The Lethal Weapon franchise exploded onto the scene in 1987 with Mel Gibson's death wish-driven Martin Riggs and Danny Glover's straight-laced Roger Murtaugh. At the time, it reshaped the buddy cop template, blending visceral action, razor-sharp dialogue, and a surprising amount of emotion. Its success generated three sequels. And in 2016, the franchise got a slick television reboot.
From diplomatic drug rings to dangerous hitmen, the storylines are packed with substance and swagger. After a shaky start, the small screen translation also found its footing. This franchise is a year-round good time. So here's a complete guide detailing all Lethal Weapon movies and TV shows, which can be found on Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, in the correct watch order.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Lethal Weapon follows LAPD narcotics Sergeant Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), also a former Special Forces soldier, who is hanging by a thread after his wife's death. But everything changes when he's partnered with by-the-books detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), who is just days from retirement. The story of their reluctant bond begins when they investigate the death of a crime boss' daughter.
The film earns its reputation by letting its explosive action breathe alongside grief, guilt, and unlikely friendship. Riggs is a prototype for the broken-but-brilliant detective we've seen echoed in everything from True Detective (2014) to Jack Reacher (2012). Fans who prize character beats as much as bullet casings will find the film surprisingly layered. Its blend of sardonic humor and raw sorrow keeps it from aging into cliché.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
Lethal Weapon 2 sees Riggs and Murtaugh facing off with corrupt South African diplomats smuggling gold while shielded by diplomatic immunity. Following a fear-inducing raid on Murtaugh's family home, the duo is reassigned to protect obnoxious federal witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). After an attempt on his life, the pair eventually realizes that the smuggling ring is linked to Leo.
The sequel, which delivers more laughs and more action than its predecessor, was a critical and box office success as it refined everything audiences loved about the original. Riggs' raw edges are still visible, but the story leans into brotherhood under fire. If the first film dissected grief, this one flirts with catharsis. Genre fans who want energy closer to Beverly Hills Cop (1984) will be in their element.
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
Retirement looms for Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon 3, but a violent armored car heist pulls him and Riggs back into action. Their investigation exposes a rogue LAPD lieutenant trafficking armor-piercing bullets. Midway, they team up with Internal Affairs sergeant Lorna Cole (Rene Russo), who becomes Riggs' love interest, and Leo Getz returns to stir up chaos.
The film ratchets up the intensity with police shootouts and explosion-packed chases. But there are some somber moments as well. The story does feel a little over the top at times, but the chemistry between its lead stars is still as solid as ever. Fans who enjoy a balance of wild set pieces and evolving character arcs will appreciate the nuance beneath the noise.
Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
Riggs and Murtaugh return in Lethal Weapon 4, with the stakes higher and more personal than ever. Riggs and Lorna are expecting a baby but haven't quite tied the knot, while Murtaugh finds out his daughter is pregnant and keeping the identity of the father a secret. Their latest case begins with a smuggling bust involving a cargo ship which leads straight into a violent human trafficking operation.
The final entry in the film franchise leans into sentimentality yet never forgets its action pedigree. Jet Li's silent menace reframes the franchise's dynamic, making Riggs and Murtaugh look mortal. Fatherhood, aging, and redemption weave through the chaos, giving the curtain call genuine warmth. Lethal Weapon 4 proves that buddy-cop stories can age gracefully when it remembers the people behind the guns.
Lethal Weapon (TV series, 2016–2019)
The Lethal Weapon television reboot brought the buddy cop formula to the small screen with a modern twist. This time, Damon Wayans steps in as veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh, who is trying to keep his stress levels down. Enter Martin Riggs, played by Clayne Crawford, a Texan former Navy SEAL still spiraling after the tragic death of his wife and unborn child.
Their dynamic is rocky at first, but as the cases mount, so does their bond. Each episode blends fast-paced action with personal stories, echoing the franchise's signature heart-under-fire approach. Viewers who loved Castle (2009) or Hawaii Five-0 (2010) will feel right at home. Especially since the soul of the films can still be felt in each installment.
