Being Eddie Review: You know how some people have careers so wild and influential that a single documentary can’t possibly capture them? Yeah, that’s Eddie Murphy.
I watched Being Eddie on Netflix last night. It’s about an hour and forty-five minutes long, and honestly, it felt like sitting through a living scrapbook of one of the most electrifying performers to ever touch a mic. Eddie Murphy isn’t just another comedian who made it big; he’s the guy who redefined what “making it big” even meant.
The documentary takes you from his early days doing stand-up to his rise on Saturday Night Live, then through that golden era of ’80s and ’90s movies, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, you name it. What I loved most is how it doesn’t just talk about his career but about his influence. You’ve got Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, the kind of people you’d expect to see when the conversation turns to comedy royalty, all showing up to say, “Yeah, Eddie changed everything for us.”
My Rating: 3.5/5
| Title | Being Eddie |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Platform | Netflix (Original Documentary) |
| Genre | Biography / Documentary / Comedy |
| Runtime | 1 hour 43 minutes |
| Director | Angus Wall |
| Cast / Featured Appearances | Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Adam Sandler, and others |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
The Good Stuff in Being Eddie
Here’s what really worked for me: the film does a great job showing Eddie’s evolution without overcomplicating things. You get a sense of how driven he was, a guy who didn’t drink, didn’t do drugs, and was obsessed with the craft. It’s crazy hearing how focused he was at such a young age, and it kind of explains why he hit stardom so fast.
The behind-the-scenes footage and old interviews? Pure gold. You can almost feel that raw energy that made him such a phenomenon on SNL. The filmmakers also include bits of his stand-up (Raw, Delirious) that remind you how fearless he was, and how much of today’s comedy owes him a debt.
Where It Falls Short
If you already know a lot about Eddie Murphy, you’re not getting many surprises here. The documentary plays it safe. It avoids diving into the darker or more controversial chapters of his life, the arrests, the career slumps, the stuff that could’ve added more depth.
So while it’s a celebration of Eddie Murphy, it doesn’t feel like a complete picture. It’s more like Netflix saying, “Hey, remember how amazing he is?” rather than, “Let’s explore what made him complicated.” Personally, I wanted that extra honesty, that messy, human side that great documentaries aren’t afraid to show.
My Take on Being Eddie
Even with its flaws, I couldn’t help but enjoy it. Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s just that Eddie Murphy still has that kind of charisma you can’t fake. There’s something special about watching someone who shaped comedy and film so deeply finally reflect on his own journey.
It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s worth watching if you love pop culture history, stand-up, or just want to remember why Eddie Murphy became Eddie Murphy.
If you’re expecting a deep psychological dive, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a warm, funny, inspiring tribute to one of the most talented performers ever to hit the stage, Being Eddie delivers.
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Quick Breakdown: The Good & The Bad
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Genuine nostalgia and career-spanning look at Murphy’s legacy | Skips over controversial or messy parts of his life |
| Genuine nostalgia and a career-spanning look at Murphy’s legacy | Too safe — doesn’t reveal much we didn’t already know |
| Energetic editing that matches Murphy’s larger-than-life personality | Feels more like a “tribute special” than an investigative doc |
| Highlights his unique work ethic and creative genius | Lacks emotional depth and introspection |
Final Thoughts on Being Eddie
Being Eddie isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s a celebration, plain and simple. It reminds you why Eddie Murphy became a household name and how his fingerprints are still all over comedy and film.
I just wish Netflix had pushed a little deeper. Show me the man behind the legend, not just the legend himself.
Still, for any fan of classic comedy or anyone who grew up quoting Coming to America or The Nutty Professor, this documentary hits all the right nostalgic notes.
Question for you guys:
What’s your all-time favorite Eddie Murphy movie or moment? Drop it in the comments, I’m curious which era of Eddie you think was his best.
