Despite the slapstick nature of the film, Norbit is often praised for:

Norbit was panned by critics (9% on Rotten Tomatoes) and won several Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actor for Murphy. However, it has gained a cult following for its over-the-top humor, Murphy’s physical comedy, and memorable one-liners.

In the landscape of mid-2000s comedies, few films are as distinct—or as divisive—as "Norbit." Released in 2007 and directed by Brian Robbins, the film stars Eddie Murphy in a tour de force of prosthetic-heavy character acting. While the film received lukewarm reviews from critics upon release, it found a dedicated audience and has since become a cult classic for fans of Murphy's more physical, transformative humor. For those revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, understanding the elements that make "Norbit" unique—from its cast to the technical aspects of its home media release—offers a deeper appreciation of this raucous comedy.