
Eddie Murphy is a legendary comedian, actor, and filmmaker who has been entertaining audiences for decades. With a career spanning over four decades, he has starred in a wide range of films, from comedy classics to dramatic roles. In this article, we will rank his movies from best to worst, based on their critical and commercial success, as well as their impact on popular culture.
The Best: Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Starring Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who goes undercover in Beverly Hills, this action-comedy classic is widely regarded as one of the best buddy cop films of all time. The movie’s blend of humor, action, and memorable characters made it a massive commercial success, grossing over $234 million at the domestic box office.
The Best: 48 Hrs. (1982)
This early Eddie Murphy film is a precursor to the buddy cop genre, pairing him with Nick Nolte as a rough-around-the-edges police officer who teams up with Murphy’s Reggie Hammond to solve a crime. The film’s mix of humor and action helped establish Murphy as a rising star, and its success paved the way for future cop movies.
The Best: Trading Places (1983)
In this comedy classic, Murphy plays Billy Ray Valentine, a street hustler who is inadvertently switched with a wealthy executive (Dan Aykroyd) in a bet between two wealthy brothers. The film’s clever script and memorable performances from its leads make it a timeless comedy classic.
The Best: The Nutty Professor (1996)
This film showcases Murphy’s impressive range as a comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He plays multiple roles, including the portly Prof. Sherman Klump, a gentle but awkward professor who is transformed into a buff and charismatic lounge singer, Buddy Love. The film’s unique blend of humor and heart makes it a standout in Murphy’s filmography.
The Good: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
Although not as strong as the original, the third installment in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise still offers plenty of humor and action. Murphy’s Axel Foley returns to take on a new villain, and the film’s visually impressive stunts and memorable performances make it an enjoyable, albeit formulaic, sequel.
The Good: The Golden Child (1986)
In this fantasy comedy, Murphy plays a private investigator who must retrieve a powerful mystical child to save the world from destruction. The film’s surreal and fantastical elements, combined with Murphy’s comedic charm, make it a fun and entertaining watch.
The Meh: The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
Set on the moon in the 2080s, this science fiction comedy stars Murphy as a former jazz sensation who runs a club on the moon. The film’s concept and production were plagued by delays and budget issues, leading to a lackluster final product.
The Bad: The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)
Murphy plays a drifter who becomes a rich man by traveling to Washington D.C. and offering his services as a escort to homeless men, allowing them to attend high-society events. The film’s script and premise are both weak, and the movie’s attempts at humor and drama fall flat.
The Worst: Meet Dave (2008)
In this romantic comedy, Murphy plays an alien who is sent to Earth to win the heart of a woman, but things go awry when he is mistaken for a human. The film’s weak script and lack of chemistry between the leads make it a forgettable and disappointing watch.
The Worst: Showtime (2002)
This comedy follows a rock ‘n’ roll FBI agent (Robert De Niro) who goes undercover as a groupie to infiltrate a rock band. Murphy plays a club owner, but his role is underdeveloped and feels like an afterthought.
The Worst: A Thousand Words (2012)
In this failed comedy, Murphy plays a self-help guru who must learn to connect with his son before a mysterious tree starts to kill people. The film’s plot is convoluted and absurd, and the movie’s attempts at humor and heart are mostly unsuccessful.
In conclusion, Eddie Murphy’s filmography is a mixed bag, with some truly excellent films, some mediocre ones, and a few outright duds. While he has had his ups and downs, his best films showcase his impressive range as a comedian, actor, and filmmaker, and will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come.