Eddie Murphy has one of the most instantly recognizable comedic styles in Hollywood — fast-paced quips, sharp timing, and a gift for bouncing off a straight-faced character. Whether you know him as Donkey from Shrek or as Mushu in Disney’s Mulan, there’s no mistaking his voice, delivery, or charisma.
Two major franchises helped cement that signature Murphy energy on screen: the original Beverly Hills Cop trilogy and the two Nutty Professor films. And if you want to revisit them, there’s a deadline — all five movies leave Netflix on December 1st, meaning viewers only have until the end of Thanksgiving weekend to watch.
Two Very Different Franchises, One Legendary Performer
What makes this double feature so fun is how different the franchises are.
- Beverly Hills Cop launched Murphy as an action-comedy juggernaut, blending shootouts, stakeouts, and the classic ’80s cop-film attitude with Murphy’s unforgettable wise-cracking persona.
- The Nutty Professor, meanwhile, lets him dive fully into character work, reviving the 1963 Jerry Lewis film with modern energy and outrageous physical comedy.
Together, they showcase both sides of Murphy’s comedic genius: the smooth-talking, quick-thinking renegade — and the fully transformative chameleon.
Why These Films Define Eddie Murphy’s Career
Murphy was already gaining recognition from Saturday Night Live, but these films launched him into blockbuster status.
As Axel Foley, Murphy turns the typical rebellious homicide detective into a charismatic tornado of jokes, improvisation, and attitude. The part was originally envisioned for Sylvester Stallone, and imagining that version only highlights how Murphy reshaped the genre.
If Beverly Hills Cop shows Murphy’s speed and confidence, The Nutty Professor shows his versatility. Not only does he play the shy and lovable scientist Sherman Klump and Sherman’s smooth alter-ego Buddy Love — he also portrays multiple members of the Klump family, each with distinct personalities, voices, and quirks.
It’s the kind of performance only Murphy could pull off.
Sequels, Streaming, and Eddie Murphy’s Next Chapter
Both series expanded past the first films with mixed critical and audience reactions. Beverly Hills Cop II performed well but split reviewers, while Beverly Hills Cop III and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps struggled with tone and reception.
Murphy’s career then shifted deeper into family-friendly roles like Dr. Dolittle and Shrek, but his comedic rhythm never changed — fast, fearless, and unforgettable.
Netflix recently reintroduced the franchise with the hit film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which skyrocketed to the top of streaming charts and reignited nostalgia for Murphy’s earlier work. The platform also released the documentary Being Eddie, giving fans a deeper look at his journey.
In a recent Collider interview, Murphy teased that his next role takes a “hard left turn”, suggesting something completely different from his usual comedic projects.
Whether you grew up watching Axel Foley chase criminals through Beverly Hills or you still quote the Klump family dinner scene, these movies represent Eddie Murphy at his peak — bold, inventive, and endlessly entertaining.
Before they disappear from Netflix, make time for Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor. They remain not just products of their era — but timeless showcases of a performer unlike anyone else.