Pumping Iron (1977)

Pulsating from the iconic Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California, all the way to the electrifying showdown in Pretoria, Pumping Iron is a compelling fusion of scripted drama and raw documentary. This film invites you into the world of bodybuilding, where brawn and ambition clash in the pursuit of the prestigious 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe titles. As the plot unfolds, witness the five-time champion, the indomitable Arnold Schwarzenegger, staking his claim to the Mr. Olympia title, warding off competition from the formidable Serge Nubret and the unassuming yet determined Lou Ferrigno. Lou, a deaf young man with a heart full of dreams, is coached by his father, adding a touching layer of human spirit to the high-stakes competition. Meanwhile, Franco Columbu, hailing from the rugged landscapes of Sardinia, vies for victory in the lightweight class, his extraordinary strength a testament to his island roots. Witness his sheer power as he manhandles a car into a parking slot back home in Italy, a scene that adds a dash of humor to the intense drama. The movie also delves into the competitive world of Mr. Universe, with Mike Katz and Ken Waller battling for the coveted title. Joe Weider, the master marketer, is the man behind the scenes, pushing bodybuilding into the mainstream and paving the way for future celebrity stars. Pumping Iron is not only about physical strength; it's a testament to the human spirit, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

Pumping Iron is a documentary movie featuring Mike Katz and directed by Robert Fiore.

Pumping Iron is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Pumping Iron on Amazon Video, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.