Pumping Iron

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Pumping Iron

PG

Released Jan 18, 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

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

James Berardinelli

ReelViews

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.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 21, 2024

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

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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

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Stephen C

Real footage in 1 hour and 25 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

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Tasos L

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

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/24/24

Full Review

Ed C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/16/24

Full Review

Ariel V

My favorite documentary film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/24

Full Review

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

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George Butler

Director

Robert Fiore

Director

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Self

Lou Ferrigno

Self

Roger Callard

Self

Franco Columbu

Self

F for Fake

88%

88%

F for Fake

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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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