Pumping Iron

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Pumping Iron

PG

1977

1h 25m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

This partly real and partly scripted film documents what many consider to be the golden age of bodybuilding that occurred in the 1970s. It depicts two major competitions: Mr. Universe, which is for amateur participants, and Mr. Olympia, which is for pros. In the former, Mike Katz and Ken Waller are profiled, while in the latter, the chief contenders are Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is hoping to take home a sixth win.

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Critics Consensus

In addition to offering an enlightening early look into the world of future star/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pumping Iron provides a witty and insightful overview of competitive bodybuilding.

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

May 30, 2018

Schwarzenegger isn't merely its subject-he's its star, and his beaming, witty, charismatic presence in the film is among the most ingratiating performances of the time.

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Chris Willman

Entertainment Weekly

May 30, 2018

When documentary buffs insist filmic truth is better than fiction, they'll cite this absorbing look at bodybuilding.

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Gary Arnold

Washington Post

Apr 30, 2018

[Schwarzenegger] carries that phenomenal physique so nonchalantly that one can't help feeling charmed and reassured.

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James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Nov 21, 2024

3/4

In retrospect, the movie is of special interest because of its presentation of Schwarzenegger during this nascent portion of his career. As a result, the film is in many ways more compelling today than during its initial theatrical run in 1977.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Aug 19, 2023

The stage show is all about oiled hardbodies and sculpted musculature, but the movie is a portrait of competition as war and Schwarzenegger as the warrior supreme...

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Ed Roginski

Gay Community News (Boston)

Sep 22, 2022

I recommend the film highly if only because it is rare... a chance to see someone who has perfected an art form.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 13, 2026

Pumping Iron is a 4.5 star Documentary...

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Renaldo D

@RT30888824 Jul 27, 2026

Best bodybuilding movie of all time

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jul 8, 2025

Real footage in 1 hour and 25 minutes. All ages admitted.

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Tasos L

@TasosLe Sep 24, 2024

If you're into weights generally and you exercise yourself, this is a flick you definitely have to watch.

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Ed C

@RT86566970 Jul 16, 2024

love it!! Arnold at his best , being himself !!

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Ariel V

@Cinematic20 May 2, 2024

My favorite documentary film.

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George Butler

Director

Robert Fiore

Director

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Self

Lou Ferrigno

Self

Roger Callard

Self

Franco Columbu

Self

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Synopsis

This partly real and partly scripted film documents what many consider to be the golden age of bodybuilding that occurred in the 1970s. It depicts two major competitions: Mr. Universe, which is for amateur participants, and Mr. Olympia, which is for pros. In the former, Mike Katz and Ken Waller are profiled, while in the latter, the chief contenders are Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is hoping to take home a sixth win.

Director: George Butler, Robert Fiore
Producer: Jerome Gary
Screenwriter: George Butler, Charles Gaines
Production Co: White Mountain Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 18, 1977, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 5, 2015
Runtime: 1h 25m
Sound Mix: Mono

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