A while ago, M&F released our list of the best bodybuilding films of all time. Naturally, there was controversy, “Where’s Generation Iron? Where’s Conan!” We get it, there’s plenty of room for interpretation for what the “best” films are. That said, we decided to make more lists anyway — it’s what we do. Now, we’re focusing on some muscle-pumping, action packed movies you can stream on your phones and tablets right now! Try showing these films some love and see if you’re not inspired.
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Conan the Barbarian (1982)
“And if you do not listen, then to Hell with you!”Conan the Barbarian is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most quotable and action-packed films. The film cemented his status as a movie star and blockbuster-producing machine. More importantly, it has enough muscle-rippling, action-packed moments to encourage any gym rat to get back to work.
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Generation Iron (2013)
Generation Iron probably shouldn’t have been a successful documentary. The film featured a relatively unknown cast working to be honored on the biggest stage of a lesser-known sport. Regardless, it delivered in a big way. Phil Heath and Kai Greene went head-to-head in a pro bodybuilding showdown the likes of which we hadn’t seen since Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno’s tilt in Pumping Iron.If you care anything about bodybuilding, this one has to be in your queue.
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Rocky (1976)
OK, here it is, your last excuse to not see the classic boxing film that launched the career of Sylvester Stallone and the Rocky franchise. Winner of 3 Academy Awards, including best picture, Rocky is the ultimate Cinderella story that inspired countless regular joes to get in the best shape of their lives. How could you not get pumped after watching this flick? Just make sure you don’t get too hyped afterward and do something regrettable to the Rocky statue — Philadelphians don’t like that.
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Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Rocky IV (1985)
In case you weren’t convinced by the prior slide, THE ROCKY FRANCHISE IS CLASSIC!The fourth installment arguably had the most awesome training sequence ever. Ivan Drago (played by the ageless Dolph Lundgren) trains to “break” Rocky with his scary gadgets, computers and (gasp) steroids. Rocky does things the old-school American lumberjack way. Toiling in the snow to hone himself into a well-oiled, Philly-repping, fighting machine.
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Jean-Claude Van Damme
Kickboxer (1989)
It’s everything you could ever want in a martial arts movie. In Kickboxer, uber-jerk Tong Po paralyzes Van Damme’s brother, and the Muscles from Brussels wants vengeance. Naturally, he seeks out a wizened kickboxing master who molds him into championship shape. Oh, and the master makes him flash his slick dance moves in one of the most epic dance/fight sequences ever recorded. It’s all worth it.
This documentary walks you through eight of the toughest month’s of a young fighters life. WEC veteran Chad George didn’t have his family or girlfriend near him. He didn’t have chill time with friends or, ahem, Netflix time. He traded that in for ice baths, cardio, and bruising sparring sessions as he prepped for the biggest fight of his career.
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for 30: You Don’t Know Bo (2015)
Bo knows baseball. Bo knows football. Bo knows fame and the business that comes with it. Bo knows pain and injuries. Bo knows what it means to be a sports legend. If you don’t know Bo, do yourself a favor, stream this film tonight and see if you’re not inspired.
First off, Clint Eastwood.If that doesn’t sell you, how about the fact that this boxing film raked in four Academy Awards in 2004 including Best Picture. Hillary Swank, Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman gave stellar performance in a movie that will leave you begging for just one more round.
10 of 13
Hoop Dreams (1994)
This real life journey takes place over 5 years, documenting the lives of two inner-city kids growing up in Chicago. The kids, William Gates and Arthur Agee, struggle to become successful on the basketball court and must make a variety of physical and emotional sacrifices to reach their goals of making it to the pros.
11 of 13
The Sheik (2014)
This documentary profiled one of the most famous wrestling villains ever — The Iron Sheik. Friends, family, and fellow wrestlers look back at Khosrow Vaziri’s iconic career.
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Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Alive (2012)
Need some cardio inspiration? How about a movie about the most famous runner of this generation? Usain St. Leo Bolt (bet you didn’t know his last name) gave exclusive behind-the-scenes access to this film crew as they delved into the training and mindset of the fastest man in the world.
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Champs (2015)
They call boxing the “sweet science,” but there’s sometimes sour elements that creep in. Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins star in a film that shows that even in one of the most “pure” sports out there, racism and poverty are still key themes.
A while ago, M&F released our list of the best bodybuilding films of all time. Naturally, there was controversy, “Where’s Generation Iron? Where’s Conan!” We get it, there’s plenty of room for interpretation for what the “best” films are. That said, we decided to make more lists anyway — it’s what we do. Now, we’re focusing on some muscle-pumping, action packed movies you can stream on your phones and tablets right now! Try showing these films some love and see if you’re not inspired.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
“And if you do not listen, then to Hell with you!”
Conan the Barbarian is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most quotable and action-packed films. The film cemented his status as a movie star and blockbuster-producing machine. More importantly, it has enough muscle-rippling, action-packed moments to encourage any gym rat to get back to work.
Generation Iron (2013)
Generation Iron probably shouldn’t have been a successful documentary. The film featured a relatively unknown cast working to be honored on the biggest stage of a lesser-known sport. Regardless, it delivered in a big way. Phil Heath and Kai Greene went head-to-head in a pro bodybuilding showdown the likes of which we hadn’t seen since Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno’s tilt in Pumping Iron.
If you care anything about bodybuilding, this one has to be in your queue.
Rocky (1976)
OK, here it is, your last excuse to not see the classic boxing film that launched the career of Sylvester Stallone and the Rocky franchise. Winner of 3 Academy Awards, including best picture, Rocky is the ultimate Cinderella story that inspired countless regular joes to get in the best shape of their lives. How could you not get pumped after watching this flick? Just make sure you don’t get too hyped afterward and do something regrettable to the Rocky statue — Philadelphians don’t like that.
Rocky IV (1985)
In case you weren’t convinced by the prior slide, THE ROCKY FRANCHISE IS CLASSIC!
The fourth installment arguably had the most awesome training sequence ever. Ivan Drago (played by the ageless Dolph Lundgren) trains to “break” Rocky with his scary gadgets, computers and (gasp) steroids. Rocky does things the old-school American lumberjack way. Toiling in the snow to hone himself into a well-oiled, Philly-repping, fighting machine.
Kickboxer (1989)
It’s everything you could ever want in a martial arts movie. In Kickboxer, uber-jerk Tong Po paralyzes Van Damme’s brother, and the Muscles from Brussels wants vengeance. Naturally, he seeks out a wizened kickboxing master who molds him into championship shape. Oh, and the master makes him flash his slick dance moves in one of the most epic dance/fight sequences ever recorded. It’s all worth it.
Occupation: Fighter (2011)
This documentary walks you through eight of the toughest month’s of a young fighters life. WEC veteran Chad George didn’t have his family or girlfriend near him. He didn’t have chill time with friends or, ahem, Netflix time. He traded that in for ice baths, cardio, and bruising sparring sessions as he prepped for the biggest fight of his career.
for 30: You Don't Know Bo (2015)
Bo knows baseball. Bo knows football. Bo knows fame and the business that comes with it. Bo knows pain and injuries. Bo knows what it means to be a sports legend. If you don’t know Bo, do yourself a favor, stream this film tonight and see if you’re not inspired.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
First off, Clint Eastwood.
If that doesn’t sell you, how about the fact that this boxing film raked in four Academy Awards in 2004 including Best Picture. Hillary Swank, Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman gave stellar performance in a movie that will leave you begging for just one more round.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
This real life journey takes place over 5 years, documenting the lives of two inner-city kids growing up in Chicago. The kids, William Gates and Arthur Agee, struggle to become successful on the basketball court and must make a variety of physical and emotional sacrifices to reach their goals of making it to the pros.
The Sheik (2014)
This documentary profiled one of the most famous wrestling villains ever — The Iron Sheik. Friends, family, and fellow wrestlers look back at Khosrow Vaziri’s iconic career.
Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Alive (2012)
Need some cardio inspiration? How about a movie about the most famous runner of this generation? Usain St. Leo Bolt (bet you didn’t know his last name) gave exclusive behind-the-scenes access to this film crew as they delved into the training and mindset of the fastest man in the world.
Champs (2015)
They call boxing the “sweet science,” but there’s sometimes sour elements that creep in. Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins star in a film that shows that even in one of the most “pure” sports out there, racism and poverty are still key themes.
