Eddie Murphy, a defining star of the 1980s, made his mark as a standout comedian on Saturday Night Live. Transitioning to film, his breakout role came in the classic action comedy, Beverly Hills Cop, released in 1984. This film not only showcased his comedic talents but also established him firmly in the action genre.
Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy Overview
Beverly Hills Cop features Murphy as Axel Foley, a clever Detroit detective investigating his friend’s murder. This film was a monumental success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 1984 and earning Murphy international acclaim. The trilogy includes:
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Grossed $316 million worldwide.
- Beverly Hills Cop II (1987): Grossed $300 million worldwide.
- Beverly Hills Cop III (1994): Grossed $119 million worldwide.
Overall, the trilogy has collectively grossed about $735 million globally.
Streaming Availability and Upcoming Exit from Netflix
Fans of the Beverly Hills Cop series have a limited time to enjoy all three films on Netflix, as they will exit the platform on December 1. This provides a unique opportunity for viewers to binge-watch the entire franchise.
Critical Reception
Both audiences and critics recognize the timeless appeal of Beverly Hills Cop. The original film boasts an impressive 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its lasting popularity. A recent audience review highlighted that the film “doesn’t just hold up — it somehow gets better with time.”
Eddie Murphy’s Return to the Franchise
After three decades, Eddie Murphy reprised his role in the franchise with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, released on July 3, 2024. This Netflix exclusive reunited him with co-stars Judge Reinhold and John Ashton while introducing new talent such as Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who played Axel’s daughter and partner, respectively. The new installment received mixed reviews, achieving a 67% Tomatometer score and a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Other Notable Exits from Netflix
Alongside the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy, several other significant titles will also be leaving Netflix on December 1, including:
- Austin Powers trilogy
- Billy Madison
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Paddington
- The Dark Tower
- The Equalizer
- The Nutty Professor and The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
This upcoming batch of departures marks a pivotal moment for Netflix subscribers eager to catch these classic films before they are gone.
