Eddie Murphy is cognizant of the movies he’s made in his long and decorated career in Hollywood. Some are must-watch films — think Beverly Hills Cop or Dreamgirls — while others are a hard pass.
The 64-year-old actor recently sat down with Complex to discuss some of his “worst movies,” and he wasn’t shy about easily rattling off four of his worst movies. He started with Pluto Nash and Holy Man before host Speedy Morman interjected and opined, “Some say Norbit, but I like Norbit.”
Norbit, of course, is the 2007 comedy directed by Brian Robbins and co-written by Murphy and his brother, Charlie. The film stars the Murphy brothers, Thandie Newton, Terry Crews, Cuba Gooding Jr., Eddie Griffin, Katt Williams and Marlon Wayans.
Murphy also famously plays three roles in the film: the titular character, Norbit, Norbit’s abusive and obese wife, Rasputia, as well as Mr. Wong, the Chinese owner of the orphanage where Norbit met Kate when they were kids.
The film was released in 2007, right after Murphy was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dreamgirls.
“I love Norbit. You know, Norbit came out right after I got the Oscar nomination. There were articles like, ‘How can he get an Oscar?! He did this,'” Murphy said. “No, that’s two different movies.”
Murphy also recalled how Norbit helped him land Razzie Awards for Worst Actor of the Decade and Worst Actress of the Decade, for his roles as Norbit and Rasputia.
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“I was like, ‘C’mon man. S—t ain’t that bad,'” he quipped. “They was just hatin’ on a n—a.”
Razzie Awards be dammed, the film enjoyed phenomenal success at the box office, grossing $159 million worldwide. And not only did the film earn a 2008 Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup, but to this day, it enjoys a cult-like following.
Can’t hate on that.
Eddie Murphy Has Perfect Reaction to ‘Norbit’ Being Named One of His Worst Films first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 7, 2025