Lethal Weapon (1987)
Richard Donner's explosive buddy-cop thriller that launched a franchise and redefined the action genre.
Lethal Weapon - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lethal Weapon
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 6, 1987 (Canada - 18A), March 6, 1987 (United States - R), August 28, 1987 (United Kingdom - 18), September 10, 1987 (Germany - 16), August 5, 1987 (France - 12), June 4, 1987 (Australia - M), May 28, 1987 (Brazil - 16), September 11, 1987 (Italy - T), August 7, 1987 (Spain - 12), December 24, 1987 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 轰天炮 (CN), Lethal Weapon - Zwei stahlharte Profis (DE), Lethal Weapon 1 - Zwei stahlharte Profis (CH)
- Production Companies: Silver Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Lethal Weapon - Plot
A veteran cop and an unstable detective become partners who must put their differences aside in order to bring down a heroin-smuggling ring run by ex-Special Forces.
Lethal Weapon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the explosive chemistry that started it all:
If these two can learn to stand each other... the bad guys don't stand a chance.
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Lethal Weapon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Donner
Main Cast
- Mel Gibson
- Danny Glover
- Gary Busey
- Mitchell Ryan
- Tom Atkins
- Darlene Love
- Traci Wolfe
- Jackie Swanson
- Damon Hines
- Ebonie Smith
Writers
- Shane Black
Producers
- Richard Donner
- Joel Silver
Lethal Weapon - FAQs
What is Lethal Weapon about?
Lethal Weapon follows two mismatched LAPD detectives — the reckless, suicidal Martin Riggs and the cautious, family-man Roger Murtaugh — forced to work together. Their unlikely partnership leads them into a dangerous conspiracy involving a heroin-smuggling operation run by ruthless ex-Special Forces mercenaries.
Is Martin Riggs actually suicidal in Lethal Weapon?
Yes, and it's central to the film's tension. Riggs genuinely doesn't care whether he lives or dies following his wife's death, which makes him unpredictable and terrifying to both criminals and his new partner. This psychological edge sets Lethal Weapon apart from typical action films of its era.
Where can you stream Lethal Weapon?
You can watch Lethal Weapon on MGM Plus via the Roku Premium Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand — plenty of options to catch this classic.
Does Lethal Weapon have a post-credits scene?
No, Lethal Weapon doesn't include a post-credits scene. Released in 1987, it predates the era when such sequences became common. The film wraps up with a satisfying conclusion that set the stage for a long-running franchise without needing an extra teaser.
Who are the main actors in Lethal Weapon?
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover lead the cast as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, delivering one of cinema's most beloved buddy-cop pairings. Gary Busey rounds out the main trio as the menacing villain Mr. Joshua, while Mitchell Ryan plays the cold General McAllister.
Is Lethal Weapon worth watching today?
Absolutely. Lethal Weapon holds up remarkably well — critics and audiences alike regard it as one of the defining action films of the 1980s. The chemistry between Gibson and Glover is electric, Shane Black's sharp script balances humor with genuine emotional depth, and the action sequences remain thrilling.
Who wrote the screenplay for Lethal Weapon?
Shane Black wrote the screenplay, selling it when he was just 22 years old. The script became a landmark in Hollywood, helping establish the buddy-cop genre template and launching Black's career as one of the most sought-after action writers of his generation.
How successful was Lethal Weapon at the box office?
Lethal Weapon was a major hit, earning over $120 million worldwide against a $15 million budget — an impressive return that made it one of 1987's biggest films. Its success launched a four-film franchise and cemented Richard Donner, Gibson, and Glover as major Hollywood forces.
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