Lethal Weapon Movies: Release Order
The Lethal Weapon series is a defining buddy cop action franchise that follows the unlikely partnership between suicidal detective Martin Riggs and family man Roger Murtaugh as they tackle dangerous cases in Los Angeles. The films helped establish many of the tropes that would define the buddy cop genre, combining intense action sequences with character-driven comedy and drama.
The four films follow a linear progression that chronicles the evolution of Riggs and Murtaugh's relationship from reluctant partners to close friends and family. Each installment builds on their shared history, making the release order the way to watch the series.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Lethal Weapon
A by-the-book LAPD detective is reluctantly partnered with a suicidal, unpredictable cop still grieving his wife's death. The mismatched duo must work together to investigate a case involving drugs and prostitution that hits close to home.
Lethal Weapon 2
Police detectives Riggs and Murtaugh investigate South African diplomats who are exploiting their diplomatic immunity to commit crimes.
Lethal Weapon 3
Detective partners Riggs and Murtaugh face off against a corrupt former police officer who is illegally selling confiscated weapons to street gangs.
Lethal Weapon 4
Aging cops Riggs and Murtaugh face their toughest challenge yet when they must stop a dangerous Chinese triad from freeing their imprisoned leaders on American soil.
Other Film Series
Deathstalker
A cult sword-and-sorcery film series from the 1980s, known for its campy B-movie charm and anthology-style storytelling with different actors portraying the titular barbarian warrior.
Ghostbusters
A supernatural comedy franchise about paranormal investigators who capture ghosts in New York City, spanning multiple decades and timelines.
James Bond
The longest-running film franchise in cinema history, following the adventures of British secret agent 007 across six decades and six different actors.
Taxi
French action-comedy franchise about a taxi driver and a clumsy cop fighting crime in Marseille, plus an unconnected American remake set in New York.
X-Men
A sprawling superhero franchise following mutants with extraordinary abilities, spanning multiple timelines and generations from the 1960s to the future.
Zoe Saldaña
Accomplished actress who became a sci-fi franchise icon through starring roles in Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy while maintaining a diverse career across multiple genres.