10 Movies & Shows Like The Jerk (1979)

Description: Both 'The Pink Panther' and 'The Jerk' feature comedic performances by legendary actors (Peter Sellers and Steve Martin) who excel at physical comedy. The films share a lighthearted, whimsical tone and a focus on the absurdity of their protagonists' situations.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a serious heist movie. Peter Sellers improvised many of his lines. The iconic theme music was composed by Henry Mancini.

Description: 'Blazing Saddles' and 'The Jerk' both use satire to poke fun at societal norms and stereotypes. Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner (who co-wrote 'The Jerk') share a similar comedic sensibility, blending slapstick with sharp wit. Both films are unafraid to tackle taboo subjects with humor.

Fact: The film was almost canceled due to its controversial content. The famous campfire scene was improvised. Richard Pryor was originally considered for the lead role.

Description: 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' and 'The Jerk' both rely on absurd, surreal humor and a disregard for conventional storytelling. Both films feature protagonists who are naive and ill-equipped for their journeys, leading to hilarious misadventures. The comedic styles are similarly irreverent and inventive.

Fact: The film was shot on a very low budget, leading to the use of coconuts for horse sounds. The 'Black Knight' scene was almost cut for being too violent. The film was originally going to end with a musical number, but the budget ran out.

Description: Both 'Animal House' and 'The Jerk' are comedies that celebrate rebellion and non-conformity. The films feature characters who are outsiders or misfits, and both use humor to critique authority and societal expectations. The chaotic energy and ensemble casts are also similar.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life experiences of screenwriter Chris Miller. John Belushi's character, Bluto, was originally a minor role but was expanded due to his performance. The toga party scene was inspired by a real event at Dartmouth College.

Description: 'Airplane!' shares with 'The Jerk' a similar style of rapid-fire, absurdist humor. Both films are packed with visual gags, puns, and non-sequiturs that keep the audience laughing throughout. The comedic timing and over-the-top performances in both films are key to their enduring popularity.

Fact: The film is a parody of the 1957 disaster film 'Zero Hour!' Leslie Nielsen, known for his deadpan delivery, was primarily a dramatic actor before 'Airplane!' The 'jive talk' scene was almost cut because test audiences didn't understand it.

Description: Both 'Caddyshack' and 'The Jerk' are comedies that feature eccentric characters and a loose, improvisational style. The humor in both films is often silly and irreverent, with a focus on the absurdity of human behavior. The ensemble casts in both movies contribute to their chaotic, fun energy.

Fact: The gopher scenes were added after production had wrapped, costing an additional $1 million. Bill Murray's character, Carl Spackler, was largely improvised. Rodney Dangerfield ad-libbed most of his lines.

Description: 'Stripes' and 'The Jerk' both feature underdog protagonists who find themselves in over their heads. Bill Murray's character, like Steve Martin's in 'The Jerk,' is a lovable loser who stumbles into success. The films share a similar tone of irreverent humor and heart.

Fact: The film was shot on a real military base with actual soldiers as extras. Bill Murray improvised many of his lines. The script was originally much darker, but was rewritten to be more comedic.

Description: 'Ghostbusters' and 'The Jerk' both blend comedy with a unique, offbeat premise. Both films feature charismatic leads who bring a sense of fun and spontaneity to their roles. The humor in both is clever but accessible, with a mix of slapstick and wit.

Fact: The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man was originally going to be a giant version of the Ghostbusters logo. The film was originally conceived as a vehicle for Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. The library ghost was played by a male actor in drag.

Description: Like 'The Jerk,' 'Spaceballs' is a comedy that parodies popular genres (sci-fi in this case) with a mix of slapstick and clever wordplay. Both films feature protagonists who are bumbling but ultimately good-hearted, and both have a playful, irreverent tone.

Fact: The film was originally titled 'Planet Moron.' Mel Brooks played two roles in the film: President Skroob and Yogurt. The 'comb the desert' scene was improvised.

Description: Like 'The Jerk,' 'Dumb and Dumber' is a comedy that thrives on the absurdity and naivety of its protagonists. Both films feature lovable but dim-witted characters who stumble through life with hilarious consequences. The humor in both movies is broad and often slapstick, appealing to a wide audience.

Fact: Jim Carrey turned down the role of Ace Ventura to star in 'Dumb and Dumber.' The film was inspired by a real-life incident where the Farrelly brothers met a man who thought 'Aspen' was a type of tree. The iconic orange and blue tuxedo was Jim Carrey's idea.