© Getty Images/BrunoPress

Dwayne Johnson -

Retired professional wrestler and former football player Dwayne Johnson is still known by his ring name the Rock. Very apt, considering his biceps resemble a pair of granite boulders. Johnson's huge frame has done him proud: he's currently one of the world’s most bankable actors.

© NL Beeld

Terry Crews -

The former NFL linebacker is known these days for his many comedic roles, but his physical presence is no joke. Crews is huge, and there's not an ounce of flab on him. In fact, he often plays off of his athletic physique—and those biceps look like cannonballs!

© Getty Images 

Arnold Schwarzenegger -

At his peak, Arnie's physical attributes were absolutely astonishing: chest 139 cm (55 in); waist 78 cm (30 in); thighs 73.40 cm (28.5); calves 50 cm (20 in). And those arms? An impressive 55.5 cm (22 in). He's still in awesome shape, as any self-respecting Terminator should be.

© Getty Images 

Chris Hemsworth -

Australian hunk Chris Hemsworth underwent an extraordinary bodybuilding regimen to prepare for his superhero role as Thor.

© NL Beeld

Sylvester Stallone -

Sly Stallone carved himself out a place on Hollywood's A-list by using brain and brawn to create legendary characters such as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. His solid torso and huge, piston-like arms have helped power him to superstar status.

© Getty Images 

Jean-Claude Van Damme -

The "Muscles from Brussels" is one of the most successful martial artists to emerge from Europe. Believe it or not, the young Van Damme studied ballet for five years while homing his karate skills. Graceful and deadly, he hit Hollywood for six with 'Bloodsport' (1988) using whiplash feet and 40 cm (16 in) sledgehammer arms.

© Getty Images 

Lou Ferrigno -

Retired professional bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno will forever be known as the Hulk, the fictional superhero whose alter ego, Dr. David Banner, had a habit of turning big and green when irked. Ferrigno's chiseled and statuesque Hulk graced TV screens between 1977 and 1981. At one point his biceps measured an incredible 57.15 cm (22.5 in)—even bigger than those of his bodybuilding buddy, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

© Getty Images

Mr. T -

Remember 'The A-Team,' the popular TV show from the 1980s? Well it was Bosco "B.A." (Bad Attitude) Baracus, played by Mr. T, that caught the imagination of the public. His mohawk cut, excessive bling, "crazy fool" catchphrase, and arms like a pair of dumpsters endeared him to all.

© Getty Images 

Carl Weathers -

As the character Apollo Creed in the first four 'Rocky' films, Carl Weathers gave as good as he got slugging it out in the ring against Sly. Weathers is another pro football player who made the transition over to acting. He brought with him a honed and intimidating physique, and those gloves on the end of gridiron arms found their mark on numerous occasions.

© Getty Images 

Bruce Lee (1940–1973) -

Big things come in small packages, and while Bruce Lee never possessed the biggest biceps in town, boy was he powerful—and fast! Lee backed down to no one and in a blink of an eye could send the toughest, meanest brute spinning to the floor.

© Getty Images 

Dolph Lundgren -

Standing 1.98 m (6 ft 5 in), Lundgren's imposing stature and barrel shaped biceps won the Swedish powerhouse a star turn opposite Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky IV' (1985) as Ivan Drago, Rocky's Russian nemesis. Drago's menacing "I must break you" has gone down in movie one-liner history.

© Getty Images 

Steve Reeves (1926–2000) -

One of the original mid-1950's sword and sandal actors, pro bodybuilder Steve Reeves is best known for his portrayal of the Greek hero Hercules in the 1958 film of the same name, and for playing other muscular characters from antiquity. He reigned as Mr. America of 1947, Mr. World of 1948, and Mr. Universe of 1950. Blessed with a colossal physique and film star looks, Reeves is credited with beginning the athlete-turned-actor trend.

© Public Domain 

John Cena -

Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, John Cena's career outside the ring has seen him flex his might and muscle in several movies, including 'The Marine' (2006) and '12 Rounds' (2009). His appearance in 'F9' (2021) is further proof of his smackdown success on the silver screen.

© NL Beeld

Michael Clark Duncan (1957–2012) -

Gentle giant Michael Clark Duncan stood 1.98 m (6 ft 5 in) and sported a pair of 50.8 cm (20 in) arms the size of boxcars. His larger-than-life persona belied his affable demeanor, and his early death saddened everyone who knew him.

© Getty Images 

Mickey Hargitay (1926–2006) -

Born in Hungary, Hargitay moved to the United States in 1947, where he took up bodybuilding. He won the 1955 Mr. Universe competition and later became an actor. He famously married actress Jayne Mansfield (1933–1967), also known for possessing a well-honed and toned body. The couple starred in several movies together, including 'The Loves of Hercules' (1960). One of their children is actress Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role in the hit TV show 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.'

© Getty Images 

Hulk Hogan -

Not for nothing is Terry Eugene Bollea known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. This guy is enormous! Now retired, Hogan remains one of the most recognized wrestling stars in the world. He made his movie debut in 'Rocky III' as the character Thunderlips. In his prime, Hogan’s mammoth 50 cm (20 in) pumped-up arms resembled a pair of angry, overfed pythons.

© Getty Images 

Vin Diesel -

Action star Vin Diesel cuts a muscular and finely-tuned physique. Known for his appearances in the 'Fast & Furious,' 'XXX,' and 'The Chronicles of Riddick' film franchises, Diesel often uses his trademark arms to punch himself out of a problem.

© NL Beeld

Jason Momoa -

You know him from 'Game of Thrones,' but it's as the title superhero in 'Aquaman' (2018) that audiences really came to appreciate Momoa's formidable physique. And, hey, you need a pair of strong arms to embrace Queen Mera and wield a heavy trident at the same time.

© NL Beeld

Mark Wahlberg -

A former bad boy rapper, Wahlberg transitioned from music to acting in 1994 with his big screen debut in 'Renaissance Man.' Buff and ripped since his teens, he bulked up big time for 'Pain and Gain' (2013), which also stars muscleman Dwayne Johnson.

© Getty Images 

Will Smith -

He's come a long way since 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' back in the early 1990s. But Will Smith looks as fresh and as fit as ever. It was beefing up for his portrayal as heavyweight boxer Muhammed Ali in 'Ali' (2001) that saw Smith transition from scrawny to brawny. Everything got bigger and better, and he's not looked back since.

© NL Beeld

Brad Pitt -

The cult classic 'Fight Club' (1999) saw Brad Pitt pack a punch as a soap salesman who forms an underground fight club with a buddy. He's still buff, and those biceps are as pumped up as ever.

© NL Beeld

Clint Eastwood -

Eastwood has kept fit all his life, running daily and working out in the gym. His strong physique was highlighted to great effect in his role as a bare-knuckle fighter in 'Every Which Way But Loose' (1978) and its sequel, 'Any Which Way You Can' (1980).

© Getty Images 

Charles Bronson (1921-2003) -

Granite faced and steely-eyed, Charles Bronson was an unlikely looking movie star. But his hard-as-nails persona won him some memorable roles in a string of successful films, including 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960) and 'The Great Escape' (1963). Bronson’s chiseled physique was showcased to perfection in 'Chato's Land' (1972) and again in 'Hard Times' (1975) as an aging but still capable bare-knuckle street fighter.

© Getty Images 

Hugh Jackman -

Especially known for playing Wolverine/Logan in the 'X-Men' film series, Australian actor Hugh Jackman is a picture of masculinity. While not possessed of a bodybuilder physique, he clearly works out and has the arms, chest, and the rest of him to prove it.

© Getty Images 

Chris Evans -

You're not going to make a decent superhero without an exceptional physique. So whether Chris Evans is portraying the Human Torch or Captain America, he buffs up and masses out to achieve the desired effect.

© NL Beeld

Ryan Reynolds -

From rom-com actor to comic book superhero, Canadian movie star Ryan Reynolds has spent years chiseling a blockbuster body. He puts down his awesomely shredded physique to an all-out workout regime.

© NL Beeld

Matthew McConaughey -

It really seems like Matthew McConaughey will take any excuse to take his shirt off. In fact, it only takes a movie like 'Fool’s Gold' (2008), or even just a stroll on the beach, for McConaughey to shed his wardrobe and expose his bronze and sculptured torso.

© Getty Images 

Channing Tatum -

Of course, we also remember McConaughey and Channing Tatum absolutely owning their parts as male strippers in 'Magic Mike' (2012). In fact, Tatum's body did such a good job that he returned for a sequel, 'Magic Mike XXL' (2015). Certainly it helped that once upon a time Tatum really did work as a stripper at a nightclub. Talk about preparing for a role (naturally, he was also a producer on both films).

© NL Beeld

Shemar Moore -

Before finding international fame on hit TV shows like 'Criminal Minds' and 'S.W.A.T.,' Shemar Moore was a successful fashion model. He remains phenomenally fit and criminally good looking. And his tattoos only serve to accentuate those rounded biceps.

Sources: (Greatest Physiques)(Britannica)

See also: How to tell if you're exercising too much

© Getty Images