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Netflix has just dropped the latest Eddie Murphy-starrer buddy cop action comedy flick, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, on its platform on July 3, 2024. It is the fourth film in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, released 30 years after its last installation, Beverly Hills Cop III in 1994.
After being in production limbo for many years, the film finally happened with Mark Molloy as the director. The cast features Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kevin Bacon, and Taylour Paige in pivotal roles alongside Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, and Eddie Murphy, who have reprised their roles.
With Eddie Murphy as the lead starrer of a reviving franchise after three decades and a $150 million budget, Axel F is Netflix's July highlight. Murphy is arguably one of the greatest names in the American comedy scene, with a career spanning over four decades.
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So to celebrate his legacy, we have curated a list of Eddie Murphy's best performances in films over the years. Let's delve into his illustrious career as viewers enjoy his latest film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
5 of the best Eddie Murphy movies
1) 48 Hrs
48 Hrs is the buddy cop action comedy from Paramount Pictures that debuted Eddie Murphy in feature films. Directed by Walter Hill, the film released in 1982 to become a major commercial hit. The film even earned Murphy a Golden Globe nomination for his debut performance.
The cast features Nick Nolte, Annette O'Toole, James Remar, David Patrick Kelly, and others alongside Eddie Murphy in pivotal roles. The film was a pivotal title of the buddy cop genre and also one of the most profitable films in its year of release. It also received a sequel in 1990, Another 48 Hrs.
Set in San Francisco, the film follows Inspector Jack Cates as he enlists the help of Murphy's Reggie Hammond, a street-smart convict, to catch a pair of escaped convicts within 48 hours.
2) Dolemite is My Name
Dolemite is My Name is a biographical comedy title from the house of Netflix. The film is directed by Craig Brewster with a screenplay written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, basing the story on Rudy Ray Moore and his character of Dolemite.
The film cast featured Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Snoop Dogg, Wesley Snipes, and others alongside Murphy in the titular role.
The film premiered at the 2019 TIFF and received widespread critical acclaim for its commentary on the blaxploitation genre alongside Murphy's performance as Ray Moore. The film remembers Rudy Ray Moore and his iconic Blaxploitation character, Dolemite, as they journey from obscurity to fame in 70s America.
3) Shrek franchise
Shrek is undoubtedly one of the most iconic animated fantasy franchises from the 2000s. The franchise from DreamWork Pictures kicked off with Shrek in 2001, inspired by William Steig's 1990 children's picture book of the same name. The film's success spawned the rest of the series and established DreamWork among the best animation houses in the industry.
The voice cast featured an ensemble of prominent stars including the likes of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Conrad Vernon, Cody Cameron, and Eddie Murphy in pivotal roles throughout the franchise run.
Shrek revolves around the adventures of Shrek, a grumpy ogre living in a swamp, as he sets off on a quest to save Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon. Eddie Murphy voices the iconic character of Donkey, Shrek's loyal and optimistic partner on his journey.
4) Trading Places
Trading Places is a comedy film from the house of Paramount Pictures. The film was directed by John Landis with a screenplay written by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod.
The cast featured Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Paul Gleason in pivotal roles. Releasing in 1983, Trading Places was Murphy's second feature film role. The success and accolades for his role catapulted the actor to the top echelons of Hollywood comedians.
Trading Places follows two people from completely different strata of society, a wealthy broker and a con artist, as they swap their lives and lifestyles for a bet. However, they soon realize that they have been played and team up to get their revenge.
5) Beverly Hills Cop
Beverly Hills Cop is the original buddy cop action comedy from the house of Paramount Pictures that started the franchise. The film was directed by Martin Brest with a screenplay written by Daniel Petrie Jr. and released in 1984.
The cast featured Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox, and Steven Berkoff alongside Eddie Murphy in pivotal roles. The film was both a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous prestigious accolades while also being the highest-grosser of the year. The film made Murphy an international comedy icon.
Beverly Hills Cop follows Detroit detective, Axel Foley, as he travels to California to solve the mystery of his best friend's murder. Despite his clashes with the local police for his unauthorized investigation, Foley uncovers a large smuggling ring behind everything.
These are our top picks of movies starring Eddie Murphy. If these titles make you want to catch his latest work, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is currently streaming on Netflix.
