Eddie Murphy's Best Movies: A Comedic Journey
Hey guys! Get ready for a wild ride through the incredible filmography of one of comedy's all-time greats: Eddie Murphy. From his groundbreaking stand-up to his unforgettable characters on the big screen, Murphy has consistently delivered laughter and entertainment for decades. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into some of his absolute best movies!
1. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
When you talk about Eddie Murphy and his most iconic roles, Beverly Hills Cop definitely tops the list. Released in 1984, this action-comedy masterpiece introduced us to Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit cop who isn’t afraid to bend the rules to get the job done. The plot kicks off when Axel’s childhood friend is murdered, leading him on a thrilling, hilarious adventure to the glitzy, palm-tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills. What makes this movie so special is the perfect blend of high-octane action and Murphy's razor-sharp comedic timing.
Axel Foley is not your typical fish-out-of-water character. He's quick-witted, resourceful, and utterly unafraid to challenge the status quo, even when that means going up against the wealthy and powerful. Murphy's performance is electric; he brings an energy and charisma to the role that's simply irresistible. Whether he's charming his way into exclusive parties or outsmarting seasoned detectives, Axel always keeps you on your toes. The supporting cast, including Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as detectives Billy Rosewood and John Taggart, adds another layer of comedic brilliance to the film. Their interactions with Axel are priceless, creating some of the most memorable scenes in the movie. The success of Beverly Hills Cop spawned two sequels, though none quite captured the magic of the original. It solidified Eddie Murphy's status as a box-office superstar and remains a cultural touchstone, influencing countless action-comedies that followed. If you're looking for a film that perfectly showcases Murphy's comedic genius and action-hero prowess, Beverly Hills Cop is an absolute must-watch. It's a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
2. Trading Places (1983)
Before he was solving crimes in Beverly Hills, Eddie Murphy starred in Trading Places, a hilarious social satire that showcases his incredible range as a comedic actor. Released in 1983, this film tells the story of Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd), a wealthy commodities broker, and Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a street hustler. Their lives are turned upside down when two millionaire brothers, Randolph and Mortimer Duke, make a bet to see what would happen if they switched the lives of Winthorpe and Valentine.
The premise of Trading Places is simple yet brilliant, offering a sharp commentary on class, wealth, and the nature of success. Murphy's portrayal of Billy Ray Valentine is nothing short of iconic. He seamlessly transforms from a street-smart con artist to a sophisticated commodities trader, all while retaining his signature wit and charm. The chemistry between Murphy and Dan Aykroyd is electric, and their comedic timing is impeccable. They play off each other perfectly, creating some of the most memorable and hilarious scenes in the film. What makes Trading Places so enduring is its clever writing and its willingness to tackle complex social issues with humor and wit. The film doesn't shy away from exploring the themes of racism, poverty, and the corrupting influence of wealth. However, it does so in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The Duke brothers, played by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche, are the perfect antagonists, embodying the greed and arrogance of the wealthy elite. Their comeuppance is one of the most satisfying moments in the film. Trading Places was a critical and commercial success, further cementing Eddie Murphy's status as a rising star in Hollywood. It remains a beloved comedy classic, and its themes are just as relevant today as they were in the 1980s. If you're looking for a film that will make you laugh while also making you think, Trading Places is an excellent choice.
3. Coming to America (1988)
In 1988, Eddie Murphy brought us Coming to America, a hilarious fish-out-of-water story that solidified his status as a comedic genius. Murphy plays Prince Akeem Joffer, a wealthy and sheltered prince from the fictional African nation of Zamunda, who travels to Queens, New York, in search of true love. Tired of arranged marriages and superficial relationships, Akeem wants to find a woman who loves him for who he is, not for his royal status.
What makes Coming to America so unique is Eddie Murphy's incredible ability to transform himself into multiple characters. In addition to playing Prince Akeem, Murphy also portrays several other memorable characters, including Randy Watson, Clarence, and Saul. Each character is distinct and hilarious, showcasing Murphy's versatility as a performer. The film is filled with memorable scenes and quotable lines, from Akeem's first experience with American fast food to his awkward attempts to woo Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley). The supporting cast, including Arsenio Hall as Akeem's loyal servant Semmi, adds another layer of comedic brilliance to the film. Their interactions are priceless, creating some of the most memorable moments in the movie. Coming to America is not just a comedy; it's also a celebration of African culture and a commentary on American society. The film explores themes of identity, love, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It was a massive commercial success, grossing over $288 million worldwide. A sequel, Coming 2 America, was released in 2021, bringing back many of the original cast members. While it didn't quite capture the magic of the original, it was a welcome return to the world of Zamunda. If you're looking for a film that will make you laugh, think, and feel good, Coming to America is an excellent choice. It's a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
4. The Nutty Professor (1996)
The Nutty Professor, released in 1996, is a hilarious remake of the 1963 Jerry Lewis film of the same name. Eddie Murphy stars as Professor Sherman Klump, a kind-hearted but morbidly obese university professor who invents a weight-loss serum that transforms him into the slim and charismatic Buddy Love. This movie is a testament to Murphy's incredible range and commitment to his roles, as he plays not only Sherman and Buddy but also several members of the Klump family.
What truly sets The Nutty Professor apart is Eddie Murphy's masterful performance. He disappears into each role, bringing a unique physicality and personality to every character. Sherman Klump is endearing and sympathetic, while Buddy Love is arrogant and over-the-top. The scenes featuring the entire Klump family are some of the funniest in the movie, showcasing Murphy's ability to play multiple characters in the same scene seamlessly. The film uses humor to explore themes of body image, self-acceptance, and the pressure to conform to societal standards. While it's filled with slapstick and gross-out gags, it also has a heart, reminding us that true beauty comes from within. The Nutty Professor was a box-office hit, grossing over $273 million worldwide. It spawned a sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, which was also a commercial success. While the sequel didn't quite match the original in terms of critical acclaim, it further showcased Murphy's talent for playing multiple characters. If you're looking for a comedy that will make you laugh and think, The Nutty Professor is an excellent choice. It's a testament to Eddie Murphy's versatility and comedic genius.
5. Bowfinger (1999)
Released in 1999, Bowfinger is a hilarious comedy that showcases Eddie Murphy's comedic talents in a slightly different light. The movie follows Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin), a struggling filmmaker in Hollywood who dreams of making it big. Desperate for a hit, Bowfinger comes up with a plan to film his low-budget movie starring the biggest action star in Hollywood, Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy), without Ramsey's knowledge.
In Bowfinger, Eddie Murphy not only plays Kit Ramsey, the paranoid and egotistical action star but also portrays Jiffrenson Ramsey, Kit's shy and nerdy twin brother. The contrast between the two characters is hilarious, and Murphy delivers both performances with equal skill and comedic timing. Kit Ramsey is convinced that he's being targeted by aliens and is constantly seeking spiritual guidance, while Jiffrenson is just trying to find his place in the world. The scenes where Bowfinger and his crew try to film Kit without his knowledge are some of the funniest in the movie, as they resort to increasingly absurd and desperate measures. The film is a satire of Hollywood culture, poking fun at the industry's obsession with fame, money, and special effects. It also explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams. Bowfinger was a critical and commercial success, praised for its clever writing, sharp humor, and the performances of Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy. It remains a beloved comedy classic, and its satire of Hollywood is just as relevant today as it was in 1999. If you're looking for a film that will make you laugh and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the wacky world of filmmaking, Bowfinger is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Eddie Murphy's contribution to comedy is undeniable. His movies have brought laughter and joy to audiences around the world. From his breakout role in Beverly Hills Cop to his multi-character performances in The Nutty Professor and Coming to America, Murphy has consistently proven his versatility and comedic genius. So, next time you're in the mood for a good laugh, check out one of these Eddie Murphy classics. You won't be disappointed!