Throughout the history of comedy, one name stands out among the greatest of the genre: Eddie Murphy. A comedic genius and a beloved actor, Murphy has starred in some of the most iconic and beloved comedies in Hollywood. Let’s take look at some of his best.
Welcome to the Funniest List of Eddie Murphy Movies
Eddie Murphy has an incredible list of movies under his belt, many of which have helped shape the course of comedy for generations to come. In this piece, we’ll go through the most memorable, hilarious and iconic of Murphy’s films to create the ultimate list of Eddie Murphy Movies:
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
The first in a trilogy of films with the same name, Beverly Hills Cop is perhaps one of Murphy’s most iconic roles. Starring as maverick Detroit cop Axel Foley, Murphy brings hilarious comedy, on-screen action and wit to the big screen in a classic buddy-cop comedy.
- Trading Places (1983)
Starring Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as mismatched millionaires, Trading Places is a timeless classic of comedy. A classic exploration of the wealthy and homeless, the movie sheds light on the state of society, all with Murphy’s classic humor.
- Coming to America (1988)
No doubt one of Murphy’s most iconic roles, the classic comedy Coming to America focuses on an African prince (Murphy) who travels to the U.S. in search of a wife. A true classic of Hollywood comedy, Coming to America captures the nuances of racial and cultural integration with Murphy’s classic wit and humor.
- Shrek (2001)
Though not an Eddie Murphy movie in the traditional sense, Murphy makes an iconic performance as the lovable Donkey in the beloved children’s classic, Shrek. Offering a new style of comedy, a lovable character and a new chapter of movie humor, Shrek is a timeless classic and a classic of Murphy’s career.
- Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
Starring Murphy as the vampire Maximillian, Vampire in Brooklyn brought the horror genre a much-needed spin of comedy. With Murphy playing the classic kind-hearted vampire and funny man, the movie became one of his most beloved roles to date.
Let’s Take a Moment to Appreciate Eddie Murphy’s Best Comic Performances
Eddie Murphy has made a name for himself in the world of comedy, as one of the most beloved, hilarious and iconic actors of recent times. Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate some of his best comic performances, from on-screen, to the stage, drawing room, and the microphone.
Live Standup Comedy Performances
From the time he first stepped onto the stage, Murphy showcased his raw talent and wit as a standup comedian. In his various performances, he cracked jokes, sparked audience engagement and (at times) controversial material. Here are a few of his standup appearances that fans won’t want to miss:
• Eddie Murphy Raw (1987): A classic standup performance, Eddie Murphy Raw sees the iconic comedian at the peak of his career, delivering wit and classic standup comedy.
• Delirious (1983): The other classic standup special, Delirious also offers a unique insight into the comedic genius of Eddie Murphy as he takes the stage in front of a live audience.
• Saturday Night Live (1980-1984): Long before the digital age, SNL was one of Murphy’s most noteworthy performances, offering an iconic range of sketch and standup comedy, along with his classic characters.
Comic Cameo Appearances, Television Roles and Voice Overs
Though his breakthroughs came during his standup years, Murphy hasn’t stopped appearing and experiencing various roles, allowing fans to follow his career as his comedic genius continues. Here are a few of his more memorable performances:
• Shrek (2001): Though it’s often overlooked, Murphy’s performance as the lovable Donkey in the Shrek franchise was one of his most unique, comedy-centric and beloved roles.
• Saturday Night Live (2021): In 2021, Murphy made a triumphant return to the show by becoming the first ever returning host of SNL, delighting fans old and new.
• TV Specials: From Dolemite Is My Name (2019) to Daddy Day Care (2003), Murphy has also made memorable comedic cameos throughout various TV specials and sitcoms.
• Voice Overs: Alongside his many other performances, Murphy also has been credited for playing a variety of voice-over roles, including those in Mulan (1998) and Shrek the Third (2007).
From standup appearances to feature films, Murphy has produced an iconic and impressive list of Hollywood comedy classics. While he may no longer make as many movies as before, his legacy and influence remain as evident today as ever before.
With classic performances like Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop firmly in his repertoire, Eddie Murphy remains the king of comedy, and a beloved actor that fans deserve and love. Here’s to many more years of the legend!
