Pumping Iron (1976)

96% of critics liked it
(23 reviews)
78% of users liked it
(8,478 ratings)

Arnold Schwarzenegger gained his first real notoriety outside body-building circles with this documentary about a group of men training for the Mr. Olympia contest. Arnold had already won the title six times before, and was training for his seventh victory before retiring to fully pursue his acting… More Arnold Schwarzenegger gained his first real notoriety outside body-building circles with this documentary about a group of men training for the Mr. Olympia contest. Arnold had already won the title six times before, and was training for his seventh victory before retiring to fully pursue his acting career (which began to catch fire with his likable turn in Stay Hungry, released the same year) when this was shot. Here he displays an easy charm and wicked sense of humor as he plays mind games with his competitors and explains how getting pumped up for competition always reminded him of sex (which might explain why he seems so cheerful). And what is Arnold smoking in his dressing room after the contest? Future Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno is also on hand, and his fierce determination as he goes through a brutal weight lifting regimen shouting "Arnold! Arnold!" speaks both to his own desire to win and how strong a presence Schwarzenegger was in body-building at the time. You don't have to be a body building fan to enjoy Pumping Iron, though Arnold is the one contestant who shows obvious star quality. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: George Butler, Robert Fiore
Genres: Documentary, Sports & Fitness, Special Interest

On DVD: Nov 11, 2003

Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
A very good film, beautifully shot and edited, intelligently structured and -- to risk what will surely seem at first a highly inappropriate term -- charming.
, Variety
The most fascinating aspect of this film is the dedicated training that turns average-built young men (frequently they refer to themselves as weaklings in their early youth) into superbly-created physical edifices.
Richard Eder, New York Times
An interesting, rather slick and excessively long documentary about the small but intensely competitive world of body-building.
Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter
Its in-your-face images of the bodybuilding subculture's well-oiled narcissism both startled and fascinated viewers, making for an unlikely boxoffice hit.
Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile
Pumping iron is as satisfying as having sex with a woman and reaching orgasm, says Arnold Schwarzenegger in this fascinating1977 documentary
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly
Arnold's "reality" debut
, Empire Magazine
Fascinating stuff when viewed in the context of Arnie's now notorious political career.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Directors George Butler and Robert Fiore never allow their film to turn into a freak show, but neither do they illuminate the appeal of body building, either to those who participate or those who watch.
Derek Adams, Time Out
The movie is a very shrewd mixture of documentary and realistic fiction, put together with both eyes and ears on entertainment value.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
Sort of entertaining. Arnold is a prophet.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
A rather amateurish, rough-around-the-edges affair.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
Young kids may dream of bulking easily with steroids, but this film graphically shows that it takes a helluva lot of work ... to step on stage with these guys
JoBlo, JoBlo's Movie Emporium
This is a short and sweet docu-drama for anyone interested in the field of bodybuilding, as well as the art of psyching out your opponents.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Durable documentary starring future Gov. Arnold.
Frank Ochieng, TheWorldJournal.com
An entertaining and intimate look body building and its devoted personalities. Pumping Iron has muscle and might in all the right witty places
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
It's a living, breathing freakshow in Pumping Iron.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lenny M

Whoooo yes sir.
xGary X

Docu-drama about bodybuilders featuring a very young arnie. Sound entertaining? Thought not...
Eduardo C

Part documentary, part mockumentary the film manags to both portray the (then) underground bodybuilding culture of the 1970s and slyly mock it. Smarter than it is given credit for, though that is hardly saying much. Arnold is, surprisingly, not much of a stickler for form...
Wu C

Decent doc. Arnie smokes a joint in the end.