Eddie Murphy, celebrated as one of the greatest stand-up comedians and movie stars, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With a career spanning decades and films grossing over $6 billion, Murphy remains a significant figure in entertainment. His latest action-comedy, The Pickup, co-starring Pete Davidson, debuts on Prime Video on August 6, 2025.
In anticipation of this new release, here is a ranking of the 30 best Eddie Murphy movies, showcasing his enduring talent and diverse roles throughout his illustrious career.
The Animated Adventures Featuring Murphy’s Voice Work
Murphy’s distinct comedic voice has brought to life several memorable animated characters. In 1998’s Mulan, Murphy voiced Mushu, a spirited Chinese dragon helping the heroine save her father and defend honor. His role added a charming and humorous dimension to this classic Disney tale.
In the Shrek franchise, Murphy lent his voice to Donkey, the quick-witted companion to ogre Shrek. From the original 2001 Shrek to 2010’s Shrek Forever After, and the 2004 sequel Shrek 2, Murphy’s performances contributed significantly to the films’ widespread acclaim and popularity.
Classic Action-Comedies and Iconic Roles
Murphy’s filmography features standout action-comedies that defined his career. His role as Axel Foley, the street-smart Detroit cop, in 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop propelled him to superstardom. The film’s success spurred sequels including Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) and the forthcoming Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024), where Murphy reprises his role against a backdrop of new challenges.
In 48 Hrs. (1982) and its follow-up Another 48 Hrs. (1990), Murphy starred alongside Nick Nolte as a sharp-tongued criminal partnering with a cop to catch dangerous criminals. These films combined humor and thriller elements brilliantly, becoming fan favorites.
His role in 1997’s Metro as a skilled hostage negotiator brought a gritty edge to his career, showcasing his versatility beyond straight comedy.
Dramatic and Musical Performances Showcasing Murphy’s Range
Murphy has also demonstrated remarkable range in more dramatic roles, often blending depth with his signature charm. He was Oscar-nominated for his supporting role as James “Thunder” Early in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls, which follows three female soul singers navigating personal and career challenges in the 1960s music industry.
In Dolemite Is My Name (2019), Murphy starred as Rudy Ray Moore, chronicling the story of the legendary entertainer who created the pimp character Dolemite, blending humor and historical homage.
The 2016 film Mr. Church told a heartfelt story about a unique friendship spanning fifteen years between a cook and a young girl, emphasizing Murphy’s capacity for emotional roles.
Murphy’s Wild and Witty Comedies
Many of Murphy’s best works highlight his comedic prowess. In 1996’s The Nutty Professor and its 2000 sequel, he played multiple characters, including the obese professor Sherman Klump and his mischievous alter ego Buddy Love, showcasing stellar physical comedy and clever scripting.
Coming to America (1988) and its 2021 sequel Coming 2 America followed Prince Akeem, who journeys from Africa to Queens, New York, navigating love and family. These films blend cultural satire with Murphy’s trademark humor.
Boomerang (1992) featured Murphy as Marcus, a charming advertising executive who experiences a role reversal with his new boss, leading to comedic and romantic chaos.
In The Distinguished Gentleman (1992), he plays a Florida con man who seizes a chance to become a congressman, eventually challenging the corrupt political system through guile and wit.
Bowfinger (1999) placed Murphy as a reluctant movie star unknowingly starring in a low-budget film, reflecting Hollywood satire and Murphy’s comedic timing.
Murphy’s Contributions to Ensemble and Crime Stories
Tower Heist (2011) united Murphy with a group of employees seeking revenge on a Wall Street swindler. His character, Slide, is a petty crook enlisted for a high-stakes heist, blending comedy with thriller elements.
Harlem Nights (1989) portrayed Murphy’s Quick, son of a casino owner facing off against gangsters and corrupt cops during the 1920s, combining crime drama with humor.
You People (2023) explored modern relationships, culture clashes, and family expectations, featuring Murphy among an ensemble cast including Jonah Hill and Nia Long.
Additional Noteworthy Films in Murphy’s Career
Murphy’s early breakout film Trading Places (1983) demonstrated sharp social satire as he and Dan Aykroyd’s characters swap societal roles in a high-stakes bet. This film remains a classic example of Murphy’s comedic influence on 1980s cinema.
Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) combined horror with comedy, featuring Murphy as Maximillian, a vampire who aims to survive by manipulating a detective unaware of her own heritage.
Other notable movies include The Golden Child (1986), where Murphy plays a social worker drawn into a mystical quest, and The Pickup (2025), Murphy’s newest work portraying an armored truck driver caught in a dangerous ambush alongside Pete Davidson.
Why These Films Matter for Fans Before ‘The Pickup’
This collection of 30 movies presents the best of Eddie Murphy’s dynamic career, revealing why he has remained a beloved figure in film and comedy. From animated classics to action-packed thrillers, musical dramas, and side-splitting comedies, these films highlight Murphy’s versatility and enduring appeal.
With his new Prime Video release The Pickup arriving soon, revisiting these movies offers fans a chance to celebrate Murphy’s impactful legacy while anticipating his fresh contributions to cinema.
Complete List of the 30 Best Eddie Murphy Films
30. Mulan (1998) – Murphy voices Mushu, a witty dragon sidekick helping Mulan as she disguises herself to serve in the army in place of her ailing father.
29. Shrek Forever After (2010) – Returning to voice Donkey, Murphy’s character aids Shrek who battles alternate realities and seeks to reclaim his world and love.
28. Another 48 Hrs. (1990) – Reggie Hammond teams with Jack Cates again, confronting a dangerous drug kingpin and racing against time to survive.
27. You People (2023) – Murphy stars in this story about a new couple and their families grappling with love and cultural divides.
26. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) – In this comedy-horror, Maximillian seeks survival by pursuing a detective who unknowingly is half vampire.
25. Coming 2 America (2021) – Prince Akeem discovers he has a son in Queens and must prepare him to inherit the throne in this comedy sequel.
24. Doctor Dolittle (1998) – Murphy plays a doctor rediscovering his childhood ability to talk to animals, leading to uproarious adventures.
23. Shrek 2 (2004) – Donkey and Shrek journey to meet Fiona’s royal parents, facing opposition from the fairy godmother to their marriage.
22. Life (1999) – Murphy and Martin Lawrence highlight a story about wrongful imprisonment and friendship in the 1930s American South.
21. Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) – Sherman Klump’s efforts to reverse aging go awry as his alter ego causes chaos once again.
20. Tower Heist (2011) – Murphy joins a team plotting to reclaim money stolen by a fraudster billionaire.
19. Metro (1997) – As a hostage negotiator, Murphy confronts a ruthless bank robber bent on revenge.
18. The Distinguished Gentleman (1992) – A con man exploits a political ruse to win a congressional seat and challenge corruption.
17. Mr. Church (2016) – A cook’s unexpected long-term bond develops with a young girl and her mother.
16. Boomerang (1992) – Marcus’ charm backfires when his new boss turns the tables in this romantic comedy.
15. The Pickup (2025) – Murphy and Pete Davidson star in this tense, comedic thriller involving armored truck drivers under siege.
14. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) – Murphy returns as Axel Foley in a new installment featuring family and old friends fighting a conspiracy.
13. Harlem Nights (1989) – Murphy’s character faces gangster threats while running a casino with his father in the 1920s.
12. The Golden Child (1986) – A mystical adventure where Murphy helps protect a magical boy to save humanity.
11. Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) – Axel Foley faces an assassin while navigating police politics and action.
10. Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) – The comedian’s raw stand-up special features sharp observations on life and celebrity.
9. Shrek (2001) – The original animated hit where Murphy’s Donkey partners with Shrek on a quest to save a princess.
8. Trading Places (1983) – A street con-artist and a wealthy investor switch lives in a bet that spells chaos.
7. Bowfinger (1999) – Murphy stars as an unwitting movie star in a frantic low-budget filming scheme.
6. The Nutty Professor (1996) – A professor uses a formula to transform his body and personality, sparking comedy and romance.
5. 48 Hrs. (1982) – The film that established Murphy as a star pairing him with Nick Nolte on a high-stakes manhunt.
4. Dreamgirls (2006) – Murphy plays a soulful singer navigating fame and turmoil in this musical drama.
3. Dolemite Is My Name (2019) – Murphy portrays the creator of the legendary Dolemite persona in this biographical comedy-drama.
2. Coming to America (1988) – A royal prince ventures to America to find a bride incognito, blending romance and humor.
1. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) – Murphy’s iconic role as Axel Foley balances street smarts and comedy in a fast-paced crime story.
