It’s a new year, and while that usually means dishing out new resolutions and fitness goals while motivation is high, that can sometimes fade as the days and months roll by.
Bodybuilding is a fascinating sport built on discipline and consistency, but sometimes we all need an extra boost now and then.
So, if you’re looking to learn more about the bodybuilding world, it’s biggest stars, and even pursue it yourself, then these ten documentaries are perfect for you – spanning the Golden Era to today’s mass monsters, true-crime crossovers, and deep-dives into the culture around the iron.
The only question is; which one are you watching first?
Pumping Iron (1977)
The undisputed gateway drug to bodybuilding.
Centered on the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe storylines, it tracks Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu while also weaving in unforgettable side stories like Mike Katz’s missing T-shirt. It’s the classic that pulled the sport into the mainstream and turned Schwarzenegger into a household name.
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video or YouTube.
Generation Iron (2013)
A modern mirror to Pumping Iron, this doc dives into the 2010s scene and the rivalry between reigning Mr. Olympia Phil Heath and fan-favourite Kai Greene.
It also contrasts the science-first approach of Ben Pakulski with Branch Warren’s hardcore instincts. Expect appearances from stars including Jay Cutler, Hidetada Yamagishi, Victor Martinez, Dennis Wolf, and more.
Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and others.
Ronnie Coleman: The King (2018)
From 1998–2005, Ronnie Coleman dominated with eight Mr. Olympia titles, a benchmark only matched by Lee Haney. This film shows his rise, his plate-rattling training, and a raw look at life after the stage—surgeries, crutches, and unshakable passion.
It’s both cautionary and inspiring, featuring cameos from Jay Cutler, Dorian Yates, Rich Gaspari, and others.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and also listed on Apple TV.
Dorian Yates: The Original Mass Monster (2019)
The six-time Mr. Olympia who shifted the sport toward extreme density and intensity. Training in a dungeon gym and shunning publicity, Yates set a new standard.
The doc explores his punishing methods, injuries, and personal evolution before and after competition — the first authentic window into his mindset and life.
Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Kai (2022)
Kai Greene’s story moves beyond placings to purpose.
From a childhood without parents and time in a juvenile facility to global icon, Greene frames bodybuilding as self-expression and survival. As he says, “This is not a movie; this is my life.” The film digs deeper than prior portrayals, capturing the universal themes of pain, art, and resilience.
Stream on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
Arnold (2023)
A three-part Netflix series that splits Schwarzenegger’s legend into bodybuilding, film, and politics. It’s candid about triumphs and mistakes, reminding you why he’s “The Austrian Oak” while also humanising the icon.
Lessons abound on belief, failure, and getting back up after being knocked down — core values that resonate far beyond the bodybuilding stage.
Available on Netflix.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster (2008)
Chris Bell’s landmark look at steroids and America’s obsession with muscularity.
Grounded in his own family’s relationship with strength and enhancement, it also examines Photoshop, ethics in supplement marketing, and the blurred lines of “natural” images in pop culture. The interviews were strikingly frank for the time.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.
Killer Sally (2022)
For fans at the intersection of bodybuilding and true crime, this Netflix series recounts Sally McNeil’s 1995 shooting of husband Ray McNeil and the whirlwind that followed.
The doc tackles the abuse at the heart of the relationship and the darker edges of bodybuilding culture while keeping the lens on personal pain and family fallout.
Available on Netflix.
Supps: The Movie (2020)
A sweeping history of fitness marketing and how supplements are sold — and regulated — in the United States. It digs into enhanced athletes in ads, too-good-to-be-true claims, and the reality that supplements are treated as foods rather than medicines.
It’s the conversation the industry often skirts but lifters constantly debate.
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
Bigorexia (2020)
A necessary counterweight to highlight-reel physiques.
This documentary follows five people dealing with muscle dysmorphia, with doctors, health experts, and scientists adding clinical insight on awareness and treatment. It’s an eye-opener on how the drive to get bigger can spiral.
Streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
Why These Ten Docs Hit Differently
You get the pillars (Pumping Iron, Generation Iron), the titans (Ronnie, Yates, Kai, Arnold), the cultural context (Bigger, Stronger, Faster; Supps), the hard-edged realities (Killer Sally), and the mental-health angle (Bigorexia). Together, they cover rivalry, science vs. instinct, recovery and regret, marketing hype, and what it really costs to chase perfection.
Queue these across your rest days and you’ll get the full sweep: history, hype, heartbreak, and the hard truths behind elite physiques. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just great storytelling, this list has you covered.
(Documentary availablity accurate at the time of writing and for individuals located in the UK.)
Featured image credit: YouTube/Vladar Company/Netflix (screenshots)
