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Lethal Weapon

Play trailer Poster for Lethal Weapon R Released Mar 6, 1987 1h 49m Action Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
81% Tomatometer 58 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Following the death of his wife, Los Angeles police detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) becomes reckless and suicidal. When he is reassigned and partnered with Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), Riggs immediately clashes with the older officer. Together they uncover a massive drug-trafficking ring. As they encounter increasingly dangerous situations, Riggs and Murtaugh begin to form a bond. Riggs' volatile behavior might just help them apprehend the criminals -- if it doesn't kill them both first.
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Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon

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Critics Consensus

The most successful installment in a phenomenally successful series, Lethal Weapon helped redefine action movies for the 1980s and 1990s.

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Critics Reviews

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Bob Thomas Associated Press Richard Donner directed with an expert eye for action but impaired vision for logic. Jul 25, 2019 Full Review Duane Byrge The Hollywood Reporter Unfortunately, while Black's assembled all the parts, he's not locked in the conflict early enough, and the good scenes simply aren't enough good to make up for the plot's too-late lock. Mar 6, 2017 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune [Gibson and Glover] make a great team, and some of their early adventures are exciting. But the film runs out of gas as it turns into an extended chase sequence. Rated: 3/4 Dec 13, 2014 Full Review Don Shanahan Film Obsessive The impressive practical stunts and visceral hand-to-hand combat on the seedy L.A. streets are part of the entertainment value that catches your eye about Lethal Weapon. Jul 5, 2025 Full Review Kieron Moore Starburst Lethal Weapon stands out as the epitome of 1980s shoot-’em-ups. Rated: 4/5 Jul 3, 2025 Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect Gibson and Glover shine in Lethal Weapon, packed with lines you'll quote for days while secretly laughing to yourself. Rated: 4.5/5 Jun 30, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alex R I forgot some of these scenes had long 1 take giving space and time to breath.Great casting, solid plot, albeit classic 80s drug/CIA cliches that probably launched many copycat. Mel Gibson is a scene stealer. Moments of levity and family life are good and help with fleshing out the characters. Fight choreography scenes haven’t aged well due to heavy choppy fast editing , but that’s a sign of its time. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/25/25 Full Review Daniel Z *Lethal Weapon* (1987), directed by Richard Donner, is a quintessential buddy cop film that blends intense action, humor, and emotional depth. Starring Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh, the movie introduces two iconic characters whose chemistry elevates this action classic to legendary status. **Plot:** The story follows Riggs, a reckless, suicidal cop with a tragic past, and Murtaugh, a seasoned, by-the-book detective, as they are reluctantly paired to investigate a mysterious drug smuggling ring. Their conflicting personalities lead to plenty of humorous and dramatic moments, but as the case unfolds, they form an unlikely friendship. **Performances:** Gibson delivers a raw and compelling performance as Riggs, perfectly balancing his character's vulnerability and dangerous edge. Glover, on the other hand, shines as the weary but dedicated family man whose "too old for this" mantra has become iconic. Together, they create a dynamic that feels authentic and engaging. **Action & Direction:** The action sequences, including high-octane shootouts and hand-to-hand combat, are thrilling and well-executed. Donner's direction maintains a fast-paced narrative while giving the characters room to breathe and develop. The balance of action and character-driven storytelling is one of the film's greatest strengths. **Writing:** Shane Black's screenplay is sharp, witty, and filled with memorable dialogue. It explores themes of loss, redemption, and camaraderie, making the film more than just a typical action flick. **Legacy:** *Lethal Weapon* not only set the standard for the buddy cop genre but also spawned a successful franchise and inspired countless imitators. Its blend of explosive action, heartfelt moments, and humor remains unmatched. **Verdict:** With its compelling characters, gripping action, and timeless appeal, *Lethal Weapon* is a must-watch for fans of the action genre. It's a film that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/05/25 Full Review Cody W The amount of action and suspense in LETHAL WEAPON is insane, and on top of all that, Danny Glover and Mel Gibson gave it their all as two police officers who definitely know how to get the job done. This is one action movie that everybody needs to watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/03/25 Full Review John R Man the 80's was the best Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/14/25 Full Review Brian H Wonderful movie. Started the string of cop buddy movies. Gibson, Glover, and Busey are their parts. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/05/25 Full Review Rami A Richard Donner always had a unique touch whenever it came to directing movies. I've enjoyed The Omen and absolutely loved Superman (including his cut of Superman II), so I was interested in checking this out. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed this movie a whole lot. There's something about 80s action films that gives out a fun vibe. Maybe it's due to Mel Gibson and Danny Glover's chemistry, or the exciting action, or even the moving plot. I may never know, but what I do know is that I had fun. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/07/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Lethal Weapon

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Movie Info

Synopsis Following the death of his wife, Los Angeles police detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) becomes reckless and suicidal. When he is reassigned and partnered with Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), Riggs immediately clashes with the older officer. Together they uncover a massive drug-trafficking ring. As they encounter increasingly dangerous situations, Riggs and Murtaugh begin to form a bond. Riggs' volatile behavior might just help them apprehend the criminals -- if it doesn't kill them both first.
Director
Richard Donner
Producer
Joel Silver, Richard Donner
Screenwriter
Shane Black
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co
Silver Pictures, Warner Brothers
Rating
R
Genre
Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 6, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 15, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$61.0M
Runtime
1h 49m
Sound Mix
Surround
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