Eddie Murphy, renowned comedian, actor, and singer, has left an indelible mark on entertainment, transitioning from stand-up comedy to iconic film roles since his 1982 debut in ’48 Hrs.’ This August 2025, fans searching for Eddie Murphy best Netflix movies can enjoy a selection that highlights his diverse talents across comedy, drama, and action. These films showcase why Murphy remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Reviving a Classic with “The Nutty Professor”
The 1996 film “The Nutty Professor,” directed by Tom Shadyac, is a modern reimagining of the 1963 Jerry Lewis original. Eddie Murphy stars as Sherman Klump, a gentle and brilliant science professor who invents a drug to cure his severe obesity. However, the transformation triggers a dramatic personality shift, creating an alter ego named Buddy Love—confident but obnoxious and more popular than Sherman himself. The plot thickens as Buddy struggles to maintain dominance without losing control, drawing inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novella about dual identities. This film balances humor with a deeper look at self-perception and acceptance.
Celebrating Bold Comedy in “Dolemite Is My Name”
“Dolemite Is My Name” (2019), directed by Craig Brewer, tells the remarkable true story of Rudy Ray Moore, a pioneering Black entertainer in the 1970s. Eddie Murphy portrays Moore, who fights against the odds to create and popularize the outlandish and fiercely original character Dolemite. Combining comedy, music, and a kung-fu flair, Moore’s alter ego challenges social norms and obscenity standards, riskily bringing his underground sensation to the big screen. The film explores themes of perseverance, creativity, and cultural impact through Murphy’s dynamic performance.
Exploring Family and Culture in “You People”
In the 2023 film “You People,” directed by Kenya Barris, Eddie Murphy takes on the role of Akbar, father to Amira Mohammed, a Black Islamic woman engaged to Ezra Cohen, a White Jewish man played by Jonah Hill. Their budding interracial and interfaith relationship faces intense scrutiny as their families confront cultural divides and societal expectations. The story begins with a humorous misunderstanding, where Ezra mistakes Amira for his cab driver, yet evolves into a tense exploration of modern love’s challenges amid generational and cultural clashes. Murphy’s portrayal captures the emotional complexity within Akbar’s struggle to accept his future son-in-law.
Return to Action with “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”
The latest installment in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024), directed by Mark Molloy, reunites Eddie Murphy as Detroit detective Axel Foley. The film’s plot centers on Foley’s urgent return to Beverly Hills after discovering a threat to his estranged daughter Jane, portrayed by Taylour Paige. Alongside old allies Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton), Axel teams with a young officer named Bobby Abbott, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, to dismantle a dangerous conspiracy. This action-packed comedy combines suspense and familiar characters, providing fans with a fresh adventure on Netflix.
Each of these movies reveals a different facet of Eddie Murphy’s versatile career, from comedy and heartfelt drama to action and biographical storytelling. Streaming these titles offers viewers a chance to appreciate his enduring influence and the broad range of roles that have defined his decades-long presence in entertainment. With these selections available this August, Netflix subscribers can experience some of Eddie Murphy’s best work in one place, highlighting his unique ability to captivate audiences across genres and generations.
