Eddie Murphy’s Most Underrated Fantasy Film Is a Must-Watch on Netflix Right Now

Following the massive commercial triumph of 1996’s The Nutty Professor, Eddie Murphy reclaimed his throne as the undisputed king of comedy—a title he had dominated throughout the 80s before a brief lull in the early 90s. Seeking to maintain this momentum, Murphy signed on for Dr. Dolittle, a charming family hit that remains a nostalgic gem. With the film (and its 2001 sequel) set to depart Netflix on January 31, now is the ideal time for a rewatch.

The character of Dr. Dolittle originated in the 1920s through the classic literature of Hugh Lofting. The premise of a physician who can converse with the animal kingdom has inspired several cinematic iterations, from Rex Harrison’s 1960s musical to the critically panned 2020 reboot featuring Robert Downey Jr. Despite the competition, Murphy’s 1998 version is the one that truly captured the cultural zeitgeist.

In this version, John Dolittle is a high-strung, work-obsessed doctor whose professional life has completely overshadowed his family. His world is turned upside down after a near-miss with a stray dog reawakens a repressed childhood ability. When the dog—voiced by the incomparable Norm Macdonald—calls him a “bonehead,” Dolittle realizes his sanity is about to be tested.

Initially terrified by the cacophony of talking creatures, Dolittle eventually learns to embrace his gift. He moves from fearing a mental breakdown to becoming a secret savior for the animal world, tending to everything from an injured owl to a circus tiger in need of life-saving surgery.

While Murphy’s performance here is more grounded than his high-energy roles in Beverly Hills Cop or Coming to America, his portrayal of a man slowly losing his mind is incredibly effective. He often serves as the “straight man” to the eccentric animals around him, which, while perhaps underutilizing his manic comedic energy, allows the supporting cast to shine.

The real secret weapon of Dr. Dolittle is its powerhouse roster of voice talent. The film features a virtual “who’s who” of legendary comedians who bring the animal cast to life with distinct personalities.

Norm Macdonald’s dry, cynical delivery as Lucky the dog provides the film’s emotional heart and most consistent laughs. While Macdonald is primarily remembered for his tenure on Saturday Night Live, his work here represents a high point in his film career, offering a refreshing departure from typical talking-animal tropes.

The ensemble is rounded out by Chris Rock as a hyperactive guinea pig, Albert Brooks as a neurotic tiger, and John Leguizamo as a street-wise rat. Even the minor roles are stacked: Gilbert Gottfried voices a ball-obsessed dog, while Garry Shandling and Julie Kavner portray a pair of bickering pigeons. This concentration of comedic talent elevates the film into something far more memorable than a standard family comedy.

The 2001 sequel, Dr. Dolittle 2, doesn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, but it remains an entertaining watch thanks to a few standout performances.

By the second film, Dolittle’s secret is out, and he has become a world-renowned figure serving both human and animal patients. He is recruited by a “godfather” beaver (Richard C. Sarafian) to prevent the destruction of a forest. The plan involves breeding a wild Pacific western bear named Ava (Lisa Kudrow) with Archie (Steve Zahn), a pampered circus bear with zero survival instincts. Much of the comedy stems from Dolittle’s attempts to teach Archie how to be a “real” bear.

While the central plot feels a bit repetitive—once again touching on Dolittle’s struggle to balance work and family—the sequel finds its footing through its new additions to the animal cast.

The MVP of the sequel is undoubtedly Michael Rapaport as Joey the raccoon, a neurotic mob-style lieutenant for the God Beaver. Rapaport’s frantic delivery provides the film’s biggest laughs, particularly when he questions the logic of animals taking on humans who possess “guns and pull-out couches.”

Norm Macdonald also returns as Lucky, getting a hilarious subplot involving his romantic pursuit of a massive wolf he affectionately calls “Hot Lady Dog.”

The franchise eventually spiraled into three direct-to-video sequels starring Kyla Pratt as Dolittle’s daughter, but without Murphy’s presence, they failed to capture the same magic. For those looking for the definitive version of this story, the original Murphy-led duology remains the gold standard of talking-animal comedies.

Source: Polygon