13 Best Bodybuilding Movies You Must Watch

Now people all over the world are forced to adhere to self-isolation. Of course, some hard workers continue to work in Russia, but for the majority of the population, the announced weekend was marked by being confined within four walls. How to keep yourself in shape in such a situation and at the same time do something interesting? We know how to combine business with pleasure and are eager to share our advice. First, it’s best to watch the film and get inspired by its main characters, and then plunge into the sport yourself. Even under harsh quarantine conditions this is possible.


Don't panic. How to protect yourself from coronavirus

We have selected for you several films about sports and bodybuilding, after watching which you will definitely not be able to just lie on the couch.

Pumping Iron

Surely every bodybuilding fan has heard or watched the movie “Pumping Iron.” This is a 1977 documentary film that follows the lives of two of the most famous bodybuilders of the golden era of bodybuilding and their preparation for the Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe competitions. The main role in the film is played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who at that time was a five-time Mr. Olympia title holder. The documentary follows this 26-year-old bodybuilder's journey to his 6th title. The independent documentary focuses mainly on the rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and one of his main rivals, Lou Ferrigno. In addition, the film stars Ken Waller, Ed Corney, Serge Nubret, Franco Columbu and Mike Katz. The purpose of the documentary was to popularize the culture and world of bodybuilding. Arnold's biceps caused a stir in the US, and the number of commercial gyms in the US increased significantly after the film's release. Therefore, the film “Pumping Iron” is a must-watch for every bodybuilding fan. [1]

Nutrition program

70% of Gaining Muscle and Building a Body Is Diet, and Mark Wahlberg Knew It

The main products that made up the actor’s diet during the training period were:

  • boiled chicken;
  • lean steaks;
  • egg whites;
  • pasta;
  • berries (raspberries and blueberries);
  • fruits (apples and bananas).

The meals were divided into three main meals, with Wahlberg having several more hearty snacks in between. As a result, the actor ate something almost every two hours.

To increase in size faster, Mark ate not only before bed, but also at night, specifically setting an alarm clock.

According to the actor, during the preparation for the film “Blood and sweat: Anabolic steroids” he ate as much chicken as he had not eaten in a whole year before. In addition, one day a week, Wahlberg arranged a real “belly celebration” for himself, deviating from his diet and devouring everything, including high-calorie pancakes along with sweet soda.

The rest of the day, Mark followed a strict rule: 30% of his diet should be protein, another 30% - healthy fats and 40% - fruits, vegetables and whole wheat.

After finishing work on the film, the actor’s diet had to be adjusted again. He went on a strict diet to get rid of extra pounds. The number of meals was reduced to 5, and the norm of KBZHU ranged from 2450 to 2750:

  • For breakfast, the actor ate 100 g of cottage cheese and drank a cup of coffee with toast and a slice of cheese.
  • A couple of hours before lunch, Mark allowed himself a handful of berries and a small portion of vegetable stew.
  • For lunch, the idol had a 100-gram beef steak, a small portion of vegetable soup and a cup of green tea.
  • For an afternoon snack - a sandwich of grain bread with a piece of red fish and slices of vegetables.
  • The actor's last meal was a dinner of stewed broccoli and 150 g of boiled chicken.

Stay Hungry

Arnold is very popular in bodybuilding films. This time, however, he was in one of the main roles in a feature film. Although not a documentary, Stay Hungry will take you behind the scenes of professional bodybuilding. The film tells the story of a young real estate salesman named Craig (Jeff Bridges), who works for a large corporation. His company wants to buy a small gym building, so Craig goes there to negotiate a deal. At the gym, he meets bodybuilder Joe Sant (Arnold), whom he immediately takes a liking to, befriends him, and falls in love with his girlfriend. After that, he doesn't even want to think about buying a gym. How can this story of love and friendship serve as motivation? The answer is simple, Schwarzenegger shows off his hard-earned muscles and brings Jeff Bridges into the world of bodybuilding and training. The film also shows his preparation for Mr. Universe and how “gym buddies” can easily become your family. In addition, Arnold was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Newcomer Actor of the year for his role in this film. [2]

Bodybuilder

  • Year of premiere: 2014
  • Country of origin: France
  • Genre: drama
  • Budget: no data available
  • Actors: Vincent Rotier, Marina Fois, Roschdy Zem, Yoline Francois Gauvin, Caroline Gom, Dominique Raymond
  • Description: the guy attracts failures one after another. Now he owes the bandits serious money. They destroy his apartment, but he manages to escape. His mother does not want to help him, but his brother advises him to go to his father and try his luck. Antoine has not seen his parents for 5 years, but after much deliberation he still goes to visit his father, the famous bodybuilder

Stand Tall

After Lou Ferrigno received second place in the Mr. Olympia competition in the movie Pumping Iron, he left the world of bodybuilding and began pursuing an acting career. He played the lead role in “The Incredible Hulk,” which made him a star. But this was not enough for Lou, and he began to miss the world of professional bodybuilding. The documentary “Be Resilient” chronicles the courageous and incredible journey of 43-year-old Lou, who, after 19 years, decided to compete again for the title of Mr. Olympia. Did he win this title? We highly recommend that you watch this film, which is full of emotions and determination to achieve your goal at any cost. [3]

The Comeback

Having received his sixth Mr. Olympia title, Arnold Schwarzenegger completed his journey of competition in bodybuilding. He began to devote himself entirely to acting, receiving one offer after another. One of these offers was a role in the film “Conan the Barbarian,” in which he starred along with Hollywood stars. In order for Arnold to play the stern Conan the Barbarian as believably as possible, he again began working out regularly at the gym. Even so much so that his form was better than when he last won Mr. Olympia. It was then that Arnold decided that his career in professional bodybuilding was not over yet. The film “The Return” shows how Arnold managed to get into top shape in a few weeks, again become the best of the best and win his seventh Mr. Olympia title. [4]

"Muscles on the Beach"

Original name:

Muscle Beach Party.
Year of release:
1964.
Genre:
musical, comedy.

A millionaire with a very eccentric character decides to conduct an experiment. A man wants to prove that his chimpanzee is in no way inferior in intelligence to teenagers spending time on the beach. Going to the ocean, the main character discovers a company of bodybuilders. His relationship with these guys doesn’t work out right away. In addition, Countess Julia appears on the horizon and draws attention to a millionaire with a complex character.

Dorian Yates: The Original Mass Monster

The Dorian Yates film tells the story of the six-time Mr. Olympia winner who redefined professional bodybuilding. The film explores his personal life, as well as his frustrations, which were caused by using large amounts of steroids. It also reflects Dorian's controversial 1997 Mr. Olympia victory. He was awarded the title despite being injured, causing outrage among other competitors. He suffered from depression towards the end of his career and the film shows how his life developed after his professional bodybuilding career. [5]

Ronnie Coleman: The King

One of the new films is a documentary about Ronnie Coleman with the same name, “Ronnie Coleman: The King.” The film chronicles the life and greatest achievements of the eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. If Ronnie is your role model, we highly recommend you watch this movie. In addition to sharing Ronnie's journey to his massive figure, you'll also learn about the effects lifting heavy weights can have on your health. [6]

Generation Iron 1, 2, 3

The director of the film “Pumping Iron” released a film called “Generation of Iron” in 2013. The documentary tells the stories of the most famous bodybuilders in the world and gives insight into their journeys not only behind the scenes of professional competitions, but also into their personal lives. In the film you will learn what the terms “bodybuilding” and “bodybuilder” mean and everything they imply. Bodybuilders will also talk about how the world of bodybuilding has changed thanks to the popularization of this sport on social networks. The film stars Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Branch Warren, Dennis Wolf, Victor Martinez, Hidetada Yamagishi and ambitious newcomer Ben Pakulski. The film currently has two parts, and the third part will be released in 2022. [7]

Metroflex Gym: A Hardcore Training Facility (2013)


There is also Russian dubbing.

A film about the legendary Metroflex hall. Legends such as Ronnie Coleman, Branch Warren... As well as other outstanding athletes train there.

The film is quite simple, but conveys the spirit of the gym, where everything is imbued with hard work. No beauty, just hard work for a goal.

CT Fletcher: My Magnificent Obsession

Fletcher, a six-time world weightlifting champion whose powerful strength, muscular physique and life story has inspired many around the world. The documentary chronicles Fletcher's life, the physical abuse he suffered as a child and his heart surgery in 2005. He himself claims that his heart problems were associated with his constant overeating of fast food. Full recovery after the operation lasted two years; Fletcher had to adjust his training and nutrition, but he did not cancel going to the gym, despite health complications. The film masterfully portrays Fletcher's story, which is full of emotions and reasons why you should never give up. [8]

Blood and sweat: Anabolics (Pain and Gain)

  • Year of premiere: 2013
  • Country of origin: USA
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Action
  • Budget: $26,000,000
  • Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Mackie, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ed Harris, Tony Shalhoub, Rob Corddry, Bar Paly
  • Description: The film is based on real events. Sometimes every person has thoughts of radically changing their life. The hero of the film, a fitness trainer, was no exception. Having found two friends, he plans to kidnap his client, who is a millionaire. But something went wrong.

Rich Piana Chronicles

Kevin Levrone is one of the most talented and popular bodybuilders of all time. Although he did not win any Mr. Olympia titles, his form and preparation for competitions inspired many aspiring bodybuilders. However, after his unofficial retirement in 2003, Kevin, almost 13 years later, decided to compete for the Mr. Olympia title. However, because he was injured, he was unable to compete. However, this did not stop him in 2018, he decided to take part in the Arnold Classic. "Kevin Levrone: Born to Overcome" is a one-hour documentary that chronicles the preparation for competition and the life of the legendary bodybuilder. [10]

"Armida" (Aria)

Original name:

Aria.
Year of release:
1987.
Genre:
musical film.

"Armida" is one of the ten film novellas of the film "Aria". It is dedicated to the interpretation of classical operas by modern directors. The short film is based on Jean Baptiste Lully's baroque opera about a knight with whom an evil sorceress falls in love. In the film, instead of knights, there are bodybuilders. They are also proud and partial to iron tools. “Sorceresses” wash the floor in the gym, enjoying the sight of pumped-up handsome men. The training of athletes turns into ballet, and the editing of excerpts of arias and episodes in the rocking chair creates a magical feeling.

Faster, stronger, more powerful (Bigger Stronger Faster)

America defines itself as the largest, strongest and fastest growing country in the world. Director Christopher Bell sheds light on the lives of American bodybuilders in Faster, Stronger, More Powerful, which tells the story of three brothers, two of whom are obsessed with steroid use. The visually beautiful comedy and documentary film describes the US government's views on the use of steroids and nutritional supplements to increase muscle mass. The film also features statements from members of Congress, bodybuilders, and medical experts and their views on the excessive use of steroids. [eleven]

Too Big for the World

The world of bodybuilding is not just for men. The trend of professional female bodybuilders and athletic women is growing, however, it is still not comparable to male bodybuilding. Too Big for the World tells the story of 50-year-old Irina, whose dream is to become the best female bodybuilder in the world. Along the way, however, she encounters many rejections and realizes that bodybuilding in the 21st century is still a predominantly male domain. Therefore, the main idea of ​​the film is to show the discrimination that strong and muscular women experience in society. [12]

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