Trading Places

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0:58

Trading Places

R

1983

1h 56m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

53 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn't commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes.

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Critics Consensus

Featuring deft interplay between Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, Trading Places is an immensely appealing social satire.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

Trading Places cushions the social satire of its theme with broad comedy.

Mar 15, 2023

Full Review

Derek Malcolm

Guardian

Trading Places, in this of all Hollywood years, is a joy to behold -- clever without being smart, affectionate without being sentimental, They can make movies like they used to after all.

Aug 20, 2021

Full Review

Yardena Arar

Associated Press

Landis' direction is deft, but the sparkling performances are the real draw not only by Murphy and Aykroyd but also by Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy as the meddling oldsters, Denholm Elliott as the gentlemanly servant and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Oct 23, 2018

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The pacing is too slow and the humor spread too thin to sustain this trite script, even if its box office takings relate the opposite, boosting the careers of virtually the entire cast.

Rated: 4/10

Jul 15, 2025

Full Review

Fico Cangiano

CineXpress Podcast

Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd are quite the duo in this funny Christmas film with some strong themes under its hood. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 9, 2021

Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Since 48 hrs. had yet to be released, Landis and the studio took a big risk casting Murphy, fortunately, the gamble (pun intended) paid off.

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 9, 2020

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Brent A

40% rating ... Interesting storyline concept, but the humor fell flat at times.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/14/25

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Roshin R

After twenty years, I watched or should I say I rewatched 1983 "Trading Places," and even after a couple of decades, this movie still had me laughing so hard, my face actually hurt… lol! =). In fact, I will bet you $1.00 that you could not sit through this entire movie without cracking up at Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy’s unmatched charm, wit, and acting. "Trading Places" is a comedy classic. The Twin Towers is in the movie too which brought forth heartfelt emotions of that fateful 9/11 morning. Never forget.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/25

Full Review

Penelope Y

One of those classic comedies they simply don’t make anymore! No lazy slapstick, no overdone effects or gimmicks- just a great script, great actors, and sharp, timeless humour that still makes me laugh today. Old Eddie movies are in a class of their own- that's why he still known as the GOAT of comedy. I watch this whenever I need a good laugh and a film that leaves me feeling upbeat. Highly recommended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/07/25

Full Review

Rob G

They don't make movies like this anymore. At the time John Landis (Director) could do no wrong following absolute classics like Animal House, The Blues Brothers and An American Werewolf in London. Also 2nd movie featuring Eddie Murphy who could also do no wrong in his first three major releases (48 Hours, Beverly Hills Cop). Murphy and Ackroyd are the perfect comedy duo in this movie that experiments with what would happen to those that lose and gain everything in life.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/02/25

Full Review

Taiga B

This has a great blend of comedy, drama and friendship. It has a great message, something that a lot of new movies lack. Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy were absolutely amazing in this movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/30/25

Full Review

Chris H

Its a little out of date compared to the times, but its still a fun movie with Strong actors and actresses in their prime.A comedy about the idea of switching a rich person and a poor person and seeing if the way they were brought up of just having money changes a person. Would highly recommend the movie for a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

Full Review

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John Landis

Director

Dan Aykroyd

Louis Winthorpe III

Eddie Murphy

Billy Ray Valentine

Ralph Bellamy

Randolph Duke

Don Ameche

Mortimer Duke

Denholm Elliott

Coleman

Trading Places: Official Clip - Down & Out Santa

1:41

Trading Places: Official Clip - The S-Car Go

1:53

Trading Places: Official Clip - Haggling at the Pawnshop

1:11

Trading Places: Official Clip - Those Men Wanted to Have Sex with Me

2:07

Trading Places: Official Clip - Pork Bellies Going Down

0:48

Trading Places: Official Clip - Very Bad Santa

1:59

Trading Places: Official Clip - The One Dollar Bet

1:42

Trading Places: Official Clip - I Can See!

1:30

Trading Places: Official Clip - You Want Me to Break Something Else?

0:46

Trading Places: Official Clip - It Was the Dukes

1:06

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Trading Places: Teaser Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn't commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes.

Director: John Landis
Producer: Aaron Russo
Screenwriter: Timothy Hyde Harris, Herschel Weingrod
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Cinema Group Ventures
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 6, 2016
Runtime: 1h 56m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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