Arnold Schwarzenegger: Every Movie Ranked From Worst To Best

7. Pumping Iron (1977)

While it may be first and foremost a glimpse into the world of bodybuilding competitions, Pumping Iron was the feature that turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into a household name. Foreshadowing what was to come during his movie career, the fascinating documentary showed a confident and extroverted character, one that possessed both natural charisma and presence by the bucketful. With the narrative focusing primarily on the rivalry between dominant reigning Mr. Olympia Schwarzenegger and challenger Lou Ferrigno, the contrast between the two in personality creates a compelling story. While the Austrian Oak has since admitted that some of the stories he tells in the movie are untrue, and were created in an effort to create more drama, Pumping Iron remains compelling viewing and both led to the increased popularity of bodybuilding as well as furthering its star's Hollywood ambitions.