Eddie Murphy Named The ‘Mount Rushmore’ Of His Best Movies, And I’m Surprised He Left Out One Of His Most Iconic Flicks

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When discussing the top Eddie Murphy films, it’s understandable if someone finds it challenging to choose their favorites, even the actor himself. Murphy boasts an impressive portfolio spanning multiple genres. Recently, he was asked to name the four movies that would represent the “Mount Rushmore” of his career. While I agree that all the titles he mentioned are strong contenders, I must admit that I was surprised to find one of his most beloved films missing from the list.

Eddie Murphy Picks Out The Four Movies That Best Sum Up His Career

Constructing this symbolic “Murphy Monument” is no walk in the park, as demonstrated by the actor’s own challenges in selecting four titles during his interview on Complex’s 360 With Speedy. As a fan of Murphy myself, I found it intriguing to witness him grapple with arranging his Top 4. However, the Delirious actor managed to solidify his list after making a swift adjustment. For your perusal, here’s the list of four feature films that Murphy eventually decided best encapsulate his filmography:

1. Dolemite (1975)
2. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
3. Dreamgirls (2006)
4. Tower Heist (2011)

  • The Nutty Professor
  • Shrek
  • Coming to America
  • Dreamgirls

Surprisingly enough, “Dreamgirls” almost didn’t make it to the final lineup. In an interview available on YouTube, Eddie Murphy chose to replace “48 Hrs.” with “Dreamgirls”. Murphy explained his reasoning behind this swap during the interview, stating:

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “48 Hrs.” is an incredibly gripping action-comedy tailored more towards male audiences. On the other hand, “Dreamgirls” is a captivating musical drama that appeals to both women and men alike. While “48 Hrs.” offers a raw, gritty portrayal of crime and law enforcement, “Dreamgirls” delves into the world of entertainment and dreams, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. I’ve got numerous ways to phrase this, but here’s one:

“For me, ’48 Hrs.’ is a thrilling ride that mainly resonates with men due to its intense action and crime elements. In contrast, ‘Dreamgirls’ is a vibrant musical journey that appeals to all, exploring the world of entertainment and dreams. Both films are exceptional in their own right, but they cater to different audiences.

In summary, this collection presents a diverse range of films led by Murphy, each highlighting distinct aspects of his acting talent. For example, “The Nutty Professor” showcases his knack for blending comedy and drama, with Murphy often claiming it features his finest acting performance. “Shrek” also underscores his impressive voice-acting skills. Interestingly, there’s another film that I believe could have earned an Oscar nomination for him, but it appears to be missing from this lineup.

Which Movie Was I Expecting (And Hoping) Eddie Murphy Would Add To His Top 4?

Among numerous films contending for the prestigious fourth spot on the “Murphy Mount Rushmore,” one particular movie initially seemed like an undeniable choice: _Beverly Hills Cop_, originally intended to be led by Sylvester Stallone. Released in 1984, Martin Brest’s comedy introduced Murphy as young Detroit cop Axel Foley on a mission to Beverly Hills to find his friend’s murderer. This film not only elevated the buddy cop genre and initiated a franchise, but it also solidified Murphy’s reputation as a genuine movie star.

In my opinion, the classic film “Beverly Hills Cop” is bursting with hilarious moments, from Axel’s amusing hotel check-in to the witty banter of the policeman who seems to never run out of clever quips, even referring to himself as a “super cop.” Eddie Murphy’s charismatic and energetic portrayal in this movie has a touch of Bugs Bunny’s charm that I find absolutely delightful. Overall, this action comedy masterfully showcases Murphy’s comedic prowess, though it doesn’t make his top four favorites, I must admit that it’s a bit hard for me to accept that it isn’t among his top picks.

In a more casual tone: Even though I won’t make a big deal out of it, BHC (streamable on Paramount+) certainly deserves its praises. Although I haven’t finalized my personal Murphy Mount Rushmore yet, there’s no doubt that Axel Foley’s first film will be included. As fans contemplate their own lineups, they should know that they can also stream Murphy’s upcoming 2025 movie release, titled “The Pickup“, which is available on Prime Video for streaming.

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2025-08-10 23:39