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Pumping Iron

Play trailer Poster for Pumping Iron PG 1977 1h 25m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Pumping Iron

Pumping Iron

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Gary Arnold Washington Post Apr 30, 2018
[Schwarzenegger] carries that phenomenal physique so nonchalantly that one can't help feeling charmed and reassured. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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... Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 3 days ago Pumping Iron is a 4.5 star Documentary... See more Renaldo D @RT30888824 Jul 27, 2026 Best bodybuilding movie of all time See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 8, 2025 Real footage in 1 hour and 25 minutes. All ages admitted. See more 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. See more Ed C @RT86566970 Jul 16, 2024 love it!! Arnold at his best , being himself !! See more Ariel V @Cinematic20 May 2, 2024 My favorite documentary film. See more Read all reviews
Pumping Iron

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Cast & Crew

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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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Pumping Iron

Pumping Iron (1977) Pumping Iron (1977) View more photos

Movie Info

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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