Coming to America 1988
"This summer, Prince Akeem discovers America."
Directed by comedy maestro John Landis, *Coming to America (1988)* is a feel-good classic that blends sharp satire with heartfelt romance.
Director: John Landis
Cast
Eddie Murphy
Prince Akeem / Clarence / Randy Watson / Saul
Arsenio Hall
Semmi / Extremely Ugly Girl / Morris / Reverend Brown
Shari Headley
Lisa McDowell
John Amos
Cleo McDowell
James Earl Jones
King Jaffe Joffer
Madge Sinclair
Queen Aoleon
Eriq La Salle
Darryl Jenks
Allison Dean
Patrice McDowell
Frankie Faison
Landlord
Louie Anderson
Maurice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coming to America (1988) about?
Prince Akeem, heir to a wealthy African kingdom, trades his crown for a shot at finding a bride on his own. Disguised as a broke immigrant, he navigates New York City life, work, and love while learning the true value of humility and heart.
Who directed Coming to America?
The film was directed by John Landis, a legendary filmmaker behind hits like *The Blues Brothers* and *Animal House*.
Who stars in Coming to America?
The film stars Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, and James Earl Jones.
Is Coming to America (1988) worth watching?
Absolutely! Its sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and standout performances make it a comedy classic that holds up beautifully. Whether you're a fan of rom-coms, social satire, or just great laughs, it's a must-see.
How long is Coming to America?
The runtime is 117 minutes, roughly a brisk 1 hour and 57 minutes of pure entertainment.
🎥 Trailer
About Coming to America (1988) — A Prince, a Dream, and Queens' Greatest Love Story
Directed by comedy maestro John Landis, *Coming to America (1988)* is a feel-good classic that blends sharp satire with heartfelt romance. Eddie Murphy shines as Prince Akeem, a pampered African monarch who trades royal life for a Queens apartment to find true love on his own terms. With Arsenio Hall's hilarious dual roles and chemistry that crackles between leads Eddie Murphy and Shari Headley, the film dives into themes of identity, privilege, and culture clash—all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s New York, it's a celebration of humility, ambition, and the universal pursuit of happiness.
Backed by a stellar ensemble including James Earl Jones and Madge Sinclair, *Coming to America (1988)* balances slapstick humor with genuine emotion, making it a timeless crowd-pleaser. Its blend of romance, comedy, and social commentary continues to resonate decades later, cementing its place as a must-watch in classic cinema.
