The inimitable Eddie Murphy burst onto the Hollywood scene at the tender age of 21 with his breakout role in Walter Hill‘s 1982 film, 48 Hrs. Prior to this, Murphy had already made waves as the youngest cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) at just 19 years old, showcasing his impressive comedic chops alongside legendary talent like John Belushi and Bill Murray. But it was his star-making turn in 48 Hrs. that cemented his status as a rising star, with his charismatic performance opposite Nick Nolte earning him widespread critical acclaim and commercial success.
This was just the beginning of a meteoric rise to fame, as the 1980s and 1990s would go on to be Murphy’s golden era, with a string of box office smashes like Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Places, and The Nutty Professor solidifying his position as one of the biggest stars in the world. As he gears up for a major comeback with Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, let’s explore 5 of his most underrated roles that often go overlooked.
5. Metro as Scott Roper (1997)
The 1997 film Metro, directed by Thomas Carter, follows Scott Roper (Eddie Murphy), a seasoned hostage negotiator who finds himself on a personal mission to track down a brutal psychopath responsible for the murder of his friend. As Roper delves deeper into the case, he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with the killer, who is just as ruthless as he is cunning. Despite being often overlooked in Murphy’s filmography, Metro marked a significant departure from his usual wacky and eccentric roles, showcasing a darker, more intense side of the actor.
While the film still contains some comedic moments, Metro is primarily a thriller that allows Murphy to showcase his dramatic range. His performance as Scott Roper is marked by a sense of intensity and gravity, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of a serial killer’s mind. The film’s blend of action, comedy, suspense, and psychological intrigue makes for a gripping watch, and Murphy’s nuanced portrayal adds a great sense of depth to the story. Metro may not be as well-known as some of Murphy’s other films, but it stands out as a notable example of his ability to adapt to different genres and push his acting boundaries.
4. The Golden Child as Chandler Jarrell (1986)
The 1986 film The Golden Child, directed by Michael Ritchie, stars Eddie Murphy as Chandler Jarrell, a private investigator who specializes in cases involving missing children. The movie follows Chandler as he is hired by a mystical group to find the titular Golden Child, a powerful being with the power to bring balance and harmony to the world. Along the way, Chandler must navigate a series of bizarre and humorous situations, including encounters with a demonic cult and a Buddhist monk who serves as his guide.
Despite its intriguing premise, The Golden Child has largely flown under the radar in Murphy’s filmography, often overshadowed by the massive success of 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop. This may be due to the high expectations set by Murphy’s earlier film, but The Golden Child is a charming and entertaining movie that showcases his versatility as an actor. Murphy brings his trademark wit and charm to the role of Chandler, blending comedy, drama, and action to create a unique and engaging performance. Despite its somewhat forgotten status, The Golden Child is a fun and underrated addition to Murphy’s filmography.
Watch The Golden Child on Prime Video
3. Life as Rayford Gibson (1999)
The 1999 comedy-drama Life, directed by Ted Demme, follows the story of Ray Gibson (Eddie Murphy) and Claude Banks (Martin Lawrence), two men from different walks of life who find themselves sharing a cell in a Louisiana prison after being wrongly convicted of murder. Initially, the two are bitter enemies, constantly bickering and clashing, but as they navigate the harsh realities of life behind bars, they develop an unlikely friendship.
Murphy and Lawrence shine together on screen, delivering a powerful and comedic energy that is both entertaining and moving. What sets Life apart is its expert blend of humor and drama, with over-the-top campy moments balanced by an underlying tone of heart. As Ray and Claude navigate their wrongful imprisonment and the struggles that come with it, they also share poignant moments of vulnerability and growth, making their ultimate transformation from foes to friends all the more believable and affecting. Despite being unjustly overlooked in both actors’ filmographies, Life is a hidden gem that showcases the undeniable chemistry between Murphy and Lawrence, making it a must-see for fans of both comedians.
2. Mr. Church as Henry Church (2016)
Mr. Church, a 2016 drama film, is a prime example of a movie that was initially panned by critics but has since developed a devoted cult following among audiences. The film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Charlie, a young girl struggling to cope with her mother’s terminal illness, and Henry Church (Eddie Murphy), a talented cook who is hired by her mother to care for her and Charlie over a period of six months. As the months turn into years, the initial arrangement blossoms into a deep and meaningful bond between Charlie and Henry, who becomes like a surrogate father to her. Eddie Murphy delivers one of his most understated and underrated performances of his career as Henry Church, bringing a warmth and tenderness to the role that is both moving and memorable. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release, Mr. Church has since gained a loyal following among audiences who appreciate its poignant portrayal of human connection and the power of love to transcend even the most difficult circumstances.
1. Bowfinger as Kit Ramsey and Jiff Ramsey (1999)
Eddie Murphy is no stranger to playing multiple roles in a movie, and Bowfinger arguably shines as his best, playing two characters. Bowfinger is a 1999 comedy film that has been criminally overlooked despite its clever script, witty dialogue, and exceptional performances. The movie tells the story of Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin), a small-time film producer who is desperate to make it big in Hollywood.
Desperate to get his latest script greenlit, Bowfinger comes up with a plan to secretly film a movie starring Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy), a self-absorbed and egotistical movie star, without his knowledge or consent. Kit’s brother Jiff (also played by Eddie Murphy), on the other hand, is a shy and awkward man who is often overshadowed by his brother’s antics. Murphy delivers two exceptional performances as the polar opposites, showcasing his impressive range as an actor. As Kit, he brings a level of comedic flair, ferocity and underlying charm, while as Jiff, he brings a vulnerability and relatability that makes the character feel fully realized. Despite receiving mostly positive reviews from critics at the time of its release, Bowfinger has since been largely forgotten, making it a hidden gem that is waiting to be rediscovered. Want to read more about Eddie Murphy? Here’s his thoughts on returning to his most iconic character in Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
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