Henry Reich & MinutePhysics: Making Physics Fast, Fun, and Slightly Addictive
Let’s get this out of the way: Henry Reich is not your typical YouTube science explainer. He doesn’t wear a lab coat. He doesn’t point dramatically at molecules. He doesn’t stand in front of a green screen pretending to get excited about quantum foam.
Nope.
Instead, he grabs a marker, draws stick figures, and drops mind-bending physics concepts into your brain in less time than it takes to reheat leftover pizza. Welcome to the beautifully chaotic, intellectually caffeinated world of MinutePhysics.
Wait—Who Is Henry Reich?
Quick backstory (because MinutePhysics wouldn’t drag this out): Henry Reich is a physics nerd with degrees from Grinnell College and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada. That second place? It’s where physicists go when they want to dream up black holes for fun.
Henry launched MinutePhysics in 2011. His pitch? Explaining complex physics ideas through simple hand-drawn animations. One topic per video. Usually under five minutes. Often under two. And yes, despite the name, sometimes they’re longer than a minute. We forgive him.
Why MinutePhysics Works (Even If You Flunked Physics in High School)
Okay, I’ll say it: physics has a reputation. It scares people. It feels... elite. Abstract. Like you need three calculators and a fresh pot of coffee just to start understanding it.
But MinutePhysics slaps that idea in the face—with a Sharpie.
Here’s why his videos stick:
1. Concise Explanations
No fluff. No filler. Each video gets to the heart of the topic, fast. It’s like espresso for your intellect. Short and stimulating.
2. Stick-Figure Clarity
The visuals are simple—intentionally so. Why? Because when you’re learning about time dilation or quantum tunneling, you don’t need Hollywood-level VFX. You need clear ideas. A line here, a dot there, and boom—you’re following multiverse theory better than in Doctor Strange.
3. Tone That Feels Human
Henry’s voice isn’t dramatic. It’s not robotic. It’s a calm, dry, slightly sarcastic tone that says, “Hey, we’re figuring this out together.” IMO, that’s half the magic. You feel like you’re in on the joke of the universe.
Best MinutePhysics Videos (AKA The Rabbit Hole Starter Pack)
If you’re new to the channel, here’s a small but mighty list that’ll get you hooked. No physics PhD required.
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What is Gravity? – Explains general relativity faster than you can spell “Einstein.”
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Why is it Dark at Night? – The answer is NOT “because the sun’s on the other side.”
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Is it Better to Walk or Run in the Rain? – Practical science meets existential crisis.
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What is Fire? – Spoiler: it’s more complicated than “hot stuff that burns things.”
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The True Science of Parallel Universes – Basically: you do have an evil twin. Maybe.
Each video packs a punch. You walk away feeling just a little smarter. Or at least slightly more confident yelling “entropy!” in a heated debate.
A Style That Changed Science Communication
Henry pioneered a format—a format now everywhere. You see it in Veritasium’s sketchpads, in ASAPScience’s markerboard doodles, even in TED-Ed’s visuals. But MinutePhysics did it first.
It’s not about flashy production. It’s about ideas first, flash later.
And you know what? That’s refreshing.
In a YouTube landscape filled with algorithm-chasing thumbnails and 15-minute rants with midrolls every 4.2 seconds, MinutePhysics says: “Here’s some truth. And a stick figure. You’re welcome.”
MinutePhysics vs. Other Science Channels
Let’s be real—there’s no shortage of science content on the internet. So how does MinutePhysics compare?
Vs. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
Kurzgesagt is like a gourmet 5-course meal of animated science. It’s slow, philosophical, deeply polished. MinutePhysics is like a science espresso shot. Fast, focused, no frills. Both are great. Just different moods.
Vs. Veritasium
Veritasium dives into real-world experiments and data. MinutePhysics, on the other hand, lives in theoretical thought bubbles. Veritasium shows you; MinutePhysics tells you—quickly.
Vs. Physics Girl
Physics Girl explores science through curiosity-driven experiments and interviews. MinutePhysics? It draws you a sketch and whispers, “Hey, wanna know why time slows down on a spaceship?”
Both are brilliant. But MinutePhysics always keeps it short. That’s its superpower.
Henry’s Other Ventures (Because, Yes, He’s Busy)
If MinutePhysics was Henry’s only thing, that’d already be impressive. But nope—he’s also behind:
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MinuteEarth – A channel explaining ecological and environmental science with the same doodle-and-voiceover style. Think: “Why do mosquitoes suck?” but educational.
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Artemis Westenberg’s Science Fiction Channel (less known, but worth a peek)
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Collaborations with major platforms like PBS, Google, and even Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Let’s just say: if there’s a Venn diagram of “creative,” “scientific,” and “under five minutes,” Henry’s smack in the middle.
Why It Matters (A Slightly Sentimental Bit)
Here’s a thought: science shouldn’t feel locked behind ivory towers. It shouldn’t need a translator or a 400-page textbook.
MinutePhysics makes science feel accessible, which—honestly—is a kind of public service.
It tells kids (and adults, and confused bloggers) that physics isn’t scary. It’s just complicated stuff explained simply. Which, come to think of it, is how everything should be.
I’ve used MinutePhysics to:
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Explain quantum entanglement to my niece (she sort of got it).
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Understand the “twin paradox” without crying.
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Impress someone on a date by pretending I knew about wavefunction collapse.
Yes, I owe Henry Reich at least two social wins and a minor existential crisis. Thanks, Henry. :)
Final Thoughts: Stick Figures, Big Ideas
If you’ve never watched MinutePhysics, do yourself a favor. Queue up a few videos. Let Henry’s calm narration and wiggly marker drawings remind you how delightful it is to learn.
Start with something light (walking vs. running in the rain). Then spiral down the black hole rabbit hole. You won’t regret it.
And if you’ve already watched it all? Rewatch one. There’s always a moment you missed.
Call to Action:
Take one topic you thought was too complicated—relativity, entropy, quarks—and go search MinutePhysics for it. Odds are, there’s a charming stick figure who’s dying to explain it to you. In 60 seconds or less.
Science doesn’t have to be boring. Henry Reich proved that—with a marker and a mission. And IMO, that’s pretty freaking cool. 👨🔬✨
