What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedLethal Weapon
Matthew Miller · Series · 2016
If you loved Lethal Weapon, start with Lethal Weapon (Richard Donner, 1987) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Lethal Weapon across media.
If you loved the volatile chemistry of Lethal Weapon, you will appreciate these stories exploring the complex intersection of trauma and partnership.
Start with the source
The source
Lethal Weapon
Richard Donner · Film · 1987
Books on the same thread
The Late Show
Michael Connelly · Book · 2017
Shares 2 threads with Lethal Weapon: Redemption, Police Procedural.
Like Lethal Weapon, this thriller centers on an LAPD detective navigating the pressure of the force while seeking personal redemption through a high-stakes, pulse-pounding investigation.
Jack Reacher
Lee Child, Andrew Child · Book · 1997
Explores: Military Justice, Vigilante Justice, Conspiracy.
You will recognize the same brand of unhinged, capable protagonist found in Lethal Weapon, as this drifter relies on his military background to handle dangerous, systemic conspiracies alone.
Desert Star
Michael Connelly · Book
Shares 2 threads with Lethal Weapon: redemption, police procedural.
This story mirrors the character-driven weight of Lethal Weapon by focusing on two professionals who must set aside their long-standing professional rivalries to solve complex, haunting cases.
The Black Echo
Michael Connelly · Book · 2002
Shares a thread with Lethal Weapon: Police Procedural.
Fans of Lethal Weapon will appreciate how this narrative balances veteran trauma and moral ambiguity, forcing an LAPD detective to confront his own vendettas while pursuing justice.
Films on the same thread
Top Gun: Maverick
Film · 2022
Shares a thread with Lethal Weapon: Redemption.
Just as the protagonists in Lethal Weapon grapple with their pasts, this film highlights a seasoned aviator dealing with legacy and the internal struggle to remain relevant.
Top Gun
Tony Scott · Film · 1986
Shares a thread with Lethal Weapon: Redemption.
This film captures the core male bonding and high-stakes competition that defined the partnership in Lethal Weapon, while emphasizing the protagonist's journey toward overcoming deep personal trauma.
The Naked Gun
Akiva Schaffer · Film · 2025
Explores: Incompetence, Satire, Fish-out-of-water.
If the slapstick energy of Lethal Weapon resonated with you, this parody leans into the same police procedural tropes with an absurd, comedic focus on incompetence and satire.
Warfare
Ray Mendoza · Film · 2025
Explores: Band of Brothers, Trauma and Memory, Urban Warfare.
This film reflects the intense military camaraderie found in Lethal Weapon, focusing on the deep bonds formed by Navy SEALs as they navigate the trauma of combat.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
Much like the comedic relief that balances the intensity of Lethal Weapon, this podcast blends dark, tragic subject matter with a sharp, irreverent comedic perspective on crime.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Joe Rogan · Podcast · 2026
Explores: intellectual curiosity, unfiltered dialogue, lifestyle exploration.
If you enjoyed the long-form character exploration and unfiltered dialogue in Lethal Weapon, this podcast offers a similar, conversational dive into diverse lifestyles and intellectual curiosity.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is the 2016 Lethal Weapon television series a direct remake of the 1987 movie?
The 2016 television series is an adaptation based on the 1987 Lethal Weapon movie. While the show features a former Navy SEAL partnered with a veteran detective, it reimagines the core dynamic of the original film for a modern episodic format.
Should I watch the 1987 Lethal Weapon before starting the 2016 television series?
You do not need to watch the 1987 Lethal Weapon to understand the 2016 television series. The show functions as a standalone adaptation that utilizes the premise of an unhinged officer paired with a low-stress detective to establish its own narrative arc.
What is the premise of the 2016 Lethal Weapon series?
In the 2016 Lethal Weapon series, a former Navy SEAL who is slightly unhinged begins working as a police officer in Los Angeles. He is partnered with a veteran detective who is actively trying to maintain a low-stress life, creating the central conflict of the show.
How does the 2016 Lethal Weapon series compare to the 1987 movie?
Both the 1987 Lethal Weapon movie and the 2016 television series focus on the partnership between two police officers with contrasting personalities. The television series adapts the premise of an unhinged officer and a veteran detective into a series format created by Matthew Miller.