Eddie Murphy's Most Stylish Movie Moments

Image via Complex Original

Eddie Murphy has done really well for himself.  Don’t let the wack movies like Meet Dave and Imagine That take away from what the man has done. Murphy’s current movies tend to make people forget that he has several classics under his belt. He went H.A.M. in Nutty Professor by playing practically the entire cast, and before then he had Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, and Trading Places. You gotta give the man credit, he did become a member of the Saturday Night Live cast at just 19 years old, and has shared movie and television screens with Hollywood's elite.

His jokes are memorable, and his movies are classics, but what really made Murphy shine in his hey-day was his style. While becoming a comedic icon, he developed a swagger that was untouchable. With Tower Heist coming out this Friday, we thought about Murphy’s phenomenal roles and the style which took the movies to another level. You don’t have to rediscover what made Eddie so cool, we did it for you with his Most Stylish Movie Moments. 

Movie: Trading Places
When: 1983
Complex Says: This movie is Murphy’s second time on the big screen (after 48 Hours). Here, he’s dressed for Wall Street in a grey overcoat and leather gloves (—you might wanna pick up a pair this season). We won’t spoil the movie for you, but just know that Eddie’s style gets better throughout the movie, a foreshadowing of his own career. 

Movie: Eddie Murphy Delirious (TV Feature)
When: 1983
Complex Says: The subject matter of Eddie’s stand-up routine was pretty racy back in the day. Our takeaway from the comedy special was that he just might be the funniest man alive, and he’s got a crazy, cool style. The all red, leather outfit is one of his most memorable outfits, and might be Kanye’s all-red-everything inspiration (and maybe MJ’s "Thriller" inspiration too).

Movie: Beverly Hills Cop
When: 1984
Complex Says: Peep the varsity jacket and shades! This man is killin’ it! We’re sure you’re all still in the market for a varsity jacket, so let this be your inspiration. Snag some pins for the jacket too like our boy Eddie to add something new to your look. 

Movie: The Golden Child
When: 1986
Complex Says: Eddie throws some fur into the mix in The Golden Child. His outfit looks warm enough to last him through 3 winters straight. That’s styling with weather in mind. 

Movie: Eddie Murphy Raw (TV Feature)
When: 1987
Complex Says: Eddie Murphy is the reason why we think leather suits are so cool. For both of his classic stand-up specials, he wore head-to-toe leather. Definitely iconic. Forever stunting on everyone.

Movie: Coming to America
When: 1988
Complex Says: Coming to America is one of Murphy’s most memorable movies, and this was the first film where he played more than one character. Enough about his film credits, sit and take note that this is how you rock fur. Very few men can pull off a huge chain like that, too. Eddie’s swagger in Coming to America was untouchable. Arsenio could not compete at all, that tiger scarf accessory was the nail in coffin. 

Movie: Coming to America
When: 1988
Complex Says: Murphy surpasses Arsenio again (though his pom beanie is fresh), and this time out of the African clothes. Dope varsity, and the pins are back on this one too. You can still rock this trend now. Just don't OD on the pins too much.

Movie: Harlem Nights
When: 1989
Complex Says: This is a special movie for Murphy since he was working alongside two legendary comedians, Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. Eddie holds his own here in a peak lapel, 3-piece suit. Notice how he’s the only one with peak lapels. Standing out once again, swag.

Movie: Boomerang
When: 1992
Complex Says: Eddie knew how to pull off varsity jackets, leather outfits, and mature style, too. He threw a paisley scarf on over his pea coat. Not a bright colored scarf either, but enough for you to notice. It’s all in the details.

Movie: "Remember the Time" Music Video
When: 1992
Complex Says: This is a music video, yes, but Michael Jackson's productions are movies in our eyes. Eddie Murphy wasn't new to acting as royalty by '92, but he made us want to be a pharaoh after this awesome custom outfit.

Movie: Bowfinger
When: 1999
Complex Says: Eddie Murphy played two characters in a movie without wearing fat suits and prosthetics. Pretty impressive. As famous actor Kit Ramsey and nerdy look-a-like Jif, Eddie Murphy rocked striped polos like a champion.

Movie: Dreamgirls
When: 2006
Complex Says: Don’t think that Eddie Murphy’s swagger died in the early '90s. With time off from Shrek, he showed his singing and serious acting chops alongside Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, and Beyonce. His character, James Early, never existed in real life, but it gave us a look into what Eddie’s style would look like if he was a 1950s singer. How many men can pull off a gold suit?