Eddie Murphy Movies: A Comprehensive Filmography and Career Retrospective.

Eddie Murphy's career spans decades, including stand-up specials, blockbuster films, and memorable roles. Murphy's presence in Hollywood has been apparent, dating back to his early days as a comedic sensation and his recent comeback to dramatic parts. He has altered the world of comedy and action pictures, making an indelible impression on generations of audiences and actors.

Despite a few major errors along the road, Murphy's ability to attract audiences has rarely faltered. His oeuvre spans a tremendous diversity, from harsh action comedies to charming family films. It's a trip that reveals not only his comedic timing but also his unexpected depth as an actor.

Early Career and Stand-up Roots

Eddie Murphy's path to prominence began on the stand-up stage, where he immediately became known for his raw and energetic performances. His breakthrough programs, such as Delirious and Raw, sealed his reputation as a comic force. This early success led him to television, where he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live at the age of 19. Murphy claims he has only had one audition in his life, which was for Saturday Night Live. His appearance on the show rejuvenated the series and demonstrated his great aptitude for impressions and character work.

Murphy's shift to film was quick. His distinct humorous accent and irresistible charisma made him an immediate hit. He brought a fresh, edgy approach to the big screen, distinguishing himself from his peers. This period paved the way for a career that would redefine what a leading guy in comedy could be.

The 1980s Blockbusters: Action, Comedy, and Stardom

From 48 Hours to Beverly Hills Cop

Eddie Murphy dominated the movie office in the 1980s, thanks to a spate of successful action comedies. His debut feature, 48 Hours, starred him with Nick Nolte and demonstrated his ability to hold his own in a dramatic, fast-paced situation. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning more than $78 million domestically.

However, Beverly Hills Cop catapulted Murphy to superstardom. Murphy's performance as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit detective in Beverly Hills, combined humor, action, and rebellious appeal. The film was a huge hit, collecting more than $234 million in North America alone and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1984. Its success inspired two sequels, and a fourth, Beverly Hills Cop 4, is now eagerly anticipated.

Other significant films from this era include Trading Places, in which he collaborated with Dan Aykroyd, and Coming to America, a renowned comedy in which he co-wrote and starred, playing a variety of memorable roles. These flicks demonstrated his flexibility and solidified his status as a bankable star.

Transition to Family Films and Voice Acting.

'Nutty Professor' Franchise

Eddie Murphy's appeal grew in the 1990s, when he branched out into more family-friendly films. The Nutty Professor, released in 1996, marked a watershed moment. Murphy's portrayal of several characters, including the benevolent Professor Sherman Klump and his entire quirky family, gained him international acclaim and box office success. The picture grossed more than $273 million worldwide. This spawned a sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, cementing his place in the family comedy genre.

During this time, Murphy also appeared in films such as Dr. Dolittle, which helped him gain popularity among younger audiences. His ability to create distinct, hilarious personas, often using heavy makeup and prosthetics, became a trademark of the era.

Donkey Phenomenon in 'Shrek'

Perhaps his most renowned voice acting performance occurred in 2001's Shrek, where he played the fast-talking, amusing Donkey. The animated picture became a global success, winning the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and grossing more than $488 million worldwide. Donkey rapidly became a fan favorite, renowned for his smart banter and loyalty. Murphy's performance as Donkey is widely regarded as one of the best voice acting roles in animation history.

The Shrek franchise thrived, with Murphy reprising his part in several sequels, including Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After. These films made billions of dollars worldwide, demonstrating the ongoing popularity of his voice work and the characters he created. The character Donkey has had a huge cultural impact, becoming synonymous with Murphy's humorous genius.

Critical acclaim and Oscar nominations: The 'Dreamgirls' Era

Eddie Murphy appeared in the musical drama Dreamgirls in 2006, playing a more dramatic role. His performance as James "Thunder" Early, a soulful R&B singer, gained him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Murphy's performance was praised for its depth and emotional weight, revealing a side of his acting ability that many had not seen in years. He was considered a strong contender for the Oscar, which eventually awarded to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine.

This phase was a watershed event in Murphy's career, displaying his ability to succeed beyond sheer comedy and gain respect for serious acting. It demonstrated his versatility and willingness to push himself artistically.

The 'Norbit' Controversy and Career Changes

The 'Norbit Effect' Explained

Eddie Murphy starred in the 2007 comedy Norbit, less than a year after receiving an Oscar nod for Dreamgirls. The picture, in which Murphy played several personalities, including the titular Norbit, his overbearing wife Rasputia, and the Chinese orphanage owner Mr. Wong, was a box office hit, grossing more than $159 million worldwide. However, it was widely derided by critics, with a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The timing of Norbit's release, so close to the Academy Awards ceremony, fueled conjecture that it lost Murphy her Oscar for Dreamgirls. This notion became known as the "Norbit Effect." Murphy has addressed this, saying, "I love Norbit. Norbit came out just after I received my Oscar nomination. There were articles like, 'How can he get an Oscar, he did this?' "They are two different films."

The Razzie Awards and His Vow to Make Better Films

Norbit garnered Murphy multiple Razzie Awards, including Worst Actor, Worst Actress (for Rasputia), and Worst Supporting Actor (for Mr. Wong). He also got the Worst Actor of the Decade award for his overall performance. Despite the unfavorable feedback, Murphy continues to support the picture. "I wrote Norbit with my brother, Charlie, and we think Norbit is funny," Murphy told me. "Here's the issue about Norbit: it came out, and they gave me Razzie Awards for worst actress, worst actor, and worst actor of the decade. And I said, 'Come on now, it ain't that bad. I enjoy Norbit. To this day, I enjoy Norbit. Norbit has some funny moments."

During this time, Murphy also appeared in critically unsuccessful films such as The Adventures of Pluto Nash and Holy Man, which he has described as among of his "worst Movies." He stated he chose Holy Man over Rush Hour because it was "easy." After a string of unsuccessful films, Murphy took a break from acting, leaving many to wonder about his future in Hollywood.

Recent Works and the 'Dolemite Is My Name' Comeback

Eddie Murphy made a victorious return with the 2019 film Dolemite Is My Name, following a hiatus. Murphy's performance as Rudy Ray Moore, a real-life comedian and filmmaker, gained him considerable critical acclaim. The film was regarded as a notable return, reminding viewers and critics of his enormous skill. It cemented his ability to command the screen in a powerful yet comic performance.

This film was a watershed moment in Murphy's career, ushering in a new chapter. It demonstrated that he could still give tremendous performances and connect with modern audiences. The popularity of Dolemite Is My Name sparked increased interest in his work and future initiatives.

Eddie Murphy's Enduring Legacy and Influence

His Influence on Stand-up Comedy

Eddie Murphy's influence stretches well beyond his film roles. His stand-up comedy specials transformed the genre and inspired other entertainers. His bold approach to observational comedy and storytelling established a new standard. Many newer comedians look to him as a key inspiration, recognizing his unique ability to connect with an audience and make crisp, biting jokes.

Murphy's influence in Hollywood is similarly profound. He knocked down boundaries and created opportunities for Black comedians and performers in leading roles. His box office success demonstrated that Black performers can carry large films, paving the door for future generations. His career demonstrates his ongoing appeal and ability to adapt to shifting market trends.

Despite not receiving an Oscar for Dreamgirls, Murphy remains philosophical about prizes. "The films are ageless and unique, therefore they continue to play for years and years, and they are commercially successful. So you make a lot of money and people enjoy it, so you don't even consider, 'I didn't win a trophy!'" He joked that he expects to receive an honorary Oscar when he is "old and gray" and "90."

Eddie Murphy's upcoming projects

'Beverly Hills Cop 4' Anticipation

Eddie Murphy remains active in Hollywood. One of his most anticipated forthcoming projects is Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, the fourth episode in the popular Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Fans have been waiting decades for this return, and anticipation is great. Murphy is also expected to reprise his role as Donkey in Shrek 5, and a separate Donkey film is also in the works.

His continuing work in live-action and voice acting demonstrates his dedication to engaging viewers across genres. Murphy's upcoming filmography indicates a sustained emphasis on films that allow him to exhibit his comic abilities while also exploring new territory.

Ranking Eddie Murphy's Essential Movies.

While opinions on Eddie Murphy's "best" and "worst" films differ, several flicks stand out as must-sees for anybody interested in his career. Films like Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, and Shrek are frequently considered as both fan favorites and commercial triumphs. His emotional performance in Dreamgirls remains a highlight, showcasing his versatility.

Even Norbit, despite its poor reaction, has a place in his filmography as a divisive but financially successful effort. Murphy's career demonstrates his ability to recover from failures and continue to give performances that appeal with audiences worldwide. His journey exemplifies how a great star's impact extends beyond individual movie reviews or award nominations.