Related
Eddie Murphyis one of the public ’s most iconic comedians and has portrayed countless incredible characters over the age . While Murphy got his scratch as a standup comedian and foundearly winner onSaturday Night Live , during the 1980s , he shifted into movies and starred in some of the biggest action comedies ever made . This winner led Murphy to swivel into phratry - favorable entertainment during the nineties , where he played characters beloved by looker of all ages .
Thebest Eddie Murphy moviesall have unbelievable , unique characters who embodied the actor ’s faultless comedic timing and passionate habit of slapstick humor , make him stand out as one of thebest comedian of all time . Murphy has also show off his more striking side and has even been nominated for an Academy Award . From the action ace stylings ofBeverly Hills Cop’sAxel Foley to the family - friendly mirthfulness of Donkey fromShrek , Murphy ’s career has been packed with some of the greatest movie character of all time .
10Norbit Albert Rice
Norbit (2007)
Cast
Norbit is a drollery film mastermind by Brian Robbins , featuring Eddie Murphy in multiple theatrical role , including the soft - mannered Norbit . The story follow Norbit as he navigates his engagement to an swaggering partner while meeting his ideal match . The pic showcases his comedic journey toward determine lawful love .
WhileNorbit’sraunchy witticism may not be to everybody ’s tastes , Eddie Murphy ’s multiple role showed off his comedic commitment to the bit . Although Murphy ’s portrait of the morbidly obese tyrannic wife Rasputia Latimore or the Chinese orphanage owner Mr. Wong may feel somewhat problematic looking back , Norbit Albert Rice was one of Murphy ’s signature creations as the consultation watched his tough childhood and eventual marriage to an abusive and sadistic woman .
The power of Murphy ’s public presentation as Norbit was as much about his reaction to the helter-skelter world around him as it was about the character himself . Norbit ’s experience grounded Murphy ’s more outrageous characterization of Rasputia , and together , the moral force of Murphy opposite Murphy helped turnNorbitinto a box office collision , earning over $ 159 million ( viaBox Office Mojo . ) While critics took issues with Murphy ’s embracing of stereotypes inNorbit , audience turn out for the picture , with music legend Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys ( viaSpin ) even foretell it his favorite pic of all fourth dimension .
9Dr. John Dolittle
Dr. Dolittle (1998)
Doctor Dolittle is a dealership started in 1920 by Hugh Lofting in his children ’s book The Story of Doctor Dolittle . 15 books in total were print in the principal series , and eventually , Lofting ’s stories were adapted into movies , boob tube show , and receiving set series . The most renowned additions to the franchise are movies star Eddie Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.
While Eddie Murphy first made a name for himself as a no - holds - banish grownup - only support - up comic , in the recent 1990s , he reposition toward more home - favorable film . The full representative of this new aspect of Murphy ’s persona wasDr . Dolittle , which took Murphy ’s gift for energetic card and tight - paced , physical comedy and mate it with a litany of eccentric animals . Based on the dear minor ’s serial publication by Hugh Lofting , Murphy was a worthy heir to Rex Harrison ’s previous 1960s version of the character who can talk with fauna .
Dr. Dolittlewas a grotesque vehicle for Murphy that toned down his humor for kids and added in some impressive special effect . Murphy ’s characterization of the over - the - top doctor worked well with the talented voice plaster bandage of drollery legend like Norm McDonald as a talking dog , Albert Brooks as a tiger , and Chris Rock as a wop pig bed . Dr. Dolittlewas so successful that Murphy even returned for a subsequence as mob turned out to see more of the Dr. ’s lighthearted escapade .
8Professor Sherman Klump
The Nutty Professor (1996)
Your Rating
Your input has not been saved
The Nutty Professor features Eddie Murphy as Sherman Klump , a kind - hearted but weighty prof who invents a miraculous weight - personnel casualty potion . fight with his weight and social insecurity , Klump transforms into the slim , charismatic , and arrogant Buddy Love . However , the consequences of his drastic translation reveal deeper personal and ethical dilemmas . head by Tom Shadyac , the film blends comedy with a touching exploration of ego - acceptance .
Eddie Murphy work Modern vigor to this remaking of a 1960s comedy classic starring Jerry Lewis , asThe Nutty Professorembraced the broad comedy stylings of the 1990s . Murphy ’s characterization of Professor Sherman Klump showcased the comic ’s endowment for transformation as he depict his obese quality in a fat suit . Murphy even involve thing a footprint forward and played a whole boniface of roles inThe Nutty Professor , let in Professor Klump ’s father , brother , mother , and grannie .
Murphy ’s characterization of Professor Klump signal the dawning of a newfangled epoch in his career , as the family unit - favorable nature ofThe Nutty Professorwas a shrewd contrast from his grownup - orientation character inTrading Places,48 Hrs . , andBeverly Hills Cop . Murphy ’s broad appeal and impeccable comedic timing were on full display when the prof was shrunken down his even weight due to a scientific experiment that could reconstruct DNA . While the originalNutty ProfessorJerry Lewis later said ( viaEW ) he regret letting the film and its sequel be made , there ’s no denying that Professor Klump was a definitive character for Murphy .
7Jimmy “Thunder” Early
Dreamgirls (2006)
Dreamgirls is a 2006 musical play centered on the acclivity of a 1960s girl group , mirror the tale of The Supremes . calculate by Bill Condon , the moving picture star Jennifer Hudson , Beyoncé Knowles , and Anika Noni Rose as the lead story trio navigating the challenge of renown , ambition , and personal contention . Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx also dally pivotal use in this adaptation of the award - winning Broadway musical .
Eddie Murphy showed off his more dramatic side through his public presentation as Jimmy “ Thunder ” Early inDreamgirls , a role that earned him an Academy Award nominating speech for Best Supporting Actor . Murphy played a soul - singing hotshot in the vein of James Brown , Jackie Wilson , and Marvin Gaye in this extraordinary passion letter to Motown and American R&B medicine of the sixties and seventies . While Jimmy began as the star of the show , Dreamgirlsshowcased how his backup all - young lady singing group shortly started to supersede him in popularity .
The characterization of Jimmy inDreamgirlswas an fantabulous agency of the fickle nature of celebrity , as his dwindle away popularity led to drug addiction and an eventual overdose . The intact case ofDreamgirls , including Beyoncé Knowles as the Diana Ross - influenced character Deena Jones , made this an engaging ensemble history and one of the best music - based films of the 2000s . Through Murphy ’s Oscar - name carrying out , he show yet another side of his telling resume of talents .
Custom image by Ana Nieves.
6Charlie Hinton
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Daddy Day Care is a family unit comedy directed by Steve Carr , starring Eddie Murphy as Charlie Hinton , a latterly unemployed beginner who starts a day care center with his friend Phil , played by Jeff Garlin . As they navigate the challenge of running a childcare adeptness , they face opposition from a competitive and overbearing daycare supplier , portrayed by Anjelica Huston . The film explores theme of Father and entrepreneurship in a humorous and heartwarming mode .
The family - friendly iteration of Eddie Murphy reached its absolute pinnacle withDaddy Day Care , a motion-picture show about a late unemployed father who settle he has what it demand to afford a day care shopping mall in his home . Murphy ’s characterization of the former selling executive director Charlie Hinton leaned into his talent for playing an everyman who was in over his capitulum . While it was outrageous antics of children run wild who give Daddy Day Care many of its adept jape , Murphy playing the straight - humanity react to them was the glue that held this pic together .
WhileDaddy Day Carereceived negative reviews from critic , Murphy impart kids exactly what they want with this performance . Murphy ’s characterisation of an grownup out of his astuteness made this a express mirth - out - brassy affaire for preschoolers and younger watcher . Although it may be true thatDaddy Day Carwas too juvenile to appeal to older viewers , its box office haul of $ 160 million against a $ 60 million budget showcased its appeal ( via BoxOffice Mojo . )
Norbit is a comedy film directed by Brian Robbins, featuring Eddie Murphy in multiple roles, including the mild-mannered Norbit. The story follows Norbit as he navigates his engagement to an overbearing partner while meeting his ideal match. The film showcases his comedic journey toward finding true love.
5Rudy Ray Moore/Dolemite
Dolemite is My Name (2019)
base on the true account of the fictional quality Dolemite , Dolemite Is My Name is a biography / funniness picture show that explores the life of Rudy Ray More and the origins of the titulary character he created . stem from several endure - up sessions he performed , the case continued to grow and take a bod of his own as Rudy struggle to get the original film made .
The veridical American comedian Rudy Ray Moore was have it away for playing the Blaxploitation role Dolemite on moving-picture show , and both were expertly portray by Eddie Murphy inDolemite is My Name . This unique biopic signalize Murphy ’s return to decisive acclaimafter a period of hiatus and showcased he still had the gift to take on complex , grownup - orient office . With a true account that ’s stranger than fable , Murphy ’s portrait of Rudy Ray Moore was his dear flick in years .
Moore ’s bequest as a standup and his iconic character of Dolemite allow Murphy to angle into his unique talent in a floor that blended Kung Fu , Blaxploitation , and a genuinely compelling biographic narrative . Murphy was both funny and compelling inDolemite is My Name , as this gritty floor of tenaciousness and making one ’s own opportunities showcased the flawed valiancy of its lead character . shore up up by an incredible soundtrack and fashionable 1970s aesthetic , Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore was a later - calling victory .
Norbit is a comedy film directed by Brian Robbins, featuring Eddie Murphy in multiple roles, including the mild-mannered Norbit. The story follows Norbit as he navigates his engagement to an overbearing partner while meeting his ideal match. The film showcases his comedic journey toward finding true love.
4Prince Akeem Joffer
Coming to America (1988)
come To America is a 1988 comedy directed by John Landis . It follow the untried Prince Akeem ( Eddie Murphy ) , who locomote from the kingdom of Zamunda to New York for happen a cleaning woman who truly loves him . While Akeem ’s friend Semmi ( Arsenio Hall ) reluctantly helps him , his founder King Jaffe Joffer ( James Earl Jones ) attempts to fetch him back home so he can carry on with an arranged marriage .
The Crown Prince of the fabricated African state of Zamunda Akeen Joffer inComing to Americawas one of Eddie Murphy ’s most darling characters . This floor of an outrageously spoiled blue blood who grew aweary of his pampered modus vivendi and took to New York City in search of escapade was a steady showcase of Murphy ’s unbelievable appeal during the 1980s . It was truly screaming to catch as Akeem learned the economic value of hard work and the realities of everyday life for those not born with a silver spoon in their mouths .
While Murphy was fantastic as Akeem , he also played the soul vocalist Randy Watson and the Samuel Barber and barbershop client Clarence and Saul inComing to America . The character ofAkeem go away on an urban fairytale - similar adventure , and his compelling love story with an everyday New York woman assist add depth and purpose to his journey . While some of the legerdemain of Akeem ’s grapheme was lost in the underwhelming 2021 legacy sequelComing 2 America , Akeem was still a standout role in Murphy ’s calling .
3Billy Ray Valentine
Trading Places (1983)
Trading Places is a funniness cinema direct by John Landis . Released in 1983 , the film stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a street street girl and a wealthy businessman whose lives are swapped due to a bet made by two calloused millionaires . The picture show explores themes of socioeconomic socio-economic class and human behavior , with potent functioning by Murphy and Aykroyd alongside Jamie Lee Curtis .
The rags - to - riches story ofTrading Placeswas an excellent comedy of mismatched protagonist as Eddie Murphy ’s down - and - out Billy Ray Valentine switched places with Dan Aykroyd as the wealthy Louis Winthorpe III . Coming from a humbled home and struggling with drug addiction and homelessness , Billy Ray was a con man and slattern who live how to make the honest out of his newfound fortunate spot , as an elaborate bet ascertain him work at the brokerage firm Duke & Duke . With element of both screwball comedy and a deep sense of humanity , Billy Ray was one of Murphy ’s great fictional character .
ThroughoutTrading Places , Billy Ray ’s charming personality shone through as he was shown to not be as tough as his bluster suggest . WhileTrading Placesremains one of the funniest comedies of the 1980s , it often does n’t get enough course credit for the depth of his characterization . AlthoughBilly Ray boast tidy sum of Murphy ’s touch humour , it also hinted at his talents as a dramatic actor that he would more amply comprehend afterwards in his life history .
Doctor Dolittle is a franchise started in 1920 by Hugh Lofting in his children’s book The Story of Doctor Dolittle. 15 books in total were published in the main series, and eventually, Lofting’s stories were adapted into movies, TV shows, and radio series. The most notable additions to the franchise are movies starring Eddie Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.
2Donkey
Shrek (2001)
Shrek is a 2001 animise motion-picture show featuring a solitary ogre mention Shrek , sound by Mike Myers , who embark on a seeking to rescue Princess Fiona , voiced by Cameron Diaz , from a flying dragon - guarded castle . follow by Donkey , voiced by Eddie Murphy , Shrek sets out to fulfill a bargain with Lord Farquaad .
It ’s not just in alive - action releases where Murphy has substantiate iconic characters , as he has lent his recognizable voice to Donkey inShrek . As Shrek ’s sidekick and best ally , Donkey ’s unwavering optimism and trueness to Shrekensured that audiences were always rooting for him , even if he infinitely annoyed his demon companion . Murphy was dead cast as the part of Donkey , as his comedic temper , witty one - liners , bursts of Sung , and pop polish cite made him essential to the winner of theShrekfranchise .
Murphy dead captured Donkey ’s larger - than - life story personality , and despite being part of a fantasy world , he always felt like one of the most relatable characters in theShrekmovies . While Donkey always tried to put on a smiling and bring joyfulness to every citation , viewing audience also witnessed his insecurity as he used humor to attempt to be liked by those around him , especially Shrek . Even though Donkey may sense like one of Murphy ’s most outrageous characters , he was also a vulnerable , poignant , and optimistic counterpoison to the cynicism of Shrek .
The Nutty Professor features Eddie Murphy as Sherman Klump, a kind-hearted but obese professor who invents a miraculous weight-loss potion. Struggling with his weight and social insecurities, Klump transforms into the slim, charismatic, and arrogant Buddy Love. However, the consequences of his drastic transformation reveal deeper personal and ethical dilemmas. Directed by Tom Shadyac, the film blends comedy with a poignant exploration of self-acceptance.
1Detective Axel Foley
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Eddie Murphy stars in Beverly Hills Cop as Axel Foley , a street - smart Detroit police officer who travel to California to solve his friend ’s slaying . Directed by Martin Brest , the motion picture was a critical and commercial success , spawning three continuation .
Beverly Hills Copwas the flick that shot Eddie Murphy into international superstardom as the character reference of Detective Axel Foley intimately encapsulated his comedic sensibilities . As one of the best film grapheme of all time , Murphy bring his manifest charisma to this character , as his sharp but rebellious streak had an undeniable effect on the action - drollery genre . As a no - nonsense bull who was n’t afraid to break the rules in pursuit of justice , Murphy ’s straightaway one - liner and witty bantermeant that interview were always root for Axel .
While the incredible 1980s synth score ofBeverly Hills Cophelped give it a alone individuality , Murphy ’s hilarious functioning meant this 1980s classic turn into an on-going enfranchisement . The character has remained so popular that Murphy even return to the role in the Netflix bequest sequelBeverly Hills Cop : Axel Fin 2024 . With a career full of unbelievable characters , Eddie Murphy’srole as one of the most iconic and acclaimed comedians of all time would n’t have been the same without Detective Axel Foley .
Source : Box Office Mojo , Spin , EW
Dreamgirls is a 2006 musical drama centered on the rise of a 1960s girl group, mirroring the story of The Supremes. Directed by Bill Condon, the film stars Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, and Anika Noni Rose as the lead trio navigating the challenges of fame, ambition, and personal rivalries. Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx also play pivotal roles in this adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical.
Daddy Day Care is a family comedy directed by Steve Carr, starring Eddie Murphy as Charlie Hinton, a recently unemployed father who starts a daycare center with his friend Phil, played by Jeff Garlin. As they navigate the challenges of running a childcare facility, they face opposition from a competitive and overbearing daycare provider, portrayed by Anjelica Huston. The film explores themes of fatherhood and entrepreneurship in a humorous and heartwarming manner.
Based on the true story of the fictional character Dolemite, Dolemite Is My Name is a biography/comedy movie that explores the life of Rudy Ray More and the origins of the titular character he created. Stemming from several stand-up sessions he performed, the character continued to grow and take a shape of his own as Rudy struggled to get the original film made.
Coming To America is a 1988 comedy directed by John Landis. It follows the young Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy), who travels from the kingdom of Zamunda to New York in order to find a woman who truly loves him. While Akeem’s friend Semmi (Arsenio Hall) reluctantly helps him, his father King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) attempts to bring him back home so he can proceed with an arranged marriage.
Trading Places is a comedy film directed by John Landis. Released in 1983, the film stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a street hustler and a wealthy businessman whose lives are swapped due to a bet made by two callous millionaires. The movie explores themes of socioeconomic class and human behavior, with strong performances by Murphy and Aykroyd alongside Jamie Lee Curtis.
Shrek is a 2001 animated film featuring a solitary ogre named Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, voiced by Cameron Diaz, from a dragon-guarded castle. Accompanied by Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, Shrek sets out to fulfill a bargain with Lord Farquaad.
Eddie Murphy stars in Beverly Hills Cop as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit police officer who travels to California to solve his friend’s murder. Directed by Martin Brest, the film was a critical and commercial success, spawning three sequels.
