and engineers that paved man's path out of the caves and into the modern world also caused some of mankind's worst disasters. Often a huge calamity is traced back to a tiny cause, insignificant in itself, but triggering a domino effect. We'll revisit notable disasters and search for probable causes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Video Games: Behind The Fun" is the best rated episode of "Modern Marvels". It scored 9.6/10 based on 11 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/12/2000. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "Gunslingers".