Best Eddie Murphy Movies Ranked by Impact and Entertainment

This list ranks the best Eddie Murphy movies to help you choose what to watch next or settle a debate. The ranking considers cultural impact, box office success, critical acclaim, and fan favorites to give a clear picture of his most significant films. Covering Murphy’s career from the early 1980s to recent work, this guide highlights his growth as an actor and his most memorable performances.

What makes an Eddie Murphy movie stand out?

We ranked Eddie Murphy's movies using several clear criteria. Cultural impact measures how much a film influenced pop culture or introduced iconic characters and catchphrases. Humor is key, since Murphy’s sharp wit and timing define many of his best roles. Box office success shows how well the movies connected with audiences at release. Critical reception balances the list by highlighting films with artistic merit or strong storytelling beyond comedy. Fan favorites count because some movies remain beloved over time, even if reviews were mixed. Combining these factors provides a balanced look at Murphy’s work across decades and genres.

Which Eddie Murphy movies are widely considered the best?

1. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) – Murphy’s breakout role as Axel Foley blends street-smart humor with action, making this film a cultural landmark and a major box office hit.
2. Coming to America (1988) – Showcasing Murphy’s versatility, he plays multiple characters with charm and wit. The film’s clever script and memorable scenes have made it a fan favorite.
3. The Nutty Professor (1996) – Murphy again plays several characters, balancing broad comedy with heart. It was a commercial success praised for its makeup effects and humor.
4. Shrek (2001) – As the voice of Donkey, Murphy brought warmth and humor that helped make this animated film a huge success and a favorite for all ages.
5. 48 Hrs. (1982) – One of Murphy’s earliest films, this gritty buddy-cop movie introduced his raw charisma and set the stage for future action comedies.
6. Dreamgirls (2006) – A shift from comedy to drama, Murphy earned critical acclaim for his emotional performance in this musical.
7. Trading Places (1983) – A sharp social satire featuring Murphy’s breakout film role, blending comedy with commentary.
8. Dolemite Is My Name (2019) – Celebrated as a comeback, this biographical comedy highlights Murphy’s ability to combine humor with heart.

Each film earned its spot by blending entertainment and impact, reflecting different sides of Murphy’s talents over time.

How did Eddie Murphy’s film roles evolve over time?

In the 1980s, Murphy became known for energetic comedies and action-comedies like 48 Hrs. and Beverly Hills Cop, where his edgy characters and humor made him a dynamic star. In the late 80s and early 90s, he expanded his range by playing multiple characters in the same film, as in Coming to America and The Nutty Professor, showing off his skill with makeup and character work.

By the mid-90s and 2000s, Murphy added voice acting to his repertoire, most famously as Donkey in Shrek, connecting with younger audiences. During this period, he took on more family-friendly films and sequels, with mixed reviews. His dramatic turn in Dreamgirls marked a clear shift, proving he could handle serious roles. Recently, Murphy has returned to projects that highlight both his comedic roots and dramatic skills, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.

Are there any hidden gems or underrated films by Eddie Murphy?

Some of Murphy’s less well-known films deserve attention. Harlem Nights (1989), which he directed and starred in, is often overlooked despite a strong cast and its mix of comedy and gangster drama. Shrek 2 (2004), while a sequel, builds on Murphy’s vocal performance with sharp humor and emotional depth.

Bowfinger (1999) is an underrated comedy where Murphy plays a reluctant movie star, mixing satire with laughs. Norbit (2007), though divisive, shows his ability to play multiple characters in broad comedic roles. These films may not have the same cultural impact as his biggest hits but demonstrate his range and willingness to try different things.

What controversies or challenges shaped these movies?

Some Murphy films faced controversies or production issues that affected their reception. For example, Norbit was criticized for its portrayal of characters and humor, raising conversations about stereotypes. Harlem Nights reportedly had behind-the-scenes creative tensions, which might explain its uneven critical response.

Murphy’s rapid rise in the early 80s brought intense scrutiny, and some of his comedies pushed boundaries of taste for the time. His role in Dreamgirls was a risk, moving away from comedy into drama, but it earned critical praise. Murphy’s demands for creative control and his approach to playing multiple roles influenced the final form of several films, reflecting his growing influence in Hollywood.

How to choose which Eddie Murphy movie to watch next?

Consider what mood or genre you want. If you want classic 80s action-comedy with sharp humor, start with Beverly Hills Cop or 48 Hrs.. For a showcase of Murphy’s talent for multiple roles, try Coming to America or The Nutty Professor.

For family-friendly animation with humor and heart, pick Shrek. If you want drama mixed with music, Dreamgirls shows Murphy’s dramatic side. For a recent biographical comedy, Dolemite Is My Name stands out.

If you’re interested in lesser-known but entertaining films, check out Bowfinger or Harlem Nights. Your choice depends on whether you want to see Murphy’s comedic roots, his character work, or his dramatic range.

Conclusion

Choosing an Eddie Murphy movie depends on what aspect of his career or style interests you. Whether you pick one of his blockbuster hits or a lesser-known film, you’ll see his talent and charm on display. Use this ranking and advice to find a movie that suits your mood and appreciate why he remains a key figure in comedy and film.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t "Mulan" or "Shrek 3" on the list?

Though Eddie Murphy provided voice work in these films, his roles were supporting and the movies didn’t have as much cultural or critical impact as the others listed here.

How did Eddie Murphy influence modern comedy?

Murphy’s sharp timing, bold characters, and mix of humor with heart set a standard for many who followed. His multi-character performances and edgy style expanded what mainstream comedy films could do.