Regarding comedy legends, there’s arguably nobody more iconic and prolific than Eddie Murphy. From the big screen to the standup stage, Murphy has made serious strides when it comes to comedic actors and the successful trajectory they can have in the industry.
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From fun, slick crime films like “Harlem Nights” to the kid-friendly hits that defined his late ’90s resurgence (looking at you “Doctor Dolittle”), Murphy’s box-office track record is as varied as it is undeniable. And thanks to his new Netflix documentary “Being Eddie,” his impact in Hollywood is being revisited and reintroduced to audiences.
Given his extensive track record and the new doc, we felt it fitting to take a look back at a handful of his most successful films, by the box office. Fair warning, some of the top ones just might surprise you but at the very least, they’ll bring back some fond memories!
“Shrek 2”- 2004
Box Office: $932,534,181
The fact the sequel to “Shrek” outdid the first one is crazy, but let’s be clear–Eddie Murphy as Donkey remains to be one of the main highlights!
“Shrek”- 2001
Box Office: $488,977,919
The way “Shrek” popped out on the scene and took over as far as animated films goes should truly be studied. Who knew Eddie Murphy’s star power could translate so well as a cartoon donkey?
“Beverly Hills Cop”- 1984
Box Office: $316,360,478
There’s really no role that Eddie Murphy can’t do, but seeing him as Axel Foley as cop was one of those characters that’ll remain in pop culture for a loooong time.
“Mulan”- 1998
Box Office: $304,320,254
This one is for the millennials who grew up watching “Mulan” on VHS and were even more obsessed with her braggadocios dragon sidekick, Mushu. If you don’t put some respect on this film, expect dishonor! Dishonor on you and dishonor on your cow!
“Beverly Hills Cop II”- 1987
Box Office: $299,965,036
What’s better than one “Beverly Hills Cop” movie? The sequel. Although, this one didn’t do as well as the first one, it was a no-brainer for folks to see the latest shenanigans Axel Foley was up to.
“Doctor Dolittle”- 1998
Box Office: $294,456,605
Throwing it back to the 90s again, “Doctor Dolittle” came on the scene and made a whole new, younger generation fall in love with Murphy. From start to finish, this film is just an overall good time.
“Coming to America”- 1988
Box Office: $288,752,301
Do we really have to say much here? “Coming to America” has sooo many quotables and pop culture references. We already knew this was going to be in the top 10.
“Nutty Professor”- 1996
Box Office: $273,961,01
Yet another film in which Murphy could demonstrate how multi-talented he was by playing different characters with different voices and mannerisms, “Nutty Professor” has also cultivated its fair share of cult fans over the years. And while some jokes didn’t age well, it’s easy to see why some folks enjoyed this one.
“Daddy Daycare”- 2003
Box Office: $164,433,867
Eddie Murphy making a turn into being a family-friendly actor is arguably a move many of his early fans didn’t see coming, but we’re ultimately happy he went this direction because “Daddy Daycare” is fun in its own right! Not “Raw” fun, but still fun!
“Norbit”- 2007
Box Office: $159,814,490
OK, so “Norbit” is also a film that didn’t really age too well, but you can’t deny that it has it’s funny moments and fans who will defend it from here to ’till the cows come home.
“Dreamgirls”- 2006
Box Office: $155,456,861
“Jimmy got, Jimmy got, Jimmy got souuuuuul!” Sorry, we had to get that out. But seeing Murphy get into his more dramatic bag in “Dreamgirls” was so good, we need to make a petition for him to take on more serious roles from here on out.
“Boomerang”- 1992
Box Office: $131,052,444
When you talk about classic Black romcoms of the 90s, you have make sure that “Boomerang ” is in that conversation. Not only did it help shed a new light on the lives professional Black folks lead, it also featured a stellar cast of beautifully melanated people like Halle Berry, Robin Givens, Grace Jones and more.
“Bowfinger”- 1999
Box Office: $98,625,775
Some of the best films are when comedic legends go toe to toe and that’s exactly what we got between Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy in “Bowfinger.” Though it didn’t do nearly as well as some of Murphy’s previous works, this was still an enjoyable watch!
“Trading Places”- 1983
Box Office: $90,404,800
People don’t talk about that “I can see!” scene enough anymore and that really ought to change because it was so simple yet still so funny.
“48 Hrs”- 1982
Box Office: $78,868,669
“48 Hrs” marked the first role of Murphy’s where he was truly treated as a co-lead in the film and not relegated to just the funny sidekick. While he was a convict, he made for a very smart and entertaining one–especially when he was singing “Roxanne” at the tip-top of his lungs.
“Life”- 1999
Box Office: $73,475,268
Once again, do we really have to say much here? Between the star power of Murphy and Lawrence, we’re surprised this one didn’t at least hit $100 million.
“Harlem Nights”- 1989
Box Office: $60,864,870
Richard Pryor, Della Reese, Redd Foxx, Arsenio Hall, Jasmine Guy–this cast really couldn’t get any more iconic!
“Vampire in Brooklyn”- 1995
Box Office: $19,751,736
Though Murphy himself felt like biting Angela Bassett in the neck with fake vampire fangs was losing the plot somewhat in this film, it still makes the list because it surprisingly did some numbers. (Though it still wasn’t as successful as all the other ones.)
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