It takes more effort than you might realize to make something this simple—and simply stupid—so appealing to a mass audience. Prank shows abounded in Bush-era America, but most reeked of misogyny so virulent that it’s unsurprising they didn’t make it through the recession. Surprisingly, the queer community and the bro set have emerged as unlikely allies in their mutual enthusiasm for the Jackass franchise, a counterintuitive but heartwarming union that Paramount served beautifully with Best and Last’s theatrical release amid both Pride Month and basketball season. Jackass, suffice it to say, is a sweatsuit cocktail made up of ingredients more complicated than stunt setups like “kick yourself in the balls” or “snort a line of wasabi” might suggest.
Both the Jackass joie de vivre and its tradition of physical brinkmanship also have surprisingly deep roots: in silent film, Hollywood’s golden age, the ’90s punk scene and more. Seen in its proper historical context, the franchise is a veritable tapestry of Americana, as multifaceted and tonally distinct as the stunts themselves. If you haven’t (re-)run the Jackass series yet, grab a buddy, grab a bong, order a pizza and remember to heed the crew’s warning: The stunts in this movie were performed by professionals, so for your safety and the protection of those around you, do not attempt any of the stunts you have just seen.
To celebrate the release of Best and Last, let’s go back to the very beginning and unpack all the jackassery cinema has gifted us along the way. Here are twenty movies that influence, inspire and embody the spirit of Jackass, from raunchy comedies and music docs to films maudit and beyond.
