Lethal Weapon exploded onto the scene in 1987 with Mel Gibson's death wish-driven Martin Riggs and Danny Glover's straight-laced Roger Murtaugh. At the time, it reshaped the buddy cop template, blending visceral action, razor-sharp dialogue, and a surprising amount of emotion. Its success generated three sequels. And in 2016, the franchise got a slick television reboot.
From diplomatic drug rings to dangerous hitmen, the storylines packed substance with swagger. After a shaky start, the small screen translation also found its footing. So whether you caught them at the cinema or on the couch, this franchise is a year-round good time. Here's a complete guide detailing all Lethal Weapon movies and TV shows in the correct watch order.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Lethal Weapon follows LAPD narcotics Sergeant Martin Riggs, also a former Special Forces soldier, who is hanging by a thread and suicidal after his wife's death. But everything changes when he's partnered with by-the-books detective Roger Murtaugh, who is just days from retirement. Their reluctant bond ignites when they investigate the suspicious death of a crime boss' daughter, only to uncover a powerfully corrupt heroin ring run by those close to home. Explosive set pieces (like helicopters crashing through ceilings and bomb defusing tension) are balanced by quieter emotional moments. A solid hit with audiences and critics, the movie's gritty mix of thrills and character work turned it into a buddy cop classic.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
Lethal Weapon 2 sees Riggs and Murtaugh facing off with corrupt South African diplomats smuggling gold while shielded by diplomatic immunity. Following a fear-inducing raid on Murtaugh's family home, the duo is reassigned to protect obnoxious federal witness Leo Getz. After an attempt on his life, the pair eventually realizes that the smuggling ring is linked to Leo, who previously laundered money for drug smugglers. The story reaches its boiling point at a massive freighter standoff. The sequel, which delivers more laughs and more action than its predecessor, was a critical and box office success as it refined everything audiences loved about the original.
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
Retirement looms for Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon 3, but a violent armored car heist pulls them back into action. Their investigation exposes a rogue LAPD lieutenant trafficking armor-piercing bullets. Midway, they team up with Internal Affairs sergeant Lorna Cole, who becomes Riggs' love interest, and Leo Getz returns to stir up chaos. The film ratchets up the intensity with police shootouts and explosion-packed chases. But there are some somber moments as well, like when Lorna is shot and Riggs finally admits his true feelings for her. The story does feel a little over the top at times, but the chemistry between its lead stars is still as solid as ever.
Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
Riggs and Murtaugh return for one last ride in Lethal Weapon 4, with the stakes higher and more personal than ever before. Riggs and Lorna are expecting a baby but haven't quite tied the knot, while Murtaugh finds out his daughter Rianne is pregnant and keeping the identity of the father a secret. Their latest case begins with a smuggling bust involving a cargo ship run aground, leading them straight into a violent human trafficking operation. When Murtaugh offers sanctuary to victims of the smuggling ring, the case hits home in more ways than one. The story ends with two new babies, one reunited family, and the kind of heartfelt chaos only Riggs and Murtaugh can pull off.
Lethal Weapon (TV series, 2016–2019)
The Lethal Weapon television reboot brought the buddy cop formula to the small screen with a modern twist. This time, Damon Wayans steps in as veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh, who is trying to keep his stress levels down. Enter Martin Riggs, played by Clayne Crawford, a Texan former Navy SEAL still spiraling after the tragic death of his wife and unborn child. Their dynamic is rocky at first, but as the cases mount, so does their bond. Each episode blends fast-paced action with personal stories, echoing the franchise's signature heart-under-fire approach. As the series progresses, Riggs starts to heal with help from Murtaugh, therapist Dr. Cahill, and a growing found family at the LAPD.
Where To Watch All 'Lethal Weapon' Movies And TV Shows Online
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