Few figures in comedy are as iconic as Eddie Murphy. As a young man, Murphy joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, becoming the star of the entire show and creating several iconic characters. He went on to become the biggest stand-up comedian in the world, before inevitably becoming the biggest movie star in the world as well.
With Murphy enjoying a big comeback as of late, it seems like the perfect time to look back on his impressive filmography. While Murphy’s work has not always been popular with critics, many of his films have been hailed as classics, largely thanks to his immense talent. Here are Eddie Murphy’s best films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Coming To America (67%)
A comedian playing multiple characters in a film was not a new concept, but Murphy might be the one who has done it best. Coming to America was the first time Murphy attempted this bold feat in the story of an African prince who travels to Queens, New York in order to find real love. Murphy also plays an elderly barber, a Jewish man, and a soul singer.
The movie is the ideal vehicle for Murphy to show off his incredible talent. He is hilarious in this fish-out-of-water story, even if the story itself is a little thin. We look forward to seeing what he cooks up for the upcoming sequel.
Dreamgirls (78%)
Murphy usually stays in the comedy realm, but Dreamgirls proved he could be just as effective in more dramatic roles. The film is an adaption of the hit Broadway musical about the rise to fame of a female soul group and how their lives fall apart after finding success. Murphy steals the show as the wild frontman who gives the group its big break.
The movie is an energetic and stylish musical with some showstopping performances. Murphy scored his first Oscar nomination for his role, changing the way many people view the star.
Beverly Hills Cop (80%)
Murphy was already a star by the time Beverly Hills Cop came along, but it was the movie that launched him into superstardom. He stars as Axel Foley, a suave Detroit cop who travels to posh Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his old friend.
What could have been a pretty straight-forward cop movie is elevated thanks to Murphy’s amazing comedic talent. He also proves to be a strong leading man who fits the mold of an action hero exceptionally well. Not surprisingly, this is another franchise Murphy will be revisiting.
Bowfinger (81%)
The combination of comedy legends Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy seems like a match made in heaven. The pair joined forces for this sharp and hilarious Hollywood comedy about a struggling filmmaker (Martin) who attempts to make a low-budget movie by using an awkward man (Murphy) who looks like a major movie star.
The movie is a witty, original and hugely entertaining romp that pokes fun at showbiz while also celebrating those people who are still trying to make it in the business.
Mulan (86%)
Murphy has one of those great, energetic voices that seems perfect for animated movies. So it’s no surprise he joined the Disney classic, Mulan. The movie tells the story of a young Chinese girl who is told to embrace the traditional life of a female at the time, despite feeling it is the wrong path for her. When war breaks out, she disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army.
Murphy plays a tiny dragon who joins Mulan on her journey. He provides big laughs in the epic, thrilling and powerful tale that seems more ambitious than other Disney offerings. Murphy will be missed in the upcoming live-action remake.
Trading Places (87%)
While Murphy’s talents can sometimes overshadow anyone else who shares the screen with him, he has proven to be an excellent collaborator in buddy movies. Trading Places is a comedy in which two rich men decide to have fun by switching the lives of a successful investor (Dan Aykroyd) and a conman living on the streets (Murphy).
This is just the kind of concept Murphy excels with, as he once again plays a man unexpectedly placed in a position that is totally foreign to him. The movie is a hilarious and wild comedy that does a lot of with its premise.
Shrek (88%)
Murphy made his return to the animation format and it proved once again what a talent he has for these roles. Shrek is a unique take on classic fairy tale stories with the titular ogre reluctantly going on a journey to rescue a princess while accompanied by an obnoxious talking donkey (Murphy).
The movie is a hilarious adventure for all ages. Murphy is joined by a fantastic voice cast including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow, all doing stellar work. It’s no wonder the movie spawned a massively popular series of films.
Shrek 2 (89%)
The adventures of Shrek, Donkey and the others continued with this sequel that even edges out the original, according to critics. The follow-up story finds Shrek and Princess Fiona now married, but there are plenty of people not happy about the union including Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother, and Fiona’s own parents.
The movie continues to deliver on the laughs and fairy tale storytelling that made the first film such a success while also adding some great new elements that help make this a welcome return of the characters.
48 Hrs. (93%)
While Murphy was still on Saturday Night Live, he got the chance to share the screen with Nick Nolte in this action-comedy. Nolte stars as a bitter and prejudiced cop who takes a convict (Murphy) out of prison for two days in order to help him track down a pair of cop killers.
Murphy and Nolte make for the perfect odd couple. Their bickering and dustups are some of the most entertaining scenes in the movie. The gritty, violent feel courtesy of director Walter Hill also makes the crime aspects of the film very effective.
Dolemite Is My Name (97%)
Murphy’s current comeback is largely due to the reception of this wonderful comedy. Based on the wild true story, Murphy stars as Rudy Ray Moore, a comedian who sets out to make a movie based on his popular Dolemite character, despite knowing nothing about filmmaking. Along with a ragtag group of outcasts, they set out to do what everyone tells them is impossible.
Murphy gives one of his best performances ever as the bold and inspiring dreamer. Dolemite Is My Name is a wonderful story of pursuing your dream no matter the obstacles that stand in your way.
