Bodybuilders are real examples of constant self-improvement and strict discipline. All the time, they follow a strict regime consisting of weight training, eating, and rest in order to develop a symmetrical, proportional, and developed body. One of the most wonderful achievements of a person is when they realize that they are doing it and they are doing it in the right way. This is why there are so many movies about bodybuilding and its characters who are always seen with a shaker full of protein dipped in a workout. Among our items, we listed 10 bodybuilding movies that, in our opinion, could be the best ones.
Content
- Love Lies Bleeding
- Muscle
- Bigger
- Bodybuilder
- The Comeback
- Generation Iron
- Pain & Gain
- Teddy Bear
- Bigger Stronger Faster*
- Pumping Iron
Love Lies Bleeding
IMDb: 6.6/10
2024, Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
UK, USA, R
Director: Rose Glass
Top Cast: Anna Baryshnikova, Kristen Stewart, Dave Franco
The Sundance Film Festival adored this romantic thriller, wherein the introverted manager of the gym, Lou, falls for the ambitious bodybuilder Jackie. As Lou gets mixed up in criminality, Lou goes deep into trouble. Their toxic love pulls Jackie into a brutal world of violence and organized crime.
Muscle
IMDb: 6.0/10
2019, Thriller
UK, France, Not rated
Director: Gerard Johnson
Top Cast: Polly Maberly, Craig Fairbrass, Sinead Matthews
The main character of Muscle is a track coach who has a very close relationship with his students. In the beginning, Terry pushes Simon to accomplish bigger things, but later on, he becomes the one who controls every inch of his client’s life, just like a puppet master does. Hence, Simon’s story is a warning of how easily a person can go through a slippery slope, even when aiming for a better life. The movie points out how one can easily lose oneself while trying to accomplish a goal with somebody very strong when not sailing alone to it.
Bigger
IMDb: 6.4/10
2018, Biography, Drama, Sport
USA, PG-13
Director: George Gallo
Top Cast: Kevin Durand, Julianne Hough, Tyler Hoechlin
The impact of the sport on the world of bodybuilding not only inspired but completely revolutionized the two brothers, Joe and Ben Weider. They are the founding members of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and the organizers of the Mr. Olympia competition. The brothers were inspired by the vision to establish and develop the sport and to involve people in their mission to eradicate poverty and bias. Did they have a smooth journey on their way to fame and recognition?
Bodybuilder
IMDb: 6.1/10
2014, Drama
France, Not rated
Director: Roschdy Zem
Top Cast: Vincent Rottiers, Yolin François Gauvin, Marina Foïs
This is the story of Antoine Moreau, a 20-year-old who lives a carefree life, avoids responsibility like the plague, and constantly overspends, landing himself in debt. To avoid facing the criminal world head-on, he travels to the south of France to reconnect with his father, whom he hasn’t seen in many years. His father, a professional bodybuilder, becomes a model of discipline and strength as he prepares for his next competition.
The Comeback
IMDb: 6.6/10
1980, Documentary, Action
Australia, Not rated
Director: Kit Laughlin
Top Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Platz, Frank Zane
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger made a comeback to bodybuilding after a five-year layoff. His daily program resumed extreme training sessions preparing him to take part in the contest Mr. Olympia. Now we know that he would go on to win it for the seventh time. The film goes behind the scenes into the life of this legendary athlete, depicting his everyday life, unique training methods, and relations with Tom Platz and Frank Zane.
Generation Iron
IMDb: 7.0/10
2013, Documentary, Drama, Sport
USA, PG-13
Director: Vlad Yudin
Top Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mickey Rourke, Michael Jai White
To reach the top in bodybuilding, you have to pay a high price. The film Generation Iron clearly demonstrates the sacrifices athletes make for the sake of their dreams. It is not only physical suffering, but also restrictions in personal life, constant stress and health risks. This film is not only about sport, but also about people, their strength of spirit and their desire to win.
Pain & Gain
IMDb: 6.4/10
2013, Action, Biography, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery
USA, R
Director: Michael Bay
Top Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie
This is the true story of three bodybuilders. In the 1990s, Daniel Lugo, Adrian Doorbal, and Paul Doyle — professional bodybuilders who pump iron day in and day out — decided to make a quick fortune. Their only way to achieve this was to kidnap a wealthy businessman, Victor Kershaw, and seize his assets. However, the trio’s plan turns out to be far from perfect. The three friends prove to be incompetent and greedy, finding themselves in absurd situations driven by their thirst for success at any cost.
Teddy Bear
IMDb: 7.1/10
2012, Drama, Romance
Denmark, Not rated
Director: Mads Matthiesen
Top Cast: Kim Kold, Elsebeth Steentoft, Lamaiporn Sangmanee Hougaard
Dennis Petersen is a professional bodybuilder. Despite his impressive physique, he’s a gentle soul at heart. At 38 years old, he still lives with his domineering mother, which has left its mark on him: Dennis is shy, socially withdrawn, and has no personal life because his mother controls every aspect of it. However, Dennis doesn’t let this discourage him and still hopes to find love. He travels to Thailand to pursue this dream, where he meets Toy. In this new country, Dennis attempts to start fresh and embrace new experiences.
Bigger Stronger Faster*
IMDb: 7.5/10
2008, Documentary, Sport
USA, PG-13
Director: Chris Bell
Top Cast: Chris Bell, Mike Bell, Mark Bell
Another documentary delving into the hidden side of bodybuilding: doping. The film explores the obsession of American athletes with physical strength, athletic achievements, and success. Director Chris Bell, a former bodybuilding enthusiast himself, examines the issue through both a personal and national lens. He investigates his own family and his brothers to understand why people use anabolic steroids.
Pumping Iron
IMDb: 7.3/10
1977, Documentary, Sport
USA, PG
Director: George Butler, Robert Fiore
Top Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Matty Ferrigno
The documentary film Pumping Iron shows the world of bodybuilding from the inside, revealing to the audience all the difficulties and joys of this sport. We witness grueling workouts, rigid diets, and psychological preparation of athletes. Each of them dreams of victory and is ready to do anything to achieve their goal. The film is not only about physical achievements but also about strength of mind and striving for perfection.
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