Should you watch Pumping Iron?
Who it’s good for, who it isn’t, and what’s in it. No ratings, no scores.

Pumping Iron
Documentary · 1977
Amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests as five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy young Lou Ferrigno.
The sides of Pumping Iron
- Arnold Schwarzenegger chasing a sixth Mr. Olympia
- The shy young Lou Ferrigno
- Gyms and contests in 1975
Pumping Iron is good for you if…
- you like the training and rivalry behind a bodybuilding title.
- you want to see Schwarzenegger before Hollywood.
- you can't look away from young Arnold's charm and mind games.
Pumping Iron is bad for you if…
- a grainy 1977 documentary feels dated to you.
- you can't root for a champion who boasts he skipped his father's funeral to train.
About: ambition · rivalry · the body
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