The Jerk
1979, English. Directed by Carl Reiner.
A rags to riches to rags story.
After discovering he's not really black like the rest of his family, likable dimwit Navin Johnson sets off on a hilarious misadventure that takes him from rags to riches and back again. The slaphappy jerk strikes it rich, but life in the fast lane isn't all it's cracked up to be and, in the end, all that really matters to Johnson is his true love.
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.9/10 from 946 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Jerk
The Jerk isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
Rent
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 8 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
The Jerk: watch order
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 14 December 1979
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Carl Gottlieb, Steve Martin, Michael Elias
- Budget
- $4M
- Box office
- $100M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Jerk: quick answers
What comes after The Jerk?
Next in the series: The Jerk, Too (1984).
Is The Jerk worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.9/10 from 946 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Jerk?
The Jerk runs 94 minutes (1h 34m).
Does The Jerk have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Jerk. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Jerk parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Jerk is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Jerk on?
The Jerk isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 8 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Jerk?
If you liked The Jerk, try The Dink, Taking Care of Business, The Three Stooges.
Who directed The Jerk?
The Jerk (1979) was directed by Carl Reiner and stars Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams.