The Jerk

Year: 1979

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Comedy

A naive and sheltered man named Navin Johnson, raised in a family he doesn't remember, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected fortune. Rising from poverty through a series of unusual and often hilarious inventions, he experiences the highs and lows of newfound prosperity. Along the way, he finds romance with a spirited motorcycle rider and encounters dangerous adversaries in a series of increasingly absurd situations. Ultimately, he must confront the question of whether his success is sustainable or a fragile illusion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Jerk yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Jerk (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Jerk (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Main Characters – The Jerk (1979)

Meet the key characters of The Jerk (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Major Themes – The Jerk (1979)

Explore the central themes of The Jerk (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Absurd Rags-to-Riches Comedies like The Jerk

Hilarious stories of unconventional characters stumbling into and out of extreme fortune.If you enjoyed The Jerk's hilarious take on fortune and folly, discover more movies like it. This collection features similar comedy stories where quirky characters experience chaotic journeys of unexpected wealth, often finding that true riches lie beyond money.

absurdsatiricallightheartedquirkyoptimisticsillynaiveuplifting

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, episodic structure, propelling a good-hearted but naive protagonist through a series of improbable successes and failures. The plot uses absurd situations and satirical commentary to explore themes of identity, value, and the fleeting nature of material success, usually culminating in a happy ending that reaffirms simpler joys.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a whimsical tone, fast pacing, and a light emotional weight. They are united by their focus on the comedic potential of the rags-to-riches arc, using absurdity and slapstick to deliver laughs while gently poking fun at societal conventions.

Movies with Naive Fish-Out-of-Water Heroes like The Jerk

Charming tales of utterly guileless characters navigating a bewildering world.Fans of Navin Johnson's utter innocence in The Jerk will love these similar movies. Explore stories featuring hopelessly naive but good-hearted characters whose adventures in a confusing world provide both big laughs and genuine charm.

naivequirkycharmingfish out of waterlightheartedsweetoptimisticcomedic

Narrative Summary

The story revolves around a character with a childlike view of the world entering a complex or cynical society. Their journey is defined by a series of episodic challenges where their innocence consistently clashes with reality, leading to comic chaos but also occasionally disarming those around them. The arc often involves a gentle coming-of-age without sacrificing the core naivety that defines them.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their central character archetype: the pure-hearted innocent. The shared experience is one of whimsical comedy derived from a character's fundamental misunderstanding of the world, coupled with a fast pace and a light, affectionate tone that never becomes mean-spirited.

Unlock the Full Story of The Jerk

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Jerk in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Jerk is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Jerk Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Jerk, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Jerk Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Jerk with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Jerk Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Jerk that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About The Jerk

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Jerk: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Jerk

Discover movies like The Jerk that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.