Coming to America

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2:38

Coming to America

R

Released Jun 29, 1988

1h 56m

Comedy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

The 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

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Herb Boyd

The Crisis

What a pleasure it is to see such a glamorous array of black people on screen.

Nov 27, 2023

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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

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Sean Collier

Box Office Prophets

It is charmingly old-school in plenty of regards - while remaining quotable.

Rated: 8/10

Mar 31, 2021

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Merick H

Love it! Great laughs and leaves me feeling pure joy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/25

Full Review

alan g

One of Eddie Murphy's better films. Looking for a Queen in Queens, NY is a good plot. A fish out of water film but it works. Good supporting cast.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/25

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Stephen H

Love this movie all-time classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/29/24

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

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John Landis

Director

Eddie Murphy

Prince Akeem

Arsenio Hall

Semmi

John Amos

Cleo McDowell

James Earl Jones

King Jaffe Joffer

Shari Headley

Lisa McDowell

Coming to America: Official Clip - The King Has Entered the Building

1:50

Coming to America: Official Clip - New Digs

0:57

Coming to America: Official Clip - Unhappy Meal

1:35

Coming to America: Official Clip - Miss Black Awareness Pageant

1:43

Coming to America: Official Clip - Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali

1:02

Coming to America: Official Clip - Sparring Session

1:28

Coming to America: Official Clip - Akeem Meets Lisa

0:59

Coming to America: Official Clip - Akeem Talks Football

0:48

Coming to America: Official Clip - The Barbershop

1:19

Coming to America: Official Clip - Semmi Writes Home

0:56

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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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