Movies like Pumping Flesh (1986)
The best movies like Pumping Flesh (1986) are Bigger (2018), Christmas Inheritance (2017) and Peaceful Warrior (2006). If Pumping Flesh hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)7.6/10 from 879 votes
- NewestMagazine Dreams (2025)Released 2025
Bigger (2018)
The inspirational tale of the grandfathers of the fitness movement as we now know it, Joe & Ben Weider. Battling anti-Semitism, racism and extreme poverty, the brothers beat all odds to build an empire & inspire future generations.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChristmas Inheritance (2017)
To inherit her father's company, socialite Ellen must first visit his small hometown, where she learns the value of hard work and helping others.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPeaceful Warrior (2006)
A chance encounter with a stranger changes the life of a college gymnast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLove Lies Bleeding (2024)
Reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Las Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Swap (2016)
Based on the book by Megan Shull, The Swap follows the adventures of a rhythmic gymnast named Ellie with a make-it-or-break-it competition, and the younger brother named Jack in a hockey family who's vying for a varsity spot on his school team. But when a simple text causes the two to swap bodies, their paths take an unexpected cross.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPain & Gain (2013)
Daniel Lugo, manager of the Sun Gym in 1990s Miami, decides that there is only one way to achieve his version of the American dream: extortion. To achieve his goal, he recruits musclemen Paul and Adrian as accomplices. After several failed attempts, they abduct rich businessman Victor Kershaw and convince him to sign over all his assets to them. But when Kershaw makes it out alive, authorities are reluctant to believe his story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRonnie Coleman: The King (2018)
Ronnie Coleman is known as "The King" and for good reason. He is the 8x Mr. Olympia champion in the world of bodybuilding - sharing the world record for most Olympia wins. Now retired, he has undergone over 6 surgeries leaving him unable to walk without crutches but his desire to train like a pro bodybuilder has not dissipated. Exploring the history of his career as a bodybuilding legend and following his journey to recovery; for the first time ever discover the true man behind The King.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMagazine Dreams (2025)
Aspiring bodybuilder Killian Maddox struggles to find human connection in an exploration of celebrity and violence. Nothing deters him from his fiercely protected dream of superstardom, not even the doctors who warn him of the permanent damage he causes to himself with his quest.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFlashdance (1983)
Alex Owens, a young woman juggling between two odd jobs, aspires to become a successful ballet dancer. Nick, who is her boss and lover, supports and encourages her to fulfil her dream.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGeneration Iron 2 (2017)
From the director of Generation Iron, comes the anticipated sequel that will depict 5 of the top bodybuilding and fitness mega-stars on a quest of achieving the ultimate physique and taking it to the next extreme level. In the world of social media and internet, the rules have changed as to what makes an iconic bodybuilding mass-monster. Starring Kai Greene, Calum Von Moger, Rich Piana, among others, this film will explore an all new generation of bodybuilders and how this new world, and new people, carve their own path to physique perfection.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSplendor (1999)
Veronica is a white-bread beauty searching for a good man in Los Angeles. While slam dancing at a Halloween rave, she meets Abel, a sensitive poet. Then she meets Zed, a supersexy tattooed drummer with incredible biceps. Who will she choose? Does she go for true love or cheap sex? She can't decide so she chooses both. But after managing to nurture a picture-perfect threesome, along comes Ernest, a rich movie director with deep baby blues that sweep Veronica off her feet. What's a girl to do now?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPumping 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
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFreaky Friday (1976)
School girl Annabel is hassled by her mother, and Mrs. Andrews is annoyed with her daughter, Annabel. They both think that the other has an easy life. On a normal Friday morning, both complain about each other and wish they could have the easy life of their daughter/mother for just one day and their wishes come true as a bit of magic puts Annabel in Mrs. Andrews' body and vice versa. They both have a Freaky Friday.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarbie: Spy Squad (2016)
Barbie and her best friends Teresa and Renee transform from hard-working gymnasts to undercover secret agents. When their amazing gymnastics skills catch the eye of a top-secret spy agency, the girls are soon following clues to a gem-stealing cat burglar, using high-tech gadgets, glam disguises and cute robo-pets to save the day.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMake Your Move (2013)
A pair of star-crossed dancers in New York find themselves at the center of a bitter rivalry between their brothers' underground dance clubs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisOrgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste (2022)
A sexual wellness company gains fame and followers, then members come forward with shocking allegations.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarbie: A Perfect Christmas (2011)
The vacation plans of Barbie and her sisters take a turn due to a snowstorm. Stranded in Tannenbaum town, they find themselves amidst a holiday venture where they learn a heartwarming lesson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDodgeBall: A True Underdog Story (2004)
When megalomaniacal White Goodman, the owner of a trendy, high-end fitness center, makes a move to take over the struggling local gym run by happy-go-lucky Pete La Fleur, there's only one way for La Fleur to fight back: dodgeball. Aided by a dodgeball guru and Goodman's attorney, La Fleur and his rag-tag team of underdogs launch a knock-down, drag-out battle in which the winner takes all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Matchmaker's Playbook (2018)
After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus, and he's putting his extensive skills with women to work as one of the masterminds behind a successful and secretive dating service. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet. As Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin' hot, Ian realizes he's in danger of breaking his cardinal rule....
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNever Back Down: Revolt (2021)
An amateur fighter is lured by a trafficking syndicate specializing in elite underground fighting where her brutal captor forces her to fight or face certain death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIntolerable Cruelty (2003)
A revenge-seeking gold digger marries a womanizing Beverly Hills lawyer with the intention of making a killing in the divorce.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWir hau'n die Pauker in die Pfanne (1970)
Principal Gottlieb Taft's twin brother Gotthold Taft partakes in the most recent prank by faking his death and promising a large inheritance to the Mommsen-Gymnasium and the principal. Of course, the inheritance is tied to many embarrassing conditions.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Hunters Are for Killing (1970)
A man comes home after serving time in prison to claim his share of his deceased mother's estate. However, his adoptive father, who holds him responsible for his biological son's death, intends to fight him for everything.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
What a Widow! (1930)
A young woman's elderly husband dies and leaves her $5 million. She travels to Paris and becomes part of the "Continental" set and is pursued by a rich playboy and a lawyer who works for her.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
The Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and passionate Marianne, learn that their prospects of marriage seem doomed by their family's sudden loss of fortune. After Henry Dashwood dies unexpectedly, his estate must pass on by law to his son. These circumstances leave Mr. Dashwood's wife and daughters without a home and with barely enough money to live on. As Elinor and Marianne struggle to find romantic fulfillment in a society obsessed with financial and social status, they must learn to mix sense with sensibility in their dealings with both money and men.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Orchard (2016)
When Los Angeles based Max Roth inherits an orchard in British Columbia, his life changes in unexpected ways.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
An alcoholic ex-football player drinks his days away, having failed to come to terms with his sexuality and his real feelings for his football buddy who died after an ambiguous accident. His wife is crucified by her desperation to make him desire her: but he resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father—who is dying of cancer—jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSomewhere in Civvies (1943)
Ex-army private Randle stands to receive a substantial inheritance from his uncle if he can prove he is of sound mind. However, his devious cousin tries to grab the money by having Randle committed to a psychiatric home.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The Woman of the Roses (2020)
Having failed to maintain her inherited estate's rose garden, a young woman finds herself haunted by the previous owner.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Under New Management (1946)
When chimney sweep Joe inherits a ramshackle hotel, he enlists the help of his former army friends to help restore and staff it. Knowing that an airport is due to be built nearby, two cunning property developers try to persuade him to sell, telling him the property is almost worthless. Can he thwart their scheme?
Why it matches: Similar story and style
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Pumping Flesh?
The closest matches to Pumping Flesh are Bigger (2018), Christmas Inheritance (2017) and Peaceful Warrior (2006). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Pumping Flesh?
Start with Bigger (2018), the closest match to Pumping Flesh.
What is the highest-rated movie like Pumping Flesh?
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), rated 7.6/10 by 879 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Pumping Flesh?
Magazine Dreams (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Pumping Flesh?
Yes: Bigger (2018), Christmas Inheritance (2017) and Peaceful Warrior (2006).
How are movies similar to Pumping Flesh chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Pumping Flesh, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.