Here’s a list of notable documentaries focused on fitness, bodybuilding, and nutrition. These films explore various aspects of health, from extreme bodybuilding to the science behind nutrition and fitness culture.

1. “Pumping Iron” (1977)

This is perhaps the most iconic bodybuilding documentary ever made. It follows Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and other top bodybuilders as they prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition. The film not only captures the physical dedication required to become a champion bodybuilder but also delves into the psychological aspects of competition.

Key Themes: Bodybuilding, mental toughness, competition

2. “Generation Iron” (2013)

A modern take on the classic Pumping Iron, this documentary chronicles the lives of professional bodybuilders as they train for the Mr. Olympia competition. Featuring some of the biggest names in modern bodybuilding, such as Phil Heath, Kai Greene, and Jay Cutler, Generation Iron examines the intense training, strict diets, and the emotional struggles behind the world of competitive bodybuilding.

Key Themes: Professional bodybuilding, competition, discipline

3. “The Game Changers” (2018)

This documentary looks at the benefits of a plant-based diet, particularly for athletes. Directed by Louie Psihoyos and produced by James Cameron, The Game Changers features elite athletes who have adopted vegan diets, including UFC fighter James Wilks, strongman Patrik Baboumian, and Olympian sprinter Morgan Mitchell. The film argues that plant-based diets can enhance performance, recovery, and overall health.

Key Themes: Plant-based diets, nutrition, athletic performance

4. “Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness” (2017)

This documentary covers the 2016 CrossFit Games, a competition to determine the “fittest on Earth.” It gives an inside look at the world of CrossFit, exploring how the top athletes prepare mentally and physically for the event. It’s an intense and inspiring look at extreme fitness, discipline, and athleticism.

Key Themes: CrossFit, functional fitness, competition

5. “Food, Inc.” (2008)

Though not exclusively about fitness or bodybuilding, this documentary examines the food industry and the impact of corporate farming on nutrition and health. It highlights the connection between the industrialization of food production and the rise of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues, offering insights into how the modern food system affects our fitness and well-being.

Key Themes: Food industry, nutrition, health

6. “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” (2008)*

Directed by Chris Bell, this documentary explores the use of anabolic steroids in sports, focusing on American culture’s obsession with winning at all costs. Bell, a former powerlifter, examines the ethical, moral, and health-related issues surrounding steroids in sports, particularly in bodybuilding, wrestling, and other strength-based competitions.

Key Themes: Steroids, ethics in sports, bodybuilding

7. “Forks Over Knives” (2011)

This documentary advocates for a whole-food, plant-based diet, suggesting that many chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes, can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting processed foods and animal-based products. The film includes interviews with physicians and nutritional experts and looks at how diet affects long-term health and fitness.

Key Themes: Nutrition, plant-based diet, health

8. “The Perfect Physique” (2015)

This film follows the lives of fitness models and professional physique competitors as they prepare for competitions. The documentary focuses on their intense training regimens, strict diets, and the mental discipline required to maintain their physiques year-round.

Key Themes: Fitness modeling, diet, discipline

9. “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” (2010)

This documentary follows Joe Cross, an Australian man suffering from obesity and an autoimmune disease, as he embarks on a 60-day juice fast to regain his health. Along the way, he encourages others to adopt healthier lifestyles. The film highlights the transformative power of diet and exercise and emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for long-term fitness.

Key Themes: Weight loss, nutrition, health transformation

10. “Super Size Me” (2004)

While not about fitness directly, this documentary is an important commentary on nutrition and the effects of fast food. Director Morgan Spurlock eats only McDonald’s food for 30 days to show the negative impact of fast food on the body, gaining significant weight and experiencing severe health consequences. It highlights the importance of balanced nutrition in maintaining fitness and well-being.

Key Themes: Fast food, nutrition, health risks

11. “The Dawn Wall” (2017)

This documentary follows elite rock climber Tommy Caldwell as he attempts to scale the Dawn Wall, a 3,000-foot rock face in Yosemite National Park. While it focuses primarily on climbing, it also showcases the intense physical and mental fitness required for the sport. Caldwell’s dedication, training, and resilience make this a great film for those interested in extreme fitness challenges.

Key Themes: Mental and physical fitness, endurance, resilience

12. “Icarus” (2017)

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Icarus starts with filmmaker Bryan Fogel’s experiment to improve his cycling performance through doping. However, the film takes a dramatic turn as Fogel uncovers a massive doping scandal involving Russian athletes. While not exclusively about fitness, the film provides a revealing look into the lengths athletes will go to enhance their performance and the dark side of competitive sports.

Key Themes: Doping, sports ethics, athletic performance

13. “Iron Cowboy: The Story of the 50.50.50” (2018)

This documentary chronicles the journey of James Lawrence, known as the Iron Cowboy, who set out to complete 50 Ironman triathlons in 50 days across 50 states. It’s a story of extreme physical endurance, mental toughness, and the limits of human performance. The film provides insights into what it takes to push the body to the extreme.

Key Themes: Endurance, mental toughness, extreme fitness

14. “Unbroken” (2014)

This film, based on the life of Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini, explores not only his athletic feats as a long-distance runner but also his incredible resilience as a prisoner of war. While it’s a dramatic adaptation, it contains valuable lessons about mental and physical endurance, which can inspire those in the fitness world to push their limits.

Key Themes: Endurance, resilience, mental toughness

15. “The Work” (2017)

Though not a fitness documentary in the traditional sense, The Work offers a powerful look at mental conditioning and emotional health. The film follows a group therapy session inside Folsom Prison, where both inmates and outsiders confront their past trauma and emotions. It demonstrates the importance of mental fitness and emotional resilience in achieving overall well-being, which is often overlooked in the fitness community.

Key Themes: Mental health, emotional resilience, holistic well-being

Conclusion

These documentaries offer a deep dive into various aspects of fitness, bodybuilding, and nutrition. From exploring the world of competitive bodybuilding to understanding the science behind nutrition and the role of mental and physical endurance, these films provide inspiration and knowledge for anyone interested in fitness. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking to improve your health, these documentaries can offer valuable insights into achieving your fitness goals.