Coming to America (1988)
Eddie Murphy's beloved comedy classic about an African prince who travels to Queens, New York, in search of real love.
Coming to America - Movie Information
- Original Title: Coming to America
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: John Landis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 29, 1988 (United States - R), August 5, 1988 (United Kingdom - 15), September 1, 1988 (Germany - 12), August 24, 1988 (France - U), August 25, 1988 (Australia - M), October 27, 1988 (Brazil), September 30, 1988 (Italy - T), September 16, 1988 (Spain - APTA)
- Alternative Titles: Prints Zamundast (EE), 王子选妃记 (CN), O prigkipas tis Zamunda (GR), Hoshi no Ôji Nyûyôku e iku (JP), Um Príncipe em Nova York (BR)
- Production Companies: Eddie Murphy Productions, Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Coming to America - Plot
An African prince decides it's time for him to find a princess... and his mission leads him and his most loyal friend to Queens, New York. In disguise as an impoverished immigrant, the pampered prince quickly finds himself a new job, new friends, new digs, new enemies and lots of trouble.
Coming to America - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Prince Akeem's unforgettable journey to America:
This summer, Prince Akeem discovers America.
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Coming to America - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Landis
Main Cast
- Eddie Murphy
- Arsenio Hall
- Shari Headley
- John Amos
- James Earl Jones
- Madge Sinclair
- Eriq La Salle
- Allison Dean
- Frankie Faison
- Louie Anderson
Writers
- David Sheffield
- Barry W. Blaustein
- Eddie Murphy
Producers
- George Folsey Jr.
- Robert D. Wachs
Coming to America - FAQs
What is Coming to America about?
Coming to America follows Prince Akeem of Zamunda, a pampered African royal who travels to Queens, New York, in search of a woman he can love for who she is rather than her royal duty. Disguised as a poor immigrant, he finds work, friendship, and romance while navigating a wildly different world.
How many characters does Eddie Murphy play in Coming to America?
Eddie Murphy plays four distinct characters: the charming Prince Akeem, fast-food worker Clarence, soul singer Randy Watson, and elderly Jewish barber Saul. His co-star Arsenio Hall also pulls off four roles, making the film a showcase of remarkable comedic range from both leads.
Where can you stream Coming to America right now?
You can stream Coming to America on fuboTV, AMC+, YouTube TV, AMC, and Philo. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free options include Tubi TV (with ads) and Kanopy.
Is Samuel L. Jackson in Coming to America?
Yes! Samuel L. Jackson appears in a memorable early role as a hold-up man who attempts to rob the McDowell's fast-food restaurant. It's a brief but hilarious scene, and it's a fun piece of trivia for fans who know Jackson primarily from his later blockbuster career.
Who are the main cast members of Coming to America?
The film stars Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem and Arsenio Hall as his loyal friend Semmi. Shari Headley plays the love interest Lisa McDowell, with John Amos as her father and James Earl Jones delivering regal gravitas as King Jaffe Joffer. Eriq La Salle rounds out the cast as the pompous Darryl Jenks.
Did Coming to America inspire a sequel?
It did! Coming 2 America arrived in 2021, reuniting Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall for a follow-up set decades later. Prince Akeem discovers he has a son in America and must bring him back to Zamunda. The sequel debuted on Amazon Prime Video and brought back much of the original cast.
How was Coming to America received by critics and audiences?
Coming to America was a massive hit, grossing over $288 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. Critics praised Eddie Murphy's versatile comedic performance and the film's warm, fish-out-of-water charm. Over the decades it has grown into a beloved classic of 1980s comedy cinema.
What is the age rating for Coming to America?
Coming to America is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects some adult humor, language, and brief nudity. It's worth keeping in mind if you're planning a family viewing, though the film's comedy and heart have made it a favorite across generations of older teens and adults.
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