Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Kernel Score: 79% · 3,662 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime

Released: 1989-07-07

Runtime: 114 minutes

Is Lethal Weapon 2 worth watching?

Worth watching. Riggs and Murtaugh take on South African diplomats hiding behind immunity. It's looser and sillier than the first film, with a lot of banter and big stunts, and it's still great buddy-cop fun.

Watch it if you

  • like 80s buddy-cop action
  • enjoy Mel Gibson and Danny Glover's banter
  • want big stunts and one-liners

Skip it if you

  • dislike dated humour and attitudes
  • want realistic cop drama

Best for: Nostalgic action night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Lethal Weapon 2

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Riggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.

Lethal Weapon 2 parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Lethal Weapon 2 is an R-rated buddy-cop action film with gunfights and violent showdowns.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Features shootouts, a violent showdown, and action-hero gunplay typical of the buddy-cop genre, per its R rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Lethal Weapon 2

If you liked Lethal Weapon 2, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Lethal Weapon (1987) — 81%: The first film, with a darker, tighter story.
  • Die Hard (1988) — 87%: The 80s action classic with a wisecracking hero.
  • Beverly Hills Cop (1984) — 83%: Comedy and action built on one charismatic cop.
  • Rush Hour (1998) — 79%: Buddy-cop comedy with big stunts and banter.
  • Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) — 82%: Modern buddy-cop banter and big action.
  • Bad Boys for Life (2020) — 80%: A late, more emotional entry in a buddy-cop series.

Director

Richard Donner

Cast

  • Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs
  • Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh
  • Joe Pesci as Leo Getz
  • Joss Ackland as Arjen Rudd
  • Derrick O'Connor as Pieter Vorstedt
  • Patsy Kensit as Rika Van Den Haas
  • Darlene Love as Trish Murtaugh
  • Traci Wolfe as Rianne Murtaugh
  • Mark Rolston as Hans
  • Steve Kahan as Captain Murphy

Lethal Weapon 2 FAQ

Is Lethal Weapon 2 worth watching?

Worth watching. Riggs and Murtaugh take on South African diplomats hiding behind immunity. It's looser and sillier than the first film, with a lot of banter and big stunts, and it's still great buddy-cop fun.

Where can I watch Lethal Weapon 2?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Lethal Weapon 2 OK for kids?

Lethal Weapon 2 is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lethal Weapon 2 is an R-rated buddy-cop action film with gunfights and violent showdowns.

What movies are like Lethal Weapon 2?

If you liked Lethal Weapon 2, try Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, Beverly Hills Cop and Rush Hour.