Johnny Knoxville Reveals His Top Five Favourite Films

Known for his wild stunts and a career built on taking hits for laughs, Johnny Knoxville has managed to carve out a spot in the film industry that few could have predicted. Despite his reputation for on-screen chaos, he’s landed roles alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Andrew Garfield, Dwayne Johnson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Not bad for a bloke who once copped a serious injury on camera. With a foot firmly in the world of showbiz, it’s always interesting to hear what someone like Knoxville rates when it comes to films.

During a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’, the Jackass frontman was asked to share his favourite films. True to form, he kicked things off with a classic comedy, calling

Blazing Saddles

his top pick in the genre. Directed by Mel Brooks, this send-up of the Western is often mentioned among the best comedies ever made. It’s even ranked sixth on the American Film Institute’s ‘100 Years… 100 Laughs’ list. While it’s now considered a staple, Brooks had to fight hard to get it onto screens, battling studio execs every step of the way.

Drama and Unlikely Classics

Knoxville didn’t just stick to laughs, though. He also named

A Face in the Crowd

, Elia Kazan’s 1957 drama, as a standout. The film stars Andy Griffith as a drifter who unexpectedly becomes a celebrity in rural Arkansas. Although it didn’t make a splash on release, it’s since gained a cult following, with directors like Martin Scorsese singing its praises.

Another of his picks,

Harold and Maude

, directed by Hal Ashby, straddles the line between comedy and something a bit darker. The story follows a young bloke obsessed with death and an older woman determined to live life to the fullest. It wasn’t a box office hit at first, but over time it’s become a firm favourite, landing at number 45 on the AFI’s comedy list. Just don’t expect the same sort of humour as Blazing Saddles.

International Favourites and Music on Film

Knoxville’s list also includes

Cinema Paradiso

, Giuseppe Tornatore’s coming-of-age tale set in Sicily. The film centres on the friendship between a young boy and an ageing cinema projectionist, offering a surprisingly heartfelt choice from someone known for slapstick antics.

Rounding out his top five is the documentary

Heartworn Highways

, directed by James Szalapski. This film explores the roots of Outlaw Country music, featuring performances from the likes of Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, and Townes Van Zandt. It’s a must-see for anyone keen on country tunes, though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Knoxville’s Top Five Picks

Here’s the full rundown of Johnny Knoxville’s 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)