“From Comedy to Drama: The Top 10 Eddie Murphy Films You Can’t Miss”

Best eddie murphy films

As a leading actor, Eddie Murphy is a comic icon. With his diverse skill set, he has won over fans since his debut in “48 Hours.” This essay explores Murphy’s greatest creations. We go over the eddie murphy films you must see, from the comedies of the 1980s to his somber performances.

eddie murphy films

Key Takeaways

  • Eddie Murphy is a talented actor who has acted in many popular movies, including comedies and dramas.
  • His breakthrough performances in “48 Hours.”and “Beverly Hills Cop.” solidified his reputation as a box office success in the 1980s.
  • Murphy’s dramatic acting abilities have been on display in movies such as “Dreamgirls,” for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
  • His comedic talents have also shone through in hit films like the “Shrek” franchise and “The Nutty Professor” remake.
  • Murphy has had a successful career delivering memorable and iconic performances, despite a few slip-ups.

The Meteoric Rise of Eddie Murphy

1961 saw the birth of Eddie Murphy in Brooklyn, New York. As a child, he worked the city’s streets to hone his humorous skills. Murphy’s stand-up comedy had him making people laugh by the time he was a teenager. Soon after turning 19, he began appearing on the renowned Saturday Night Live show in 1980. There, he gleamed, bringing to life well-known figures like Mr. Robinson and Velvet Jones.

Eddie Murphy's Early Life and Stand-Up Career

Saturday Night Live was Murphy’s big break. His quick wit and spot-on impersonations won him many admirers. He rose quickly to fame as a comedian, renowned for his observational wit. Murphy’s keen and hilarious view on life drew large crowds to his stand-up work before it was featured on television.

Breaking Through on Saturday Night Live

Murphy’s enduring characters grabbed the show on Saturday Night Live. His achievements there opened doors for a huge Hollywood career. In the 1980s, he rose to prominence as one of the most recognizable characters on cinema.

“Eddie Murphy was the No. 2 box office draw of the previous decade, second only to Harrison Ford.”

Thanks to his stand-up comedy and Saturday Night Live appearance, Murphy’s popularity soared. His renowned roles in the ensuing years were made possible by this fame.

Eddie Murphy's Iconic 80s Comedy Classics

Eddie Murphy films had a great period in the early 1980s. He went from being a Saturday Night Live hit star to a major motion picture star. “48 Hrs.” was his first major motion picture, released in 1982. It combined his comedy with action and drama to demonstrate his versatility.

48 Hrs.: Murphy's Breakthrough Film Role

In “48 Hrs.”, Murphy as a prisoner who befriends Nick Nolte, a police officer. They hunt for murderers. It proved that Murphy could play serious roles in addition to comedic ones and became an immediate hit.

Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop: Cementing Superstardom

Following “48 Hours,” Murphy continued his successful run of comedies with “Trading Places” and “Beverly Hills Cop.”His 1983 film “Trading Places” garnered him attention and a Golden Globe nomination. And the hit eddie murphy films of 1984, “Beverly Hills Cop,” catapulted him into stardom. As a result, the series saw two further films made.

In 1987, he also appeared in the well-known comic series “Eddie Murphy Raw”. These pieces demonstrated his talent as a comic. They turned him into a popular performer and a star that could draw audiences. His notoriety increased exponentially, resulting in greater success in comedic and dramatic parts.

eddie murphy movies

“Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius and versatility shone brightly in his 80s classics, establishing him as a true master of his craft.”

Even today, Murphy’s work from the 80s is loved. People still talk about and enjoy what he did back then

Exploring Eddie Murphy's Dramatic Roles

Eddie Murphy has a reputation for making us chuckle. But he’s also shown to be a fantastic serious actor. His somber roles are quite removed from his comedic ones. This demonstrates his acting prowess. He played a serious role in Dreamgirls and was nominated for an Oscar. This demonstrates that he is more than simply a joker. Mr. Church, a different serious film, allowed him to explore complex narratives and showcase a distinct aspect of his performance.

Perhaps these somber films did not do as well at the box office as his comedy. They were significant to Murphy, though. They demonstrated to everyone that he’s not only a humorous man. Similar to Bowfinger, he made lighthearted jokes about Hollywood.

Eddie Murphy is more than just a skilled actor. He can play multiple characters in one film! We saw contrasting sides of him in The Nutty Professor and Coming to America. His multiple personalities made us giggle. This demonstrates his ability to adopt a different persona while maintaining his sense of humor.

Murphy’s initial rise to fame came from his comedic skills. However, he’s also garnering a lot of accolades for his serious acting. These intense films reveal a different side to him. They display his depth as an actor. Consequently, people are aware of his depth. He is an incredibly talented actor who can enchant us in a variety of roles.

eddie murphy movies

Exploring Eddie Murphy's Dramatic Roles

Dramatic FilmRoleAccolades
DreamgirlsJimmy “Thunder” EarlyOscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor
Mr. ChurchHenry ChurchN/A
BowfingerJiff Ramsey/Kit RamseyShowcased his ability to play multiple characters

Eddie Murphy played several really important, significant parts. Perhaps fewer than his humorous films. However, they have demonstrated to us his wide range of abilities. They’ve allowed him to portray nuanced parts and personas. This has shown that he is a talented actor who is capable of more than just making us laugh. His career benefited greatly from these assignments. They demonstrate that he is a true star who can dazzle us with any type of acting.

 

The Nutty Professor and the Shift to Family Films

Famous comedian Eddie Murphy began making family-friendly films in the middle of the 1990s. He starred in the widely recognized film “The Nutty Professor.” The film performed exceptionally well in terms of reviews and box office receipts. The film demonstrates Murphy’s versatility as an actor and his ability to win over a wide range of audiences.

In addition to “The Nutty Professor,” Eddie Murphy expanded his audience even further by lending his cool voice to cartoons. His voice acting credits include “Mulan” and “Shrek.” This made Murphy’s intelligence and humor more apparent to more households.

Critics did not always give Murphy’s family films positive reviews. However, he never stopped experimenting and looking for methods to cheer people up. Murphy’s range as an actor is demonstrated by his willingness to try out many genres and his suitability for families. It shows that he is adaptable to changing times. And for a lot of people, this made him a top comedian.

eddie murphy movies

The Success of the Nutty Professor Remake

Eddie Murphy proved in the 1996 revival of “The Nutty Professor” that he is not simply for comic fans. With multiple roles, he was the movie’s main attraction. It became popular because of its heartwarming yet humorous tale.

Eddie Murphy proved in “The Nutty Professor” just how versatile an actor he is. Families were drawn in as he maintained his humorous style. This helped him become well-known across a range of age groups and an excellent actor in a variety of films.

Eddie Murphy's Voice Work in Animated Films

Eddie Murphy reached even more people by lending his voice to animated films after finding success with family films. He appeared in the movies “Mulan” and “Shrek.” His acting prowess and quips delighted both young and elderly.

Eddie Murphy brought those animation figures to life and added humor with his voice acting. By doing this, he demonstrated his versatility. In addition to his acting career, he gained popularity as a voice actor for well-known characters.

 

top 10 eddie murphy films

Show business star Eddie Murphy is renowned for his acting, comedy, and other talents. Even though he rose to stardom in the 1980s, he continues to amaze us. Murphy identifies as the greatest celebrity of his era.

These ten Eddie Murphy films are highly recommended. According to reviews, box office performance, and cultural impact, they are rated as follows:

  1. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
  2. 48 Hrs. (1982)
  3. Shrek 2 (2004)
  4. Shrek (2001)
  5. Trading Places (1983)
  6. Mulan (1998)
  7. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
  8. Bowfinger (1999)
  9. Dreamgirls (2006)
  10. Coming to America (1988)

These eddie murphy films demonstrate Murphy’s skill level. He excels in dramatic movies like Dreamgirls as well as action comedies like 48 Hours and Beverly Hills Cop. Not to be overlooked is his work on beloved family movies like the Shrek franchise and independent movies like Dolemite Is My Name.

eddie murphy movies

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Murphy’s work or are just discovering Eddie Murphy Films, this selection is ideal for you. It showcases a variety of films, from heartfelt stories to humorous comedies, demonstrating Murphy’s unparalleled brilliance in Hollywood history.

The Comeback: Dolemite Is My Name and Beyond

Eddie Murphy had a spectacular comeback with Dolemite Is My Name, released in 2019. He portrayed the main character, Rudy Ray Moore, a pivotal role in blaxploitation films. The film was successful and helped Murphy’s career once more. He’s currently preparing to win over admirers once more by reprising his well-known role from Coming to America.

Murphy had to endure a great deal to get here. His acting had not been seen by an adult audience since 1999, so he made another attempt with Dolemite Is My Name. This was his attempt to take home a significant Oscar after Dreamgirls came close in 2006. The path to success wasn’t easy; following Dreamgirls, his performance in Norbit didn’t go well, which hurt his chances of taking home an Oscar.

But Dolemite Is My Name altered the course of events. With a screenplay by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and direction by Craig Brewer, it recounted the tale of Moore’s early hardships in the 1970s comedy scene. Murphy wasn’t the only great performer in the film; Wesley Snipes and Chris Rock were among them.

Eddie Murphy Films  career is taking off, and he has great things planned for the future. With Netflix’s help, he hopes to pursue a comeback to stand-up comedy in addition to Coming to America. In addition, he’s back hosting Saturday Night Live. Eddie Murphy has a wide range of talents, so we may expect more treats from him.

eddie murphy movies

“Dolemite Is My Name” is a critical hit with a Netflix halo, showcasing Eddie Murphy Films  remarkable versatility and enduring talent as a comedic actor.

  • Eddie Murphy’s Oscar-nominated role in “Dreamgirls” marked his presence in the film industry.
  • “Dolemite is My Name” is highlighted as the starting point of Eddie Murphy’s comeback.
  • The film is directed by Craig Brewer, known for his work on “Hustle & Flow”.
  • Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, known for “Ed Wood,” crafted the screenplay for “Dolemite is My Name”.
  • The story revolves around comedian/singer Rudy Ray Moore’s struggles to achieve stardom in the early 1970s.
  • The movie showcases the development of the character Dolemite and the challenges faced by Rudy in selling the material.
  • Characters in the film include Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Rock, and Snoop Dogg.
  • “Dolemite is My Name” was premiered in select theaters on Oct. 4 and on Netflix on Oct. 25

Eddie Murphy Films has been a mainstay of blockbusters for more than 40 years. His performances in movies such as “Beverly Hills Cop” and “48 Hours” have delighted us. His films have collectively generated around $7 billion worldwide. One of his best pieces is “The Nutty Professor,” in which he masterfully portrays a variety of roles.

Murphy’s upcoming plans include his Netflix stand-up show, hosting “Saturday Night Live,” and more sequels. His latest success with “Dolemite Is My Name” shows he’s just getting started

Revisiting Eddie Murphy's Missteps

Critical and Commercial Failures

Eddie Murphy has had a fantastic career filled with blockbuster hits. But he’s also experienced his fair share of errors. A Thousand Words, Norbit, and The Adventures of Pluto Nash were among the unsuccessful films. They portray the difficulty of maintaining stardom in Hollywood.

Think about A Thousand Words. It received several negative reviews . Its detractors claimed it lacked heart, was too predictable, and wasn’t funny. It was perceived as uninteresting and outdated. Murphy’s remarkable ability to bounce back from these setbacks is evident, though.

Eddie Murphy Films  career is still remarkable even though some of his movies didn’t go well. He is unique because of his ability to make people laugh and feel things. His fearlessness in attempting novel endeavors, even in the face of failure, has influenced the entertainment industry.

FAQ

What are some of Eddie Murphy's most iconic films?

Eddie Murphy starred in many famous movies. Some of the best are 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Shrek, and Dreamgirls. They show how great he is at both funny and serious roles.

How did Eddie Murphy's early career as a stand-up comedian lead to his breakthrough on SNL?

Murphy learned to be funny on the tough streets of New York. This led to a big change in 1980 when he joined Saturday Night Live. He quickly became a favorite and began his path to fame.

What were some of Eddie Murphy's iconic 1980s comedy classics?

In the 1980s, Murphy made several hit comedies. 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop were his biggest successes. They turned him into a star and top comedian of his time.

Has Eddie Murphy taken on any dramatic roles throughout his career?

Yes, Murphy hasn’t only done comedy. He played more serious parts too. For example, he was in Dreamgirls and Mr. Church. He showed he’s a great actor in different ways.

How did Eddie Murphy's shift towards more family-friendly projects impact his career?

In the 1990s, Murphy started doing movies that families could watch. These included The Nutty Professor, which did very well. He also was in Mulan and the Shrek movies as a voice actor. This made him even more popular and showed his broad talent.

What are some of the top 10 Eddie Murphy films?

These are the eddie murphy films : Dolemite Is My Name, 48 Hrs., Shrek 2, Shrek, Trading Places, Mulan, Beverly Hills Cop, Bowfinger, Dreamgirls, and Coming to America. They did well at the box office and are loved by fans.

How has Eddie Murphy's career evolved over the years, and what recent projects have highlighted his continued success?

After some tough times, Murphy came back strong in 2019 with Dolemite Is My Name. It showed he’s still a top actor. He’s doing great projects like Coming 2 America. This proves his talent and popularity.

Has Eddie Murphy had any notable missteps or failures in his career?

While Murphy’s career is mostly full of wins, he’s had some rough patches. Films like The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Norbit, and A Thousand Words didn’t do well. They remind us that even stars like him face setbacks.

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