When I first saw that a Kai documentary was coming out, I honestly brushed it off and didn’t give it a second thought.
Why?
Because I hated the way Kai Greene treated his fans at the end of his career. All the interviews saying a whole bunch of nothing. Hinting at a comeback to the stage year after year. It got annoying and, quite frankly, it pissed off a lot of fans (including me).
But then I decided to at least start watching the Kai documentary, and if I got annoyed with his typical BS, I’d just turn it off and chalk it up as a loss and waste of my time.
Shockingly, the Kai documentary pulls you in from the first scene. It’s raw. It’s emotional. And it gives you a front-row seat to one of the most unique stories in bodybuilding.
If you think this film is just another “bodybuilder rises to fame” storyline, think again, because it’s far from it.
This documentary digs into Kai Greene’s past, his trauma, his mindset, and the incredible resilience that helped him go from a troubled kid to one of the most influential figures the sport has ever seen.
In this article, I want to dive deeper into the Kai documentary and give you my review and opinion of the movie. Let’s break it all down.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
The Kai Documentary Storyline: More Than Muscle
The storyline of the Kai documentary was really good, in my opinion. Let’s break it down a little.
1. The Childhood That Shaped a Legend
The Kai documentary doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It opens the door to Kai’s early life, which was anything but stable. He grew up in the New York foster system. He bounced between group homes. He struggled with anger, identity, and survival.
The film spends quite a bit of time here for a reason.
It lets you understand why Kai became the person he is. Why bodybuilding became his outlet. And why art, expression, and physical transformation played such a massive role in his journey.
2. Rising Through the Ranks
Once Kai finds bodybuilding, the tone shifts.
You see him go all in. You see the grind. And you see just how much passion he brings to the sport. The fans went crazy every time he started his posing routine. It was unique and entertaining.
The Kai documentary shows his rise to becoming one of the most dominant and recognizable bodybuilders of the modern era. His rivalry with Phil Heath also gets plenty of attention, and it gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most intense eras in bodybuilding competition (it was one of my favorite rivalries).
3. The Artist Behind the Muscle
One of the best parts of the film is how much time it gives to Kai’s artistic side.
He’s not just lifting weights. He’s drawing. He’s painting. He’s performing. He’s creating.
The Kai documentary does a great job highlighting that his identity goes far beyond bodybuilding. He’s a storyteller. A performer. And someone who uses creativity to work through the darkest parts of his past.
The Good: What the Kai Documentary Does Right
What does the Kai documentary do right?
1. It’s Raw and Real
This isn’t a polished, PR-approved highlight reel. It’s the real Kai. And the film doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics.
You feel his pain.
You feel his drive.
And you feel the weight of everything he’s overcome.
That transparency gives the Kai documentary a sense of depth you don’t get in many fitness films.
2. The Film Shows the Whole Person
Bodybuilding fans already know Kai the athlete. But this documentary introduces you to Kai the human.
It’s emotional.
It’s powerful.
And it fills in the pieces of his story you may have never known.
If you’re into character-driven documentaries, this one absolutely delivers.
3. High-Quality Production
The visuals are sharp.
The pacing is steady.
And the interviews are well done.
You can tell there was real care put into how the director crafted the storyline.
The Adam Yudin and Generation Iron touch is clear throughout, as it has that cinematic, documentary-style polish.
The Bad: Where the Kai Documentary Falls Short
What about the Kai documentary missed the mark?
1. It Could Have Gone Even Deeper into His Career
Bodybuilding fans may wish the film spent more time breaking down specific competitions, training methods, or controversies. There’s a lot of emotional storytelling here, but hardcore fans might crave a little more backstage detail.
2. Some Sections Feel a Bit Repetitive
Because so much of the Kai documentary focuses on his internal struggles, a few segments can feel similar. It’s not a huge issue, but you do notice it.
3. Limited Look at His Post-Bodybuilding Career
The film touches on his acting and artistic pursuits, but only briefly. Kai is a multifaceted guy, and some viewers may want a deeper look at his projects outside the fitness world.
Who Should Watch the Kai Documentary?
So, who should give the Kai documentary a watch?
1. Bodybuilding Fans
If you follow the sport even a little, this is a must-watch. Kai is one of the most compelling personalities in bodybuilding history, and this documentary helps explain why.
2. Anyone Who Loves Underdog Stories
This isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s about trauma, survival, transformation, and resilience. If you love stories about people who fight their way out of impossible situations, this film hits hard.
3. Fans of Character-Driven Documentaries
The film digs into mindset more than muscle. If that’s your thing, you’ll really enjoy the documentary.
My Opinion: Is the Kai Documentary Worth a Watch?
Absolutely.
It’s powerful.
It’s emotional.
It’s honest.
And it gives you a deeper understanding of who Kai Greene really is (far beyond the stage, the posing routines, and the rivalry with Phil Heath).
The Kai documentary tells a story about pain, purpose, and the power of self-expression. It shows how bodybuilding saved Kai’s life and how his creativity helped him channel everything he couldn’t express as a kid.
Is it perfect? No.
Could it have gone deeper into parts of his career? Sure.
But as a whole, it delivers an inspiring, meaningful look at one of bodybuilding’s most fascinating figures.
If you’re into fitness, personal growth, or motivational stories, the Kai documentary deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Author Bio:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is the owner of Weik Fitness. He is a globally recognized and prolific writer. With a passion for creating health and fitness content, Matt’s work has been featured on thousands of websites, over 100 magazines, and he has authored more than 25 published books.
