Eddie Murphy is one of the world's most iconic comedians and has portrayed countless incredible characters over the years. While Murphy got his start as a standup comedian and found early success on Saturday Night Live, during the 1980s, he shifted into movies and starred in some of the biggest action comedies ever made. This success led Murphy to pivot into family-friendly entertainment during the 1990s, where he played characters beloved by viewers of all ages.
The best Eddie Murphy movies all featured incredible, unique characters who embodied the actor's impeccable comedic timing and passionate use of slapstick humor, making him stand out as one of the best comedians of all time. Murphy has also shown off his more dramatic side and has even been nominated for an Academy Award. From the action star stylings of Beverly Hills Cop’s Axel Foley to the family-friendly hilarity of Donkey from Shrek, Murphy’s career has been packed with some of the greatest movie characters of all time.
10 Norbit Albert Rice
Norbit (2007)
Norbit
Director Brian Robbins
Release Date February 8, 2007
Runtime 110 minutes
While Norbit's raunchy humor may not be to everybody’s tastes, Eddie Murphy’s multiple roles showed off his comedic commitment to the bit. Although Murphy’s portrayal of the morbidly obese tyrannical wife Rasputia Latimore or the Chinese orphanage owner Mr. Wong may feel slightly problematic looking back, Norbit Albert Rice was one of Murphy’s signature creations as the audience watched his tough childhood and eventual marriage to an abusive and sadistic woman.
The power of Murphy’s performance as Norbit was as much about his reaction to the chaotic world around him as it was about the character himself. Norbit’s experience grounded Murphy’s more outrageous portrayal of Rasputia, and together, the dynamic of Murphy opposite Murphy helped turn Norbit into a box office hit, earning over $159 million (via Box Office Mojo.) While critics took issues with Murphy’s embracing of stereotypes in Norbit, audiences turned out for the film, with music legend Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys (via Spin) even calling it his favorite movie of all time.
9 Dr. John Dolittle
Dr. Dolittle (1998)
Doctor Dolittle
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.
While Eddie Murphy first made a name for himself as a no-holds-barred adult-only stand-up comedian, in the late 1990s, he shifted toward more family-friendly films. The best example of this new aspect of Murphy’s persona was Dr. Dolittle, which took Murphy’s talents for energetic wit and fast-paced, physical comedy and paired it with a litany of eccentric animals. Based on the beloved children’s series by Hugh Lofting, Murphy was a worthy successor to Rex Harrison's previous 1960s version of the character who can talk with animals.
Dr. Dolittle was a fantastic vehicle for Murphy that toned down his humor for kids and added in some impressive special effects. Murphy’s characterization of the over-the-top doctor worked well with the talented voice cast of comedy legends like Norm McDonald as a talking dog, Albert Brooks as a tiger, and Chris Rock as a guinea pig. Dr. Dolittle was so successful that Murphy even returned for a sequel as families turned out to see more of the doctor’s lighthearted adventures.
8 Professor Sherman Klump
The Nutty Professor (1996)
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.
Director Tom Shadyac
Release Date June 28, 1996
Writers Jerry Lewis , Bill Richmond , David Sheffield
Eddie Murphy brought new energy to this remake of a 1960s comedy classic starring Jerry Lewis, as The Nutty Professor embraced the broad comedy stylings of the 1990s. Murphy’s characterization of Professor Sherman Klump showcased the comedian's talent for transformation as he portrayed his obese character in a fat suit. Murphy even took things a step forward and played a whole host of roles in The Nutty Professor, including Professor Klump’s father, brother, mother, and grandmother.
Murphy’s characterization of Professor Klump signaled the dawning of a new era in his career, as the family-friendly nature of The Nutty Professor was a sharp contrast from his adult-orientation characters in Trading Places, 48 Hrs., and Beverly Hills Cop. Murphy’s broad appeal and impeccable comedic timing were on full display when the professor was shrunken down his regular weight due to a scientific experiment that could reconstruct DNA. While the original Nutty Professor Jerry Lewis later said (via EW) he regretted letting the film and its sequel be made, there’s no denying that Professor Klump was a definitive character for Murphy.
7 Jimmy "Thunder" Early
Dreamgirls (2006)
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.
Director Bill Condon
Release Date December 25, 2006
Writers Bill Condon , Tom Eyen
Runtime 134 minutes
Eddie Murphy showed off his more dramatic side through his performance as Jimmy “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Murphy played a soul-singing superstar in the vein of James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Marvin Gaye in this extraordinary love letter to Motown and American R&B music of the 1960s and 1970s. While Jimmy began as the star of the show, Dreamgirls showcased how his backup all-girl singing group soon started to supersede him in popularity.
The characterization of Jimmy in Dreamgirls was an excellent representation of the fickle nature of celebrity, as his dwindling popularity led to drug addiction and an eventual overdose. The entire case of Dreamgirls, including Beyoncé Knowles as the Diana Ross-influenced character Deena Jones, made this an engaging ensemble story and one of the best music-based films of the 2000s. Through Murphy’s Oscar-nominated performance, he showed yet another side of his impressive resume of talents.
6 Charlie Hinton
Daddy Day Care (2003)
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.
Director Steve Carr
Release Date May 9, 2003
Writers Geoff Rodkey
Runtime 92 minutes
The family-friendly iteration of Eddie Murphy reached its absolute pinnacle with Daddy Day Care, a movie about a recently unemployed father who decided he has what it takes to open a daycare center in his home. Murphy’s characterization of the former marketing executive Charlie Hinton leaned into his talents for playing an everyman who was in over his head. While it was outrageous antics of children running wild who gave Daddy Day Care many of its best jokes, Murphy playing the straight-man reacting to them was the glue that held this film together.
While Daddy Day Care received negative reviews from critics, Murphy gave kids exactly what they wanted with this performance. Murphy’s characterization of an adult out of his depth made this a laugh-out-loud affair for preschoolers and younger viewers. Although it may be true that Daddy Day Car was too juvenile to appeal to older viewers, its box office haul of $160 million against a $60 million budget showcased its appeal (via Box Office Mojo.)
5 Rudy Ray Moore/Dolemite
Dolemite is My Name (2019)
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.
The real American comedian Rudy Ray Moore was known for playing the Blaxploitation character Dolemite on film, and both were expertly portrayed by Eddie Murphy in Dolemite is My Name. This unique biopic signaled Murphy’s return to critical acclaim after a period of hiatus and showcased he still had the talent to take on complex, adult-oriented roles. With a true story that’s stranger than fiction, Murphy’s portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore was his best movie in years.
Moore’s legacy as a standup and his iconic character of Dolemite allowed Murphy to lean into his unique talents in a story that blended Kung Fu, Blaxploitation, and a genuinely compelling biographical narrative. Murphy was both funny and compelling in Dolemite is My Name, as this gritty story of perseverance and making one’s own opportunities showcased the flawed heroism of its lead character. Propped up by an incredible soundtrack and stylish 1970s aesthetic, Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore was a late-career triumph.
4 Prince Akeem Joffer
Coming to America (1988)
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.
Director John Landis
Release Date June 29, 1988
Studio(s) Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures
Writers Barry W. Blaustein , David Sheffield
Runtime 116 minutes
Sequel(s) Coming to America 2
Budget $39 million
The Crown Prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda Akeen Joffer in Coming to America was one of Eddie Murphy’s most beloved characters. This story of an outrageously spoiled aristocrat who grew weary of his pampered lifestyle and took to New York City in search of adventure was a firm showcase of Murphy’s incredible appeal during the 1980s. It was truly hilarious to watch as Akeem learned the values 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 singer Randy Watson and the barber and barbershop customers Clarence and Saul in Coming to America. The character of Akeem went on an urban fairytale-like adventure, and his compelling love story with an everyday New York woman helped add depth and purpose to his journey. While some of the magic of Akeem’s character was lost in the underwhelming 2021 legacy sequel Coming 2 America, Akeem was still a standout role in Murphy’s career.
3 Billy Ray Valentine
Trading Places (1983)
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.
Director John Landis
Release Date June 8, 1983
Writers Timothy Harris , Herschel Weingrod
Runtime 116 minutes
Budget $15 million
The rags-to-riches story of Trading Places was an excellent comedy of mismatched protagonists as Eddie Murphy’s down-and-out Billy Ray Valentine switched places with Dan Aykroyd as the wealthy Louis Winthorpe III. Coming from a broken home and struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, Billy Ray was a con man and hustler who knew how to make the best out of his newfound fortunate situation, as an elaborate bet sees him working at the brokerage firm Duke & Duke. With elements of both screwball comedy and a deep sense of humanity, Billy Ray was one of Murphy’s greatest characters.
Throughout Trading Places, Billy Ray’s charming personality shone through as he was shown to not be as tough as his bravado suggested. While Trading Places remains one of the funniest comedies of the 1980s, it often doesn’t get enough credit for the depth of his characterization. Although Billy Ray featured plenty of Murphy’s signature humor, it also hinted at his talents as a dramatic actor that he would more fully embrace later in his career.
2 Donkey
Shrek (2001)
Based loosely on the children's book of the same name by William Steig, Shrek tells the story of an ogre (Michael Myers) who sets with his new friend Donkey (Eddie Murphy) out to regain his swamp from fairytale characters. Tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) in return for the restoration of his solitude, Shrek discovers that he's not the loner he always thought he was, and that looks aren't always everything.
Director Vicky Jenson , Andrew Adamson
Release Date May 18, 2001
Writers Ted Elliott , Roger S.H. Schulman , Joe Stillman , Terry Rossio
Runtime 90 minutes
Franchise(s) Shrek
Budget $60 million
It’s not just in live-action releases where Murphy has embodied iconic characters, as he has lent his recognizable voice to Donkey in Shrek. As Shrek’s sidekick and best friend, Donkey’s unwavering optimism and loyalty to Shrek ensured that audiences were always rooting for him, even if he endlessly annoyed his ogre companion. Murphy was perfectly cast as the voice of Donkey, as his comedic humor, witty one-liners, bursts of song, and pop culture references made him essential to the success of the Shrek franchise.
Murphy perfectly captured Donkey’s larger-than-life personality, and despite being part of a fantasy world, he always felt like one of the most relatable characters in the Shrek movies. While Donkey always tried to put on a smile and bring joy to every citation, viewers also witnessed his insecurities as he used humor to try to be liked by those around him, especially Shrek. Even though Donkey may feel like one of Murphy’s most outrageous characters, he was also a vulnerable, poignant, and optimistic antidote to the cynicism of Shrek.
1 Detective Axel Foley
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
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.
Director Martin Brest
Release Date November 30, 1984
Studio(s) Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures
Writers Danilo Bach , Daniel Petrie Jr.
Runtime 105 minutes
Budget $14 million
Beverly Hills Cop was the movie that shot Eddie Murphy into international superstardom as the character of Detective Axel Foley best encapsulated his comedic sensibilities. As one of the best movie characters of all time, Murphy brought his unmistakable charisma to this role, as his sharp but rebellious streak had an undeniable effect on the action-comedy genre. As a no-nonsense cop who wasn’t afraid to break the rules in pursuit of justice, Murphy’s quick one-liners and witty banter meant that audiences were always rooting for Axel.
While the incredible 1980s synth score of Beverly Hills Cop helped give it a unique identity, Murphy’s hilarious performance meant this 1980s classic turned into an ongoing franchise. The character has remained so popular that Murphy even returned to the role in the Netflix legacy sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F in 2024. With a career full of incredible characters, Eddie Murphy’s role as one of the most iconic and acclaimed comedians of all time wouldn’t have been the same without Detective Axel Foley.
Custom image by Ana Nieves.
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