Lethal Weapon movies in order
Lethal Weapon Marathon

View Lethal Weapon movies in order

Page Last Modified:

17 December 2025

Most Recent Release:

Lethal Weapon 4 - 1998

Total Runtime:

469 Minutes

Total Items:

4

Average User Score:

(7)

Lethal Weapon movies in order

This classic action-comedy series from Warner Bros. is a nostalgic trip through the best of '80s and '90s cinema. Picture high-speed chases, explosive action, and that classic "I'm too old for this" catchphrase. If you really want to get into the saga, it's best to watch the films in the right order. Don't worry, we've got you covered from Riggs's initial recklessness to Jet Li's formidable martial arts prowess. So, grab your imaginary LAPD badge, because here's how to experience Lethal Weapon at its finest.

469 Minutes 4 Movies
  1. Lethal Weapon Backdrop 1
    Lethal Weapon Movie 110 min. 1987
    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.
    USER SCORE 7
  2. Lethal Weapon 2 Backdrop 2
    Lethal Weapon 2 Movie 114 min. 1989
    Riggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.
    USER SCORE 7
  3. Lethal Weapon 3 Backdrop 3
    Lethal Weapon 3 Movie 118 min. 1992
    Riggs and Murtaugh pursue a former officer who uses his knowledge of police procedure and policies to steal and sell confiscated guns and ammunition to local street gangs.
    USER SCORE 7
  4. Lethal Weapon 4 Backdrop 4
    Lethal Weapon 4 Movie 127 min. 1998
    With personal crises and age weighing in on them, Riggs and Murtaugh must contend with deadly Chinese triads trying to free their former leaders from prison and onto American soil.
    USER SCORE 7

Lethal Weapon (1987)

Richard Donner directed this film, which introduces us to Mel Gibson's Martin Riggs, a skilled yet troubled cop, and Danny Glover's Roger Murtaugh, a family man nearing retirement. They have great chemistry, mixing explosive action with sharp humor and unexpected emotional depth. The classic Desert Eagle and the memorable score by Michael Kamen, featuring Eric Clapton's guitar, set the nostalgic tone for the series.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Riggs and Murtaugh go head-to-head with South African diplomats abusing their immunity.This sequel is even better than the last one. It's got more action, more humor, and Joe Pesci is playing Leo Getz, who's lovable but also kind of annoying. The film expertly balances intense action with lighthearted banter, highlighted by a memorable toilet scene and a theme of corruption behind diplomatic facades.

Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

Lethal Weapon 3 takes the franchise deeper into the world of police work, focusing on illegal weapons trafficking within the LAPD. Rene Russo joins the cast as Lorna Cole, a formidable Internal Affairs officer who matches Riggs in both combat and emotion. The action-comedy balance is at its best here, with thrilling chases, tense bomb defusals, and the return of Leo Getz for more chaos. It's like coming home to the Murtaugh family, complete with classic "I'm too old for this" moments.

Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)

A grand farewell that expands the series' scope.Jet Li makes his American debut as Wah Sing Ku, a ruthless Triad assassin, becoming the franchise's most formidable villain. Chris Rock spices things up as Detective Lee Butters, whose surprising connection to the Murtaugh family adds depth. The action is faster, the fights are more brutal, and the emotional threads woven throughout the series find a fitting conclusion.

Watching the films in their release order allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of Riggs and Murtaugh's friendship. Each film is more exciting than the last, with more action, deeper character development, and the leads' bond getting stronger. Their journey from reluctant partners to close friends shows just how popular the series is. For the ultimate Lethal Weapon binge night, set aside at least eight uninterrupted hours. Get started around 4:00 PM and plan to finish by midnight. Be sure to stock up on snacks like chips, nachos, and cola. Make a playlist with Eric Clapton solos for the breaks, and invite your friends to join in shouting "I'm too old for this" whenever they can.

What started as a gritty cop film turned into a four-part saga about friendship, loyalty, and finding family in unexpected places. They're inspired by the vibe of 80s action movies and 90s sequels, and they've got it down. The characters are strong, the humor is sharp, and the stunts are impressive. The Riggs-Murtaugh duo is simply legendary. Did you know that Richard Donner directed all four films, which is pretty rare for a long-running series? Michael Kamen's jazzy score, created with Eric Clapton and David Sanborn, still resonates today. The franchise even spawned a short-lived TV series (2016-2019) with Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans as Riggs and Murtaugh. It's not required, but it's a fun addition after your marathon.

Whether you're discovering Lethal Weapon for the first time or revisiting it for nostalgia, this marathon promises a thrilling experience. If you're into classic cop action movies, martial arts, or just love the explosive chaos of the '80s and '90s with a heart, this is right up your alley. Riggs and Murtaugh are all set. Just press play. For more great binge-worthy content, check out our guides for Die Hard, Beverly Hills Cop, and Rush Hour marathons.