Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- warm
- offbeat
- casual weekend viewing
- classic cinema night
What critics said
Critics found the film uneven and overly eccentric, but broadly praised its performances, sequences, and depiction of the changing New South.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Affluent developer proxy Craig Blake gradually identifies with the neighborhood gym and its people instead of treating them as disposable obstacles.
The Olympic gym and Joe Santo’s Mr. Universum preparation provide the film’s distinctive social environment and recurring cultural contrast.
The plot interweaves redevelopment, eccentric gym life, romance, class conflict, and regional social observation in an episodic structure.
The syndicate’s plan to rebuild an entire district places the gym community inside a transforming Southern American landscape.
Films like Stay Hungry, and why
The Last Picture Show
Like Stay Hungry, it blends romantic comedy, social observation, eccentric supporting characters, and a wealthy protagonist unsettled by a less conventional community.
Nashville
Both are free-form character dramas with comic undertones, regional American settings, and protagonists whose privileged perspectives are challenged by vivid local communities.
Breaking Away
Shares a warm, offbeat romantic comedy tone, class contrast, and a central outsider drawn into an unconventional social world.
The King of Marvin Gardens
Comparable for its 1970s American character study, anti-establishment atmosphere, romance, and critique of affluent conformity.
Movie Details
- Director
- Bob Rafelson
- Release Date
- 1976-04-23
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (92)
Cast
- Jeff Bridges
- Sally Field
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- R.G. Armstrong
- Robert Englund
- Helena Kallianiotes
- Roger E. Mosley
- Woodrow Parfrey
- Scatman Crothers
- Kathleen Miller
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Stay Hungry about?
- A privileged redevelopment agent is pulled away from a cold urban scheme by an eccentric bodybuilding community and an unexpected romance.
- What is Stay Hungry like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Stay Hungry as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Stay Hungry violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Stay Hungry as mild.
- What did critics think of Stay Hungry?
- Critics found the film uneven and overly eccentric, but broadly praised its performances, sequences, and depiction of the changing New South.
- Which films are like Stay Hungry?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Picture Show, Nashville, Breaking Away, and The King of Marvin Gardens.
- How long is Stay Hungry?
- Stay Hungry runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Stay Hungry?
- In United States, Stay Hungry streams on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus.
