10) Harlem Nights (1989): Although savaged by critics upon its initial release, this period gangster comedy (the first and so far only film Murphy has ever directed) is a cult favorite among black audiences, due in part to its dream cast featuring the legendary comics Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx.
8) Boomerang (1992): Murphy switched gears and pulled off a lower key, more romantic role in this comedy about a womanizer who learns what goes around comes around. Oh yeah, and he gets to win Halle Berry’s heart in the process.
7) Dreamgirls (2007): Eddie Murphy scored his first (and well-deserved) Oscar nomination for his energetic, James Brown-esque performance in his blockbuster musical. He reminded audiences that he could sing, dance and show a flair for dramatic acting as well.
6) Raw (1987): One of the most memorable and popular stand up comedy films ever made — Raw is anything but politically correct, and sure, that tight purple outfit hasn’t aged well. But this was Eddie at his edgiest.
5) Trading Places (1983): Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd made an unlikely pair in this hysterical comedy about a homeless hustler and rich snob who wind up being pawns for scheming Wall Street barons. Their revenge is sweet and satisfying.
4) 48 Hrs. (1982): Murphy’s first starring role and he knocked it out of the park. As a con teamed up with grizzled cop (Nick Nolte), Murphy was a wisecracking genius. The scene where he confronts a bar full of rednecks cemented his movie star status.
3) The Nutty Professor (1996): One of Murphy’s most beloved films features some of his strongest acting and characters. In incredible make-up he creates three different generations of a family and still manages to be unbelievably funny.
2) Coming to America (1988): Arguably the most quotable Murphy movie. This uproarious and original comedy about an African prince in search of a bride in Queens jumpstarted Arsenio Hall’s career and inspired everything from music videos to hip-hop hooks.
1) Beverly Hills Cop (1984): The fast-witted Axel Foley is arguably Murphy’s most iconic role (which he re-created in two inferior sequels). There’s so many great bits and routines from this film it’s impossible to single out just one. From the ‘banana in the tail pipe’ to his reactions to Serge — we love this movie!
With the release of the highly-anticipated comedy Tower Heist this weekend, critics and audiences are hailing Eddie Murphy performance as a return to form. It’s hard to believe that Eddie has been cracking us up for roughly 30 years now!
MSNBC: Murphy ready to return to ‘SNL’ after 25 years
He’s starred in so many classic comedies (and sure, a few duds too) it’s hard to pick our favorite — so here’s our top 10 selections of Murphy’s best roles. Did you favorite make the list?
