Where to start withLethal Weapon
2 versions · originally a film, 1987
Themes: Mismatched Partners, Redemption, PTSD, Heroin Trafficking, Buddy Cop.
Start with Lethal Weapon (Richard Donner, 1987) — the film. Lethal Weapon exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1987; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Lethal Weapon defines the quintessential buddy-cop dynamic, pitting a weary, stability-seeking veteran against a volatile, high-stakes loose cannon partner.
✦ Most fans start here
Lethal Weapon (1987)
The original movie
✦ Start hereLethal Weapon
Richard Donner · Film · 1987
Lethal Weapon (1987) serves as the definitive cinematic blueprint, masterfully establishing the gritty, high-octane chemistry between its leads that set the standard for every action-comedy procedural that followed.
2016 series
Lethal Weapon
Matthew Miller · Series · 2016
Lethal Weapon (2016) reimagines the iconic partnership for television, effectively translating the core character friction into a serialized format that explores the domestic and professional stakes of police life.
Common questions
Is the Lethal Weapon television series a direct remake of the 1987 movie?
The 2016 Lethal Weapon television series is an adaptation based on the original 1987 Lethal Weapon movie. While both share the same title and central premise, the television series reimagines the characters and storylines for an episodic format rather than serving as a direct sequel to the film.
Should I watch the 1987 Lethal Weapon movie before starting the 2016 television series?
You do not need to watch the 1987 Lethal Weapon movie to understand the 2016 television series. The show functions as a separate adaptation of the source material, allowing viewers to follow the plot independently of the events depicted in the original film.
How many Lethal Weapon titles are available to watch?
There are two primary titles available based on this franchise. You can watch the original 1987 Lethal Weapon movie or the 2016 Lethal Weapon television series. Both titles are distinct adaptations that provide different approaches to the same core story.
Is the 2016 Lethal Weapon series considered a sequel to the 1987 film?
No, the 2016 Lethal Weapon television series is not a sequel to the 1987 Lethal Weapon movie. It is a separate adaptation that uses the same title and premise, but it maintains its own continuity and narrative structure distinct from the original feature film.