What is the top money-making film of all time which starred a black actor?

Propelled by the electrifying star power of a young Eddie Murphy, the 1984 action-comedy classic Beverly Hills Cop became the highest-grossing film of its year. Its domestic box office haul not only surpassed blockbusters like Ghostbusters and Gremlins but also set a new record for an R-rated film at the time. This massive success was a testament to Murphy's incredible crossover appeal, turning his character, the street-smart Detroit detective Axel Foley, into a global icon.

What makes the film's achievement even more remarkable is that it almost never happened. The role of Axel Foley was originally developed as a straightforward action vehicle for Sylvester Stallone. When Stallone departed the project over creative differences, the script was quickly retooled for Murphy, who was then a superstar on Saturday Night Live and had already scored hits with 48 Hrs. and Trading Places.

Murphy completely transformed the role, infusing the fish-out-of-water story with his signature improvisational genius and infectious energy. The resulting blend of thrilling action and laugh-out-loud comedy created a cultural phenomenon that dominated the box office. The film's success shattered industry norms, cementing Eddie Murphy as a bona fide A-list leading man and proving a film headlined by a black actor could become the biggest cinematic hit of the year.