Since his memorable 1995 performance for Def Comedy Jam, Mike Epps has become one of the most celebrated comedians of our time. His captivating humor and diverse acting roles in films like Survivor's Remorse and Roll Bounce attest to a level of skill that continues to draw admiration from fans everywhere. Transitioning between television, movies, and the stage, this multi-faceted star is sure to keep audiences in stitches for years to come.
Most recently, Ice Cube declared that Epps is funnier than Chris Tucker during an appearance on the FULL SEND podcast. Still, it’s clear that Mike Epps is the go-to comedic genius of our time. Here are seven movies starring Mike Epps you should watch.
7. Friday After Next (2002)
Leading audiences into Friday After Next, viewers instantly discover the comical nuances of ghetto life through Craig's (Ice Cube) and Day-Day's (Mike Epps) plight during the holiday season. When they come face-to-face with Damon, their landlord's angered son, they seek solace as security guards in a nearby mall - managed by Craig and Day-Day's fathers, Mr. Jones and Uncle Elroy. Captivatingly depicting the absurdity and distress of urban life, Friday After Next artfully displays a humorous and heartfelt narrative.
6. Meet The Blacks (2016)
Mike Epps stars as Carl Black, a man from Chicago's poverty-stricken streets who moves his family to the upscale suburb of Beverly Hills. Here, even the African American security guard finds him incompatible with the affluent neighborhood of White Sky. Despite facing skepticism from his neighbors, including the vigilant community watch captain and his wife, Jim and Mary Smith, Carl bravely proclaims himself the new resident. The Smith couple ironically remark on Carl's surname, repeating an unduly familiar jest without much humor.
5. Soul Men (2008)
Mike Epps appeared in five movies released in 2008, including the musical comedy Soul Men. The dynamic duo of Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac star as Louis and Floyd, two singers with a troubled past who reunite to pay tribute to their beloved bandleader after his death. Despite their differences, the estranged friends embark on a comical cross-country road trip to the Apollo Theater for an emotional farewell performance. Epps plays the role of Floyd's nephew, Duane.
4. All About The Benjamins (2002)
Ice Cube and Mike Epps unite to discover a gang of diamond robbers in the 2002 action-packed comedy All About the Benjamins. With Ice Cube's bounty hunter yearning for fame and Epps' con artist desperate to reclaim a lost lotto ticket, they maneuver through thrilling twists and turns as they attempt to track down the criminals.
Reggie Wright (Mike Epps) takes a daring risk in a determined effort to escape the ghetto, and there's an amusingly absurd yet exquisite look at cultural triumph in his frenetic, streetwise vernacular. As Miami basks in the sunlight of another Friday, Reggie is busy stealing items from a supermarket with two elderly criminal accomplices while his girlfriend Gina (Eva Mendes) prays for a lucky outcome in the lottery draw. His reliance on the system which has become his prison - its welfare payments, its Medicaid - as well as his deep-seated fear of achieving freedom, are all cleverly expounded in his fast-talking dialogue.
3. Janky Promoters (2009)
Ice Cube and Mike Epps star in the 2009 American comedy film, Janky Promoters where they take on the roles of two ambitious yet misguided promoters who aim to host rapper Jeezy at their concert. However, their lack of knowledge leads them into a chaotic web of trouble. The movie is based on promoter Chris Ricci's story, now a member of Modesto City Council.
Conversely, Russell Redds (Cube) and Jellyroll (Epps) make a daring escape in from an irate crowd. As they speed away, Jellyroll's comic delivery of bluster, bravado, and fear highlights his lack of sophistication as an aspiring promoter.
2. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Epps took on an uncommon role as actor Jimmy Lynch in the highly acclaimed biographical comedy Dolemite is My Name. Concurrently, Portraying Rudy Ray Moore's (Eddie Murphy) trusty sidekick and confidant, Lynch appeared in the original 1975 film Dolemite. Craig Brewer directs a Netflix original about Moore's journey to independently fund his movie, showcasing his arduous process with remarkable precision.
1. The Hangover (2009)
Mike Epps portrayed the iconic Black Doug in The Hangover, the most successful movie of Epps' career to date. Consequently, this smash-hit comedy grossed nearly half a billion dollars and went on to spawn two sequels. Basically, three tipsy pals frantically hunt for their missing friend Doug, whose wedding is impending in Las Vegas. They trace his steps from the prior night's debauchery and are met with unexpected revelations as they go.