Movies like Blood & Guts (2003)
The best movies like Blood & Guts (2003) are Pumping Iron (1977), Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022) and The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019). If Blood & Guts hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedPumping Iron (1977)7.2/10 from 566 votes
- NewestBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)Released 2026
Pumping Iron (1977)
Amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests as five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy young Lou Ferrigno.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAmazing Grace (2018)
A behind-the-scenes documentary about the recording of Aretha Franklin's best-selling album finally sees the light of day more than four decades after the original footage was shot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMaradona by Kusturica (2008)
A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFor the Love of Spock (2016)
The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeing James Bond (2021)
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDavid Byrne's American Utopia (2020)
A filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMichael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011)
See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, his nephew Jaafar Jackson and niece Tahkyah brings plenty Jackson and Friends ends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and his 3 children and many more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWestern Stars (2019)
The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLive Aid (1985)
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCapital in the Twenty-First Century (2019)
Film adaptation of French economist Thomas Piketty's ground-breaking global bestseller of the same name: an eye-opening journey through wealth and power.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJustin Bieber's Believe (2013)
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBillie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBeyoncé: Life Is But a Dream (2013)
Life Is But a Dream is a HBO documentary about the life of US singer Beyoncé Knowles during the years 2011 and 2012 and on the recording of her fifth album. The film was directed by Beyoncé herself. The film shows Beyoncé from intimate moments of her pregnancy to behind the scenes and rehearsals of the main concerts of that time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUnder the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett (2021)
A special celebrating the origins and legacy of Star Wars' legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)
A real-life undercover thriller about two ordinary men who embark on an outrageously dangerous ten-year mission to penetrate the world's most secretive and brutal dictatorship: North Korea.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020)
The cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” delivers an abundance of feel-good holiday cheer as they perform their favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s songs and share their fondest holiday memories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHeart of a Dog (2015)
Musician and performance artist Laurie Anderson reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother and her beloved dog.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRichard Fontaine's Days of Greek Gods (1988)
Richard Fontaine and Bob Mizer started the current exploration of the male nude in film and photography. The two shared ideas props and models and reinvented some of the sexual icons that we all still recognise today. The gladiator the sailor, the cowboy… Starting with posing-straps and graduating to nudes their "art studies" enlisted the talents of up-and-coming actors and bodybuilders. This film recalls that era.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Quest of the Muscle Nerd (2019)
Quest of the Muscle Nerd is a quirky and heartwarming documentary about one man's dream to host the first ever Bodybuilding/Cosplay competition and the two men who drag their bodies through hell to claim the crown.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Jay Cutler: New, Improved and Beyond (2004)
Filmed April and May 2003 after Jay won his second consecutive IFBB Arnold Classic title. Includes Jay's high intensity and high volume semi-off-season workouts. Exclusive interviews show you Jay's personality and his serious approach to bodybuilding. (Topics: Current Routine & Diet, Supplementation, Gain Mass Theory, Charity Activities, Memorable Places and more.) Guest appearance at San Diego Classic, Jay on & off stage, Educational business seminar at El Toro High school. Jay speaks to the class about : First Contest, To be a Pro, JKC Enterprises, Up Set, Eat Sleep Train, Jay's Day, Peak, Squats, $1,000/Week in food, Consistency...and more. and CRIBS @ his brand new Las Vegas home. Lots of information, not just training but the lifestyle of top professional bodybuilder's.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Jay Cutler All Access (2009)
IFFB professional Jay Cutler invites you to join him on his journey to the 2008 Mr. Olympia. After dethroning the legendary Ronnie Coleman in 2006, he won the title again in a controversial battle against Victor Martinez the following year. Now, reigning champion Jay Cutler works harder than ever before to create the best physique to defend his title! With time running out, he must eat, sleep and train around the clock, monitoring his progress along the way. But will his goals and destiny cross paths once more? Follow the Massachusetts native into his Las Vegas home and discover how to live like a champion. Join him in the original Gold's Gym in Venice, "Muscle Beach," California and experience a mind-blowing workout regime alongside the sport's greatest ambassador
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The brother (2021)
During his waking hours, Kais is in his bed or mobility device, completely dependent on his devoted family for round-the-clock care. At night, he dreams of himself as a manga character, starring in a story of love and bravery that mirrors the selflessness of his parents and siblings.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Battle For The Olympia 1996 (1997)
Color + B&W Paul Dillett : Back Flex Wheeler : Legs Chris Cormier trains with Melvin Anthony : Back Kevin Levrone : Chest Shawn Ray : Arms Jean Pierre Fux : Hams, Arms Nasser El Sonbaty : Back Ronnie Coleman : Back, Shoulders Aaron Baker : Chest, Biceps Dorian Yates : Chest Backstage Action : Lots of extras
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Herakles (1962)
Basically, 'Herakles' is an omnium-gatherum of film clips depicting images of machismo. Some of those images are explicitly macho: we see various body-builders flexing their biceps and triceps. Other images seen here are not macho in the literal sense, but are indirectly related to testosterone or cojones on some level: we see military aircraft making bombing raids, and footage of car crashes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Iron Temple (2021)
IFBB Pro Tony Torres built a lucrative lifestyle which came crashing down after covering for a friend who committed a murder. After being chased by the FBI he was sent to prison for five years. Once he did his time, Tony had to build back his life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Tim Budesheim - Vision (2019)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Strongman: Beyond the Mountain (2019)
Before he was "The Mountain" on Game of Thrones, Hafthor Julius Bjornsson was on a mission to become the World's Strongest Man.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Like Blood & Guts and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Blood & Guts?
The closest matches to Blood & Guts are Pumping Iron (1977), Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022) and The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Blood & Guts?
Start with Pumping Iron (1977), the closest match to Blood & Guts.
What is the highest-rated movie like Blood & Guts?
Pumping Iron (1977), rated 7.2/10 by 566 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Blood & Guts?
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Blood & Guts?
Yes: Pumping Iron (1977), Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022) and The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019).
How are movies similar to Blood & Guts chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Blood & Guts, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.