Johnny Knoxville Reveals His Top Five Films of All Time

Known for his outlandish stunts and a career that’s left him with more than a few war wounds, Johnny Knoxville has nonetheless managed to carve out a place for himself in the world of cinema. Despite a reputation built on self-inflicted chaos, he’s appeared alongside the likes of Andrew Garfield, Dwayne Johnson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even played the main villain in Men in Black II, one of 2002’s biggest box office hits. For someone who once suffered a rather unfortunate injury on camera, Knoxville’s journey into Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable. So, when he offers his thoughts on the films that have influenced him, it’s worth taking note.

During a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, the Jackass frontman was asked to list his favourite films. True to form, he kicked things off with a classic comedy, naming Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles as his top pick in the genre. This irreverent spoof of the Western has long been celebrated as one of the funniest films ever made, ranking sixth on the American Film Institute’s ‘100 Years… 100 Laughs’ list. While it’s now considered a staple of comedic cinema, Brooks faced significant resistance from the studio before the film finally reached audiences. Knoxville counts himself among the many admirers of this madcap classic.

Drama and Unlikely Fame

Knoxville’s list didn’t stop at comedy. He next highlighted Elia Kazan’s 1957 drama, A Face in the Crowd. The film stars Andy Griffith as a drifter who unexpectedly rises to fame in rural Arkansas. Although it made little impact upon release, the film has since gained a devoted following, with Martin Scorsese among its champions. Its exploration of celebrity and media manipulation clearly struck a chord with Knoxville.

He then turned to Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude, a film that straddles the line between comedy and drama. The story centres on a young man obsessed with mortality and his unlikely friendship with an elderly woman determined to live life to the fullest. Initially overlooked, it has since become a cult favourite, earning a spot at number 45 on the AFI’s comedy list. However, its humour is of a rather different flavour to Blazing Saddles.

Sentiment and Soundtracks

Among Knoxville’s choices is Cinema Paradiso, Giuseppe Tornatore’s poignant coming-of-age tale set in Sicily. The film follows the bond between a young boy and an ageing projectionist, offering a gentle, heartfelt look at the magic of cinema. It’s a surprisingly tender selection from someone whose career is built on physical comedy and daredevil antics.

Rounding out his list is Heartworn Highways, a documentary directed by James Szalapski. The film captures the emergence of the Outlaw Country movement, featuring performances from Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, and Townes Van Zandt. While it may not appeal to everyone, those with a taste for country music will find much to appreciate.

Knoxville’s Quintet

To sum up, here are Johnny Knoxville’s five favourite films:

Blazing Saddles (Mel Brooks, 1974)

A Face in the Crowd (Elia Kazan, 1957)

Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971)

Cinema Paradiso (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988)

Heartworn Highways (James Szalapski, 1976)