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Arnold

Arnold

One man. Three lifetimes.

2023Miniseries1 season3 episodes~60 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

This intimate docuseries follows Arnold Schwarzenegger's multifaceted life and career, from bodybuilding champ to Hollywood icon to politician.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Arnold?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Arnold streaming on Netflix.

Subscription

Highlights

What stands out about Arnold?

Arnold earns 7 badges, led by Top 5% of the 2020s and Top 10% of shows.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Content

Reception

Is Arnold worth watching?

Arnold's Midcredits score is the 93rd percentile of all shows, from 25K ratings across 2 sources. 92% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

93rd percentile

Better received than 93% of shows

90th percentile among Documentary95th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)86th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

80 /100

86th percentile of all shows

79th percentile among Documentary89th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

92% liked it

96th percentile of all shows

95th percentile among Documentary97th percentile among 2020s
92% rated it 7–108% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

90th percentile

24K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Documentary92nd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 23% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Arnold is a driven, ambitious figure who achieved unprecedented success across three distinct careers through relentless hard work, but his life story is told on his own terms and glosses over painful personal history.

Fans praised

  • remarkable triple-career life thoroughly covered across bodybuilding, film, and politics
  • candid self-reflection including affair, steroid use, and childhood abuse
  • extensive never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with Hollywood peers

Detractors panned

  • self-curated narrative avoids deeper exploration of personal failings and grief
  • shallow treatment of family tragedies like brother's death and father's abuse
  • lack of critical outside voices or independent journalistic perspective

What stands out

Emotional impactDivisive65

inspiring for fans; critics find it superficial and lacking genuine vulnerability

Plot and storyDivisive65

clear chronological structure but feels selective and celebratory

ActingDivisive35

limited range, more presence than performance; divisive among even fans

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 31 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Episodes

1 season

Limited Series · 2023 · 3 episodes · 8.1 average across 3 rated episodes

  • S1E1

    Part 1: Athlete

    Jun 7, 202363 minTMDB rating 8.2Season best
  • S1E2

    Part 2: Actor

    Jun 7, 202361 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S1E3

    Part 3: American

    Jun 7, 202365 minTMDB rating 7.9Finale

Watch experience

What is Arnold like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and gentle — an even-paced watch that leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
ContemplativeTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Episodic · 11% of shows: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.Anthology episodes · 6% of showsSingle-season story
ToneThe documentary presents Arnold's life with admiration and earnestness, treating his achievements and flaws without irony.
The rideThe series likely mixes reflective moments with celebratory highs, with the family volatility and personal costs weighing more heavily in later episodes.
StructureThe series is structured as three separate episodes covering athlete, actor, and politician.
Episode formatEach episode likely covers a distinct phase of Schwarzenegger's life (bodybuilding, Hollywood, politics), making them standalone chapters.
Season formatThe miniseries comprises one season that tells the complete arc of his life in three episodes.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
HopefulThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe documentary leaves the viewer inspired by Arnold's relentless drive and self-reflection, prompting thought about ambition and legacy.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 40% of shows: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeThis documentary series profiles Arnold Schwarzenegger's life across three distinct career phases without a single narrative plot; it is a biographical portrait.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% (this title) · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 14% of showsFamily bondsLegacy · 3% of shows
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe series centers on Schwarzenegger's relentless drive across bodybuilding, acting, and politics, while also exploring the cost to his family and the legacy he builds.
StanceThe series presents Schwarzenegger's ambition and its consequences without overt judgment, letting the story speak for itself.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Christophe Beck
SettingFrom Austrian gyms to California's movie sets and governor's office
MusicThe score likely underscores the epic scale of Schwarzenegger's life journey.

Content guide

Is Arnold okay for kids?

TV-MA

Arnold is rated TV-MA. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (27/100), language at moderate (56/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at mild (27/100). Overall it is heavier than 2% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 38 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil14
  • Austria16
  • BG16
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • Israel15+
  • ItalyVM18
  • MexicoC
  • MY18
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • Portugal16
  • PRTV-MA
  • ROAP
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeNC16
  • SK15
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • SwedenFrån 15 år
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan15+
  • THน 15+
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 24% of all showsHeavier than 2% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 15%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 12%
Profanity
Moderate
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 25%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 20%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 13%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 25% of TV-MA shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Arnold have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Arnold?

Cast

Albert Busek
as Friend
Jon Jon Park
as Reg Park's Son
Frank Zane
as Mr. Olympia 1977, 1978, 1979

Crew

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TMDB's suggestions for shows like Arnold include Escaping Twin Flames (2023), Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story (2023) and Pee-wee as Himself (2025).

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