Coming to America
PG-13
1988
Comedy · Nearly two hours flies by thanks to Murphy's energy and sharp comedic timing.
Solid crowd-pleaser
7.1/10
IMDb
73%
Fresh
47
47/100
Metacritic
🎬
6.9/10
TMDB
The brief
Eddie Murphy unleashes his full comedic arsenal here, playing multiple characters with such commitment that you'll forget it's the same guy behind the makeup. The fish-out-of-water setup crackles with energy as Murphy's sheltered prince navigates Queens barbershops and fast food joints, while Arsenio Hall matches him beat for beat as his loyal sidekick. John Landis keeps the pace snappy and the culture clash humor sharp without ever feeling mean-spirited. Perfect for anyone who loves Murphy's '80s peak or enjoys comedies where the jokes come from character rather than cheap shots.
fish-out-of-water
culture clash comedy
feel-good
eddie murphy showcase
queens barbershop banter
romantic pursuit
royal disguise hijinks
The verdict
If you love Eddie Murphy's classic comedy style and enjoy character-driven humor with heart, this is a must-watch showcase of his incredible range and comedic timing. If you prefer tighter modern comedies or get impatient with longer runtimes, the nearly two-hour length and some dated '80s sensibilities might test your patience.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for comedy fans and date nights
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for family movie nights with teens
- ⚠️ Some adult humor may not suit young kids
Heads up
- Mild sexual humor and innuendo throughout (moderate)
- Some crude language and adult themes (moderate)
- Brief partial nudity in comedic context (brief)
Credits
- Director
- John Landis
- Cast
- Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, Eriq La Salle
Official synopsis
An African prince decides it’s time for him to find a princess... and his mission leads him and his most loyal
