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Coming to America

Play trailer 2:38 Poster for Coming to America R Released Jun 29, 1988 1h 56m Comedy Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 55 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is the prince of a wealthy African country and wants for nothing, except a wife who will love him in spite of his title. To escape an arranged marriage, Akeem flees to America accompanied by his persnickety sidekick, Semmi (Arsenio Hall), to find his queen. Disguised as a foreign student working in fast food, he romances Lisa (Shari Headley), but struggles with revealing his true identity to her and his marital intentions to his king father (James Earl Jones).
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Coming to America

Coming to America

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Critics Consensus

Eddie Murphy was in full control at this point, starkly evident in Coming to America's John Landis' coasting direction.

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Critics Reviews

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Derek Malcolm Guardian Subtlety is not Mr Murphy's strong point, but on the, whole his spiky charm saves both him and the movie. Jul 22, 2021 Full Review David Robinson Times (UK) John Landis directs the slim affair at a riskily leisured pace; but with some enjoyment from supporting characters such as James Earl Jones as the King and Eriq LaSalle as the Prince's rival for spunky Shari Headley. Jul 22, 2021 Full Review Duane Byrge Hollywood Reporter This comedy is generally tame and sappy... what we get is homogenized Eddie Murphy, drained of his kinetic comic charm and smiling sass. Jan 29, 2019 Full Review Herb Boyd The Crisis What a pleasure it is to see such a glamorous array of black people on screen. Nov 27, 2023 Full Review Bill Chambers Film Freak Central Even Akeem's gentle African lilt seems like Murphy trying to distance himself from his star persona, if not demonstrate his range. Rated: 3/4 Mar 3, 2022 Full Review Sean Collier Box Office Prophets It is charmingly old-school in plenty of regards - while remaining quotable. Rated: 8/10 Mar 31, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience M John Landis’ Coming to America is a comedic and romantic masterpiece that has only grown in charm and appeal over the years. Eddie Murphy’s dual performance as Prince Akeem and several other equally hilarious supporting characters is nothing short of fantastic. Showcasing his hilarious comedic timing. The film’s humor is sharp, clever, and filled with romance, with every scene brimming with infectious energy. Arsenio Hall is the perfect fit as Akeem’s loyal friend Semmi, and not forgetting the fantastic James Earl Jones who plays Akeem’s father King Jaffe Joffer. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/09/24 Full Review Jvhuu M John Landis’ Coming to America is a comedic and romantic masterpiece that has only grown in charm and appeal over the years. Eddie Murphy’s dual performance as Prince Akeem and several other equally hilarious supporting characters is nothing short of fantastic. Showcasing his hilarious comedic timing. The film’s humor is sharp, clever, and filled with romance, with every scene brimming with infectious energy. Arsenio Hall is the perfect fit as Akeem’s loyal friend Semmi, and not forgetting the fantastic James Earl Jones who plays Akeem’s father King Jaffe Joffer. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/07/24 Full Review Tyler P An old movie, but one I enjoyed when I first saw it, and even more so this weekend. I think truly well written, smart, amazing cast, and well worth watching. I got so many laughs again… such a nice way to spend a few Saturday hours. A five! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/21/24 Full Review Gnr E Its one of the best movies for me. I watched it like 1000 times. Everything in this movie is perfect! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/22/24 Full Review Munkhchimeg T Very cute and interesting Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/22/24 Full Review Audience Member Timeless classic!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/21/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Coming to America

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Cast & Crew

Coming to America

Coming to America: Official Clip - The King Has Entered the Building Coming to America: Official Clip - The King Has Entered the Building 1:50 Coming to America: Official Clip - New Digs Coming to America: Official Clip - New Digs 0:57 Coming to America: Official Clip - Unhappy Meal Coming to America: Official Clip - Unhappy Meal 1:35 Coming to America: Official Clip - Miss Black Awareness Pageant Coming to America: Official Clip - Miss Black Awareness Pageant 1:43 Coming to America: Official Clip - Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali Coming to America: Official Clip - Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali 1:02 Coming to America: Official Clip - Sparring Session Coming to America: Official Clip - Sparring Session 1:28 Coming to America: Official Clip - Akeem Meets Lisa Coming to America: Official Clip - Akeem Meets Lisa 0:59 Coming to America: Official Clip - Akeem Talks Football Coming to America: Official Clip - Akeem Talks Football 0:48 Coming to America: Official Clip - The Barbershop Coming to America: Official Clip - The Barbershop 1:19 Coming to America: Official Clip - Semmi Writes Home Coming to America: Official Clip - Semmi Writes Home 0:56 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) is the prince of a wealthy African country and wants for nothing, except a wife who will love him in spite of his title. To escape an arranged marriage, Akeem flees to America accompanied by his persnickety sidekick, Semmi (Arsenio Hall), to find his queen. Disguised as a foreign student working in fast food, he romances Lisa (Shari Headley), but struggles with revealing his true identity to her and his marital intentions to his king father (James Earl Jones).
Director
John Landis
Producer
George Folsey Jr., Robert D. Wachs
Screenwriter
Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount, Eddie Murphy Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 29, 1988, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$128.1M
Runtime
1h 56m
Sound Mix
Surround
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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