What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMacGyver
Lee David Zlotoff · Series · 1985
If you loved MacGyver, start with Die Hard (John McTiernan, 1988) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to MacGyver across media.
What hooked you in MacGyver was the thrill of watching a brilliant underdog transform ordinary surroundings into extraordinary tools for survival.
Books on the same thread
James Bond
Ian Fleming · Book · 1953
Shares a thread with MacGyver: Espionage.
If the gadget-heavy espionage of MacGyver kept you watching, this series offers the quintessential blueprint for the suave secret agent utilizing specialized equipment to navigate high-stakes international intrigue.
Jack Reacher
Lee Child, Andrew Child · Book · 1997
Explores: Military Justice, Vigilante Justice, Conspiracy.
Like MacGyver, Reacher thrives on his own terms, relying on sharp instincts and tactical problem-solving to overcome dangerous obstacles while navigating a transient life on the road.
The Martian
Andy Weir · Book · 2015
Shares 2 threads with MacGyver: Resourcefulness, Techno-Thriller.
This story serves as the ultimate literary successor to MacGyver, focusing on a protagonist who must use pure scientific ingenuity and limited resources to survive impossible isolation.
Diamonds are Forever
Ian Fleming · Book · 1965
Shares a thread with MacGyver: Espionage.
Fans of MacGyver will appreciate the methodical approach to undercover investigation and the high-tension atmosphere that defines this classic entry in the world of international espionage and mystery.
Films on the same thread
Die Hard
John McTiernan · Film · 1988
Explores: One Man Army, Underdog, Christmas Setting.
You will recognize the same spirit of the resourceful underdog in this film, as a lone hero must improvise against overwhelming odds to dismantle a sophisticated terrorist threat.
Iron Man
Jon Favreau · Film · 2008
Shares a thread with MacGyver: Techno-Thriller.
Tony Stark mirrors the technical genius of MacGyver, utilizing his engineering prowess to build a revolutionary solution from scraps and overcome his captors through sheer mechanical innovation.
Die Hard: With a Vengeance
John McTiernan · Film · 1995
Explores: Terrorism, Revenge, City Under Siege.
The high-stakes problem-solving seen in MacGyver translates perfectly here, as the protagonist is forced to think on his feet to diffuse complex threats across an entire city.
Mission: Impossible
Film · 1996
Shares a thread with MacGyver: Action-Adventure.
This film captures the essence of MacGyver by highlighting the tension of high-tech espionage and the necessity of maintaining one's composure while being hunted by a superior force.
Podcasts on the same thread
Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
MKBHD · Podcast · 2026
Explores: future of technology, product design and engineering, tech culture.
If the technical curiosity sparked by MacGyver resonates with you, this podcast provides a deep dive into the engineering and design choices behind the tools we use today.
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe · Podcast · 2026
Explores: untold historical anecdotes, curiosity-driven learning, American cultural history.
Much like the obscure facts MacGyver often leveraged to escape peril, these short-form stories satisfy your curiosity by uncovering the hidden details behind remarkable and unconventional human lives.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is MacGyver a traditional action hero?
No, MacGyver is an action hero with a difference. While he faces standard perils from bad guys, he does not rely on conventional weapons. Instead, he uses his wits and everyday items found in his knapsack to improvise solutions and escape dangerous situations.
What kind of items does MacGyver use to escape danger?
MacGyver uses common, everyday items he picks up along his journey to solve problems. The series features him utilizing objects like chewing gum, soda, and various household materials to create tools or fix mechanical failures while in the middle of a crisis.
Does MacGyver use weapons to defeat his enemies?
MacGyver does not use standard weapons. His deadliest weapon is his intellect. Rather than relying on firearms, he relies on his ability to improvise, using simple materials to neutralize threats and navigate the perils he encounters throughout the series.
What is the primary skill MacGyver uses to survive?
The primary skill MacGyver uses is improvisation. He is known for his ability to handle extreme pressure, such as fixing car brakes while the vehicle is in motion or constructing devices from basic items, proving that his wits are his most effective tool against adversaries.