Lethal Weapon (1987): cast, story & where to watch

1987 · Film · ★ 7.3

Lethal Weapon poster

Released in 1987, Lethal Weapon is an action, comedy, thriller and crime film directed by Richard Donner, running about 110 minutes. “If these two can learn to stand each other... the bad guys don't stand a chance.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Veteran buttoned-down LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh is partnered with unhinged cop Martin Riggs, who -- distraught after his wife's death -- has a death wish and takes unnecessary risks with criminals at every turn. The odd couple embark on their first homicide investigation as partners, involving a young woman known to Murtaugh with ties to a drug and prostitution ring.

Who’s in it. Lethal Weapon stars Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs, Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh, Gary Busey as Mr. Joshua and Mitchell Ryan as General Peter McAllister, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.3/10, Lethal Weapon has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $120.2M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Lethal Weapon page.

If you liked it. Fans of Lethal Weapon tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Lethal Weapon (1987)?
In US, Lethal Weapon is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
Is Lethal Weapon worth watching?
Lethal Weapon holds an audience score of 7.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action, comedy, thriller and crime. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in Lethal Weapon?
Lethal Weapon stars Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan and Tom Atkins.
When was Lethal Weapon released?
Lethal Weapon was released in 1987, with a runtime of about 110 minutes.