Childhood companions Norbit Albert Rice (Eddie Murphy) and Kate Thomas (Thandiwe Newton) share fond memories from their time at an orphanage, which also functions as a Chinese restaurant, The Golden Wonton, managed by the cantankerous Mr. Wong. Their innocent bond is tested when Kate is adopted, shattering their dreams of a fairytale ending with their playful ring pop marriage.
Years pass, and Norbit finds himself in a challenging situation when he is shielded from bullies by the imposing Rasputia Latimore (Eddie Murphy), who soon evolves from a loyal friend into a domineering spouse. After they marry, Rasputia displays troubling behavior, often berating Norbit and accusing him of minor transgressions, such as adjusting the car seat during drives. Her controlling nature is compounded by her three intimidating brothers, Big Black Jack (Terry Crews), Blue (Lester "Rasta" Speight), and Earl (Clifton Powell), who run a dubious "security business" and use fear tactics to keep the local businesses in line except for the unyielding Mr. Wong.
Norbit’s life takes a tumultuous turn upon discovering Rasputia's infidelity with her tap dance instructor, Buster Perkin (Marlon Wayans). In a moment of rage, he labels her the 'Queen of Whores', prompting a frantic chase through the streets. Following this dramatic encounter, he disposes of his wedding ring, pouring out his frustrations at a puppet show for the orphans, where he is unexpectedly reunited with Kate. His long-buried feelings resurface as he learns she intends to save the orphanage but is disheartened to discover her engagement to Deion Hughes (Cuba Gooding Jr.).
As Norbit seeks assistance from his quirky ex-pimp allies, Pope Sweet Jesus (Eddie Griffin) and Lord Have Mercy (Katt Williams), he secretly reconnects with Kate, who teaches him how to ride a bike. Meanwhile, Deion's true intentions are revealed, as he conspires with the Latimore brothers to transform the orphanage into a strip club once married to Kate. The brothers’ scheme hinges on obtaining Kate’s signature for the liquor license transfer, but their plan hits a snag when Norbit inadvertently helps Kate prepare for her wedding and rekindles her feelings for him.
In a twist of fate, when Rasputia witnesses Norbit and Kate share a kiss, she responds with threats against Kate, compelling Norbit to keep his distance for her safety. Misled by Rasputia's manipulations, heartbroken Kate confronts Norbit, only to find him trapped by her in their basement. To shield her, Norbit makes a painful decision to push her away, causing her to flee in disappointment. In his quest for truth, Norbit learns of Deion's less-than-honorable background before getting ensnared in another trap set by the Latimores.
In a gripping climax, Norbit manages to escape and exposes Deion’s deceitful practices at the wedding. Though the damning evidence is lost, he unveils Deion’s illicit past, prompting a dramatic chase. As chaos ensues, the townspeople rally to support Norbit against the Latimores, culminating in Rasputia's humorous downfall when Mr. Wong intervenes.
With the Latimores thwarted and sent packing, Norbit and Kate find their way back to each other, investing in the hope for a brighter future as they purchase the orphanage. Their love culminates in a heartfelt wedding beneath the very same tree where their youthful dreams began, sealing their fate to live happily ever after, while Rasputia and her brothers fade into obscurity—rumored to be running a strip club in Mexico.
