Pumping Iron

PG

Released Jan 18, 1977

1 hr. 25 min.

Documentary

List

92%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Wayne K

Not only the documentary that introduced the larger world to future action star and Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but also offered its viewers a widow into the popular but still niche world of amateur and professional bodybuilding. It very much feels like hours of footage was shot, and it was edited down afterwards to focus on eventual winner Schwarzenegger, because that's what actually happened, and it gave him a platform to display not only his charisma, but the often underhanded and dirty tactics that competitors use to gain a mental edge over their opponents. The film portrays both the rush that bodybuilding give a person, as well as the exhilaration the audience feels when they get to witness the final result. But it doesn't shy away from how physically and mentally draining it can be, or the toll it can have on your personal life. It's a great documentary because it's informative as well as entertaining, and considering it sparked a renewed interest in gyms and physical fitness in the years following its release, demonstrates just how much of an impact it had, and in many ways, continues to have. Like the thrill of victory, it's something that will likely last forever.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/06/23

Full Review

Carlos I

A fascinating look into the world of professional bodybuilding. I'm not sure how much was actually dramatized or played up for the cameras, but they got some juicy drama out of this with the Arnold and Ferrigno competition. It was clear early on how much charisma Arnie had, so it's no surprise how far he went with his stardom.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/11/22

Full Review

Audience Member

All ages admitted; LOL, so funny and cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Eitan D

The personality of Arnie makes this movie great (also Mike Katz is great). Frankly it looks like Arnie is one of the only really well rounded people in the sport at the time & the others are (sorry for the gross exaggeration) big babies who are naïve and don't have a lot of confidence so Arnie is just eating them out for breakfast

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/15/21

Full Review

Audience Member

A look at the world of body building, but more significantly a look at the mind of Arnold Schwarzenegger. This film was 1977; before Arnold was an international movie star, before he was a fitness icon, and before he was Governor of California. The film shows where it all started and how Arnold's unique charm and understanding of human psychology and motivation led to his achievements. We see other body builders including, Lou Ferrigno and Franco Columbu, as they chase Arnold for glory and fame. The film is an average documentary but the subject matter is worth watching. The music is dated and comes out of a 1970's adult film, it seems. I like this film but if Arnold never went on to do anything else it may not have the significance it does today.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I was quite entertained considering I don't know/care about bodybuilding. Arnold's life is very inspiring!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

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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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Richard Brody

New Yorker

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.

May 30, 2018

Full Review

Chris Willman

Entertainment Weekly

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

May 30, 2018

Full Review

Gary Arnold

Washington Post

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

Apr 30, 2018

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

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...

Aug 19, 2023

Full Review

Ed Roginski

Gay Community News (Boston)

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

Sep 22, 2022

Full Review

Don Michaels

Washington Blade

Pumping Iron is definitely a movie worth seeing. Adherents to the sport of bodybuilding will get all you want and more. For those of you who are skeptical and uninformed, the film will dispel some notions, reinforce others, but bring you in touch.

May 20, 2022

Full Review

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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
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
Sound Mix: Mono

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