Where to start
Lethal Weapon
2 versions · originally a film, 1987
Themes: Mismatched Partners, Redemption, PTSD, Heroin Trafficking, Buddy Cop.
The Lethal Weapon franchise defines the buddy-cop subgenre through the volatile, high-stakes chemistry between mismatched partners navigating dangerous criminal underworlds.
✦ Most fans start here
Lethal Weapon (1987)
The original movie
✦ Start hereLethal Weapon
Richard Donner · Film · 1987
Lethal Weapon (1987) establishes the definitive template for the series, balancing gritty action with the intense, character-driven friction between an unstable detective and a cautious veteran partner.
2016 series
Lethal Weapon
Matthew Miller · Series · 2016
Lethal Weapon (2016) translates the classic dynamic into a serialized television format, emphasizing the high-stress procedural environment and the evolving personal connection between its two central leads.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Lethal Weapon television series a direct continuation of the 1987 movie?
The 2016 Lethal Weapon television series is an adaptation of the 1987 movie Lethal Weapon. It is not a direct continuation of the original film but rather a reimagining of the story and characters for a television format.
Should I watch the 1987 Lethal Weapon movie before starting the 2016 television series?
You do not need to watch the 1987 movie Lethal Weapon to understand the 2016 television series Lethal Weapon. Both projects function as standalone adaptations, though watching the original film provides context for the source material that inspired the television show.
How many versions of Lethal Weapon are available to watch?
There are two primary versions of Lethal Weapon referenced in this collection. These include the original 1987 motion picture Lethal Weapon and the 2016 television series adaptation Lethal Weapon.
Is Lethal Weapon from 1987 the only movie version available?
Yes, the 1987 movie Lethal Weapon is the only film version listed here. While there is also a 2016 television series titled Lethal Weapon, no other film adaptations are included in this specific list of media.