When it comes to comedy legends, there’s arguably nobody more iconic and prolific than Eddie Murphy. From the big screen to the stand-up stage, Murphy has made serious strides as a comedic actor 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. Even his recent Netflix documentary “Being Eddie” further proved his impact in Hollywood is always worth revisiting.
In honor of his extensive track record and his 65th birthday, we felt it fitting to take a look back at a handful of his most successful films by their box office performance. 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 that the sequel to “Shrek” outdid the first one is crazy, but let’s be clear–Eddie Murphy as Donkey remains one of the main highlights!
“Shrek”- 2001
Box Office: $488,977,919
The way “Shrek” popped out on the scene and took over animation 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 police officer Axel Foley 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 braggadocious 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 perform 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
“The Nutty Professor” was yet another film in which Murphy demonstrated how multi-talented he was by playing different characters with different voices and mannerisms. The film also cultivated its fair share of 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 becoming 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
“Norbit” is another film that didn’t really age too well, but you can’t deny that it has its 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. 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 to make sure that “Boomerang ” is in that conversation. Not only did it help shed a new light on the lives that professional Black folks lead, but 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 happen 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.” was Murphy’s first role in which 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 top of his lungs.
“Life”- 1999
Box Office: $73,475,268
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 is 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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