The Slow Mo Guys – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Slow Mo Guys

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2010

83%

WISE Score

15.1M

Subscribers

Two Brits with a high-speed camera make physics look absolutely spectacular—explosions, water balloons, and paint in glorious slow-mo.

The Slow Mo Guys

YouTube

2010

83%

WISE Score

15.1M

Subscribers

Two Brits with a high-speed camera make physics look absolutely spectacular—explosions, water balloons, and paint in glorious slow-mo.

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15.1M

Screenwise Verdict

This is YouTube at its best—genuinely educational, beautifully produced, and endlessly rewatchable. Gav and Dan have turned high-speed cinematography into an art form, revealing the hidden physics of everyday (and not-so-everyday) phenomena.

The channel walks a fine line between 'cool science' and 'don't blow up your garage,' but they handle it responsibly with disclaimers and visible safety gear. The real magic is how they make physics visceral and beautiful—a water balloon popping becomes a masterpiece, a mousetrap snapping shut becomes a balletic dance of force and motion.

For kids interested in STEM, this is pure inspiration. For everyone else, it's just incredibly satisfying to watch. Yes, it's YouTube, so apply your usual supervision rules, but as far as 15-million-subscriber channels go, this one is remarkably wholesome and substantive. A solid win for screen time that actually teaches something.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8+ who can appreciate the science and understand the 'don't try this at home' disclaimers. Teens and adults will find it equally fascinating—this is one of those rare YouTube channels with genuine cross-generational appeal. The physics concepts are accessible but the spectacle works at any age.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Two friends filming everyday objects, experiments, and stunts in ultra-slow motion with genuine enthusiasm and camaraderie. Tone is consistently lighthearted and good-natured. Occasional mild language or risky stunts (explosions, breaking things), but the vibe is wholesome curiosity rather than mean-spirited chaos. Models friendship, collaboration, and wonder at physics.

Imaginative

Brilliant concept execution—taking mundane or spectacular moments and revealing their hidden beauty through high-speed cameras. Sparks genuine curiosity about physics, light, motion, and the invisible world around us. Each video is a mini science experiment that invites viewers to see the ordinary as extraordinary. Consistently creative setups from paint explosions to water balloons to giant mousetraps.

Safe

Generally very safe—no gore, nudity, or mature themes. However, many videos involve controlled explosions, breaking glass, projectiles, and stunts that could be imitated unsafely by kids. They do include 'don't try this at home' disclaimers, but the appeal is undeniable. Comments are enabled on a massive channel (15M+ subscribers), which brings typical YouTube comment risks. No predatory monetization or manipulation tactics.

Enriching

Genuinely educational about physics, optics, and motion without feeling like a textbook. Inspires STEM curiosity and demonstrates the scientific method in action (hypothesis, experiment, observation). Shows the value of specialized equipment and patience. Highly entertaining while teaching—viewers learn about frame rates, shutter speed, ballistics, fluid dynamics, and more through spectacular visuals.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Pure STEM gold: teaches physics, optics, and motion through jaw-dropping visuals that make science genuinely cool
Wholesome friendship dynamic between Gav and Dan—collaborative, enthusiastic, and genuinely funny without being obnoxious
Inspires curiosity about the invisible world around us—what does a water droplet really look like when it hits a surface?
Production quality is exceptional; videos are mesmerizing even for adults (2.7 billion views speak for themselves)
No manufactured drama, clickbait toxicity, or annoying YouTube personality tropes—just two guys nerding out over cool footage

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What to Watch For

Many videos feature controlled explosions, breaking glass, and projectiles—have the 'we have safety equipment and training' conversation
Comments are enabled on a massive channel, so standard YouTube supervision rules apply
Some experiments involve fire, sharp objects, or stunts that absolutely should not be attempted at home
Occasional mild language (nothing egregious, but not preschool-clean)

Conversation Starters

"What did you notice in slow motion that you couldn't see at regular speed? Why do you think that happens?"
"If you had a high-speed camera for a day, what would you want to film?"
"How do you think they set up that shot safely? What planning went into it?"
"What's the difference between a frame rate and a shutter speed? Why does it matter?"
"Which experiment do you think took the most tries to get right?"