Coming to America (1988)

Coming to America, 116min, United States

Comedy, Romance

John Landis, John Landis, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, Shari Headley, Paul Bates, Eriq La Salle, Frankie Faison

An African prince, Akeem (Eddie Murphy) wants to break tradition and find his own princess to marry.

Akeem’s father—the reigning king (James Earl Jones)—allows his son to go on his trek, as long as he finds a suitable mate within 40 days. He and his retainer, Semmi (Arsenio Hall) randomly select a place to find a bride in the aptly named Queens, New York.

Akeem and Semmi fly to The Big Apple to start their quest. Once there, Akeem finds a job working in a fast-food restaurant in order to go undercover.

Lady Luck is on his side as the perfect woman bumps into him. He quickly falls for the beautiful and strong Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley). Unfortunately, she comes from a wealthy family and her father does not approve of her dating him.

With the odds stacked against him, Akeem may not win his new lady's heart, before he has to return home to his arranged marriage.

Filming locations

Movie Coming to America was filmed in New York.