As of October 26, 2023, Eddie Murphy has starred in or voiced roles in 51 feature films. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his prolific career, exploring the highlights, the box office successes, and the lesser-known gems that contribute to his impressive filmography.
Tracing Murphy’s Cinematic Journey: A Complete Film List
Eddie Murphy’s career trajectory is a fascinating study in comedic evolution. From his breakout roles in the 1980s to his more recent family-friendly endeavors, he has consistently captivated audiences. The following list encompasses all of his feature film appearances:
- 48 Hrs. (1982)
- Trading Places (1983)
- Best Defense (1984)
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
- The Golden Child (1986)
- Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)
- Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) – Stand-up performance
- Coming to America (1988)
- Harlem Nights (1989) – Also Director and Writer
- Another 48 Hrs. (1990)
- Boomerang (1992)
- The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)
- Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
- Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
- Nutty Professor (1996)
- Metro (1997)
- Doctor Dolittle (1998)
- Mulan (1998) – Voice Only
- Holy Man (1998)
- Life (1999)
- Bowfinger (1999)
- Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)
- Shrek (2001) – Voice Only
- Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)
- Showtime (2002)
- The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
- I Spy (2002)
- Shrek 2 (2004) – Voice Only
- Shrek the Third (2007) – Voice Only
- Norbit (2007)
- Meet Dave (2008)
- Imagine That (2009)
- Shrek Forever After (2010) – Voice Only
- Tower Heist (2011)
- A Thousand Words (2012)
- Mr. Church (2016)
- Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
- Coming 2 America (2021)
- You People (2023)
- Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
Voice Acting Roles (Additional Films):
- The PJs Movie (1999) – Voice only, direct-to-video spin-off of the TV show.
- Donkey’s Christmas Shrektacular (2007) – Voice only, short film.
- Scared Shrekless (2010) – Voice only, short film.
- Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular (2011) – Voice only, short film.
- DreamWorks Holiday Classics (2011) – Voice only, Compilation film.
- DreamWorks Spooky Stories (2012) – Voice only, Compilation film.
- Shrek’s Thrilling Tales (2012) – Voice only, short film.
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) – Voice Only
- Candy Cane Lane (2023)
- Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
FAQs About Eddie Murphy’s Career
This section addresses common questions about Eddie Murphy’s filmography, providing deeper insights into his career milestones and box office successes.
What was Eddie Murphy’s breakout role?
Eddie Murphy’s true breakout role was undoubtedly “48 Hrs.” (1982). This action-comedy paired him with Nick Nolte and showcased his raw comedic talent and charismatic screen presence, launching him into superstardom. Before “48 Hrs.” he was best known for Saturday Night Live.
Which Eddie Murphy movies were the biggest box office hits?
Several of Eddie Murphy’s films achieved significant box office success. “Shrek 2” (2004), in which he voiced Donkey, grossed over $928 million worldwide, making it one of his highest-grossing films. “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984) and “Coming to America” (1988) are also landmark successes, cementing his status as a box office draw.
How many movies did Eddie Murphy direct?
Eddie Murphy has directed only one feature film: “Harlem Nights” (1989). While critically divisive, it demonstrated his ambition to expand his creative role beyond acting.
Has Eddie Murphy ever won an Oscar?
Yes, Eddie Murphy received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Dreamgirls” (2006). While he didn’t win that year, his performance was widely praised. He also received an Honorary Academy Award in 2020 recognizing his career contributions to cinema.
What is considered Eddie Murphy’s worst movie?
Determining the “worst” movie is subjective, but “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” (2002) is often cited as one of Eddie Murphy’s least successful films. It was a critical and commercial failure, plagued by production issues and negative reviews.
How many Beverly Hills Cop movies are there?
Currently, there are four Beverly Hills Cop movies: Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024).
Which movies did Eddie Murphy write or co-write?
Eddie Murphy has writing credits on several of his films, including “Harlem Nights” (1989), “Vampire in Brooklyn” (1995),”Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” (2000), and “Coming to America” (1988) (story credit). He often incorporates his comedic sensibilities into the writing process.
What is Eddie Murphy’s most critically acclaimed movie?
“Dolemite Is My Name” (2019) is widely regarded as one of Eddie Murphy’s most critically acclaimed films. His portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore earned him widespread praise and revitalized his career, showcasing his dramatic range and commitment to the role.
What is Eddie Murphy’s net worth?
Estimates of Eddie Murphy’s net worth vary, but he is generally estimated to be worth around $200 million. This substantial wealth is a testament to his long and successful career in comedy, acting, and producing.
What types of characters does Eddie Murphy typically play?
Eddie Murphy is known for playing a variety of characters, often with a comedic edge. He frequently portrays fast-talking, street-smart individuals, but he has also taken on more nuanced and dramatic roles in later stages of his career. His ability to embody multiple characters within a single film, as demonstrated in the “Nutty Professor” series, is a hallmark of his talent.
Which “Shrek” movie is considered the best?
While all the “Shrek” films were commercially successful, “Shrek 2” (2004) is generally considered the best by both critics and audiences. It expanded upon the original’s humor and heart, introducing memorable characters and continuing the engaging storyline.
Will Eddie Murphy continue to make movies?
Yes, Eddie Murphy remains active in the film industry. He recently released You People (2023) and “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024), demonstrating his commitment to entertaining audiences and continuing his legacy as a comedic icon. He has also discussed potential future projects, indicating that he plans to remain a presence in Hollywood for years to come.
Beyond the Count: Appreciating Murphy’s Enduring Legacy
Counting Eddie Murphy’s movies is a straightforward task, but truly understanding his impact on comedy and cinema requires acknowledging his enduring legacy. From his groundbreaking stand-up to his memorable film roles, he has consistently challenged conventions and pushed boundaries. His influence can be seen in countless comedians and actors who have followed in his footsteps, making him a true legend of the entertainment industry. He has demonstrated exceptional talent, versatility, and longevity throughout his amazing career. The movies listed are just the beginning of all his accomplishments in film.