Lethal Weapon (1987)
Kernel Score: 81% · 4,936 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1987-03-06
Runtime: 110 minutes
Is Lethal Weapon worth watching?
Worth watching. An old cop and a reckless detective become partners and take on a drug ring. The leads' chemistry and the action are the point, and it set the template for a lot of buddy-cop films.
Watch it if you
- love 80s buddy-cop action
- enjoy leads with strong chemistry
- want an easy, fun action film
Skip it if you
- dislike dated action tropes
- want a realistic police story
Best for: Popcorn night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Lethal Weapon
- Free with ads: Fawesome
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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 parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Lethal Weapon is an R-rated buddy-cop action film involving shootouts, a heroin-smuggling ring, and a suicidal detective's self-destructive tendencies.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Features gunfights, an action-hero showdown, and a detective's self-destructive, near-suicidal behavior.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Plot centers on bringing down a heroin-smuggling ring.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Lethal Weapon
If you liked Lethal Weapon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Die Hard (1988) — 87%: The 80s action benchmark with a lone cop and a clever hero.
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984) — 83%: Buddy-cop comedy-action of the same era.
- Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) — 79%: The sequel, with the same partnership.
- Hot Fuzz (2007) — 86%: Funny, loving take on buddy-cop action.
- Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) — 82%: Modern buddy-cop sequel in the same spirit.
- The French Connection (1971) — 87%: Gritty, influential 70s cop thriller.
Director
Cast
- Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs
- Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh
- Gary Busey as Mr. Joshua
- Mitchell Ryan as General Peter McAllister
- Tom Atkins as Michael Hunsaker
- Darlene Love as Trish Murtaugh
- Traci Wolfe as Rianne Murtaugh
- Jackie Swanson as Amanda Hunsaker
- Damon Hines as Nick Murtaugh
- Ebonie Smith as Carrie Murtaugh
Lethal Weapon FAQ
Is Lethal Weapon worth watching?
Worth watching. An old cop and a reckless detective become partners and take on a drug ring. The leads' chemistry and the action are the point, and it set the template for a lot of buddy-cop films.
Where can I watch Lethal Weapon?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Fawesome and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Lethal Weapon OK for kids?
Lethal Weapon is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Lethal Weapon is an R-rated buddy-cop action film involving shootouts, a heroin-smuggling ring, and a suicidal detective's self-destructive tendencies.
What movies are like Lethal Weapon?
If you liked Lethal Weapon, try Die Hard, Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon 2 and Hot Fuzz.