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Lethal Weapon

Play trailer Poster for Lethal Weapon R 1987 1h 49m Action Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
82% Tomatometer 60 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 Jul 25, 2019
Richard Donner directed with an expert eye for action but impaired vision for logic. Go to Full Review Duane Byrge The Hollywood Reporter Mar 6, 2017
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. Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Dec 13, 2014
3/4
[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. Go to Full Review Richard Freedman Newark Star-Ledger Jan 7, 2026
Its real strength lies... in the fully realized, deeply human relationships between its two cop heroes, an odd couple indeed, but totally believable and endearing throughout. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 11, 2025
2.5/4
It's considered an action classic and one of the best "buddy cop" films, but it's always held just marginal appeal for me -- besides, compare it to Die Hard, and its "classic" status seems even more ludicrous. Go to Full Review Gavin Spoors FILMHOUNDS Magazine Aug 4, 2025
4/5
What elevates Lethal Weapon from being a standard action film is how it takes its time to let the audience really get to know the characters. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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B P @Bradster69 18 hrs ago Definitely Recommend It See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 20, 2026 Lethal Weapon = a 4 star Movie! See more Justin T @RT29681041 Aug 18, 2026 One Of The Best Cop Movies Of All Time The Hole Series Is Amazing See more Jason R @JasonLovesMoviesForever Aug 6, 2026 Some of Mel Gibson's best work as an actor! See more Ashequl I @Tofa13 Jul 31, 2026 Lethal Weapon (1987) is a timeless, brilliantly executed action-thriller that balances explosive set-pieces with genuine character depth and dark comedy. Directed by Richard Donner and written by Shane Black, the film succeeds effortlessly thanks to the legendary chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Gibson brings a wild, unhinged, yet deeply sympathetic edge to Martin Riggs—a suicidal officer grieving his wife—while Glover provides the perfect grounded counterweight as a family man nearing retirement. Supported by a sharp screenplay, snappy dialogue, and gritty 80s action, the film delivers a breezy, highly entertaining experience from start to finish. A true classic of the genre that remains thoroughly enjoyable to this day. See more Lucia di L @RT11753300 Jul 23, 2026 Very boring. Not much of a story. See more Read all reviews
Lethal Weapon

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Cast & Crew

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Richard Donner

Director

Mel Gibson

Sergeant Martin Riggs

Danny Glover

Sergeant Roger Murtaugh

Gary Busey

Mr. Joshua

Mitch Ryan

General Peter McAllister

Tom Atkins

Michael Hunsaker

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Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon (1987) Lethal Weapon (1987) View more photos

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
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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