Pinball Beyond the Bumpers (2026): Cast, Story and Release

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Pinball Beyond the Bumpers is a 2026 documentary about the history and cultural reach of pinball. From its origins in the 1600s to its modern resurgence, the film brings together rare games, gaming legends, celebrities and rock stars, including Slash, Roger Sharpe and Gary Stern.

Pinball Beyond the Bumpers takes a broad look at the history and continuing popularity of pinball. The documentary follows the “silver ball” across centuries, connecting the game’s early development with its renewed presence today.

Along the way, the film features rare pinball machines and appearances by gaming figures, celebrities and rock stars. Directed and written by Mark Helms, it is framed as a factual exploration of a worldwide phenomenon rather than a fictional story.

Pinball Beyond the Bumpers movie details

Story without spoilers

The documentary traces pinball from the 1600s through its modern resurgence. Its subject is the game’s development, its rare machines and the people associated with its past and present, including gaming legends and well-known cultural figures.

The supplied synopsis also points to previously unseen footage, giving the film an archival and personality-driven focus. Rather than following a fictional protagonist, Pinball Beyond the Bumpers uses the history and culture of pinball as its central thread.

What to expect

Viewers can expect a 75-minute documentary centered on pinball history, rare games and the people who have helped define the hobby and its wider public profile. The subject matter spans several centuries and includes both gaming specialists and recognizable figures from music and entertainment.

The film’s approach appears designed for viewers interested in the game’s evolution and resurgence, with archival material and interview appearances forming part of its presentation. The supplied information does not specify a detailed chapter structure or critical position, so expectations are best kept focused on its historical and cultural scope.

Cast and creative team

Mark Helms directs and writes Pinball Beyond the Bumpers and also appears as himself. The documentary features Rebecca Victoria Hardy, Roger Sharpe, Gary Stern, Jack Guarnieri, Steve Ritchie, Jeremy Packer, Ron Shuster, Richard Bueschel and Slash, all appearing as themselves.

• Rebecca Victoria Hardy as Self
• Roger Sharpe as Self
• Gary Stern as Self
• Jack Guarnieri as Self
• Steve Ritchie as Self
• Jeremy Packer as Self
• Ron Shuster as Self
• Richard Bueschel as Self
• Slash as Self
• Mark Helms as Self

Release and production context

Pinball Beyond the Bumpers is listed as a 2026 documentary from the United States of America. Its release date is October 20, 2026, and its runtime is 1 hour and 15 minutes. New Video Images is the listed production company. The supplied metadata does not identify a spoken language.

Production companies: New Video Images

Reported production figures:
Budget $12,000

Movies Dock view

With its long historical timeline, rare-game footage and collection of participants from the pinball world and popular culture, Pinball Beyond the Bumpers presents a focused documentary portrait of a lasting pastime. Its appeal will likely depend on how closely viewers connect with pinball’s history, machines and community.

Film data:
TMDB