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
Cheech and Chong
Iconic stoner comedy duo's film series spanning from the late 1970s to their 2013 reunion, featuring standalone adventures and misadventures.
Ghostbusters
A supernatural comedy franchise about paranormal investigators who capture ghosts in New York City, spanning multiple decades and timelines.
In the Line of Duty
A landmark Hong Kong action franchise featuring female police officers in intense martial arts and stunt-heavy adventures.
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.
Smokey and the Bandit
A classic action-comedy trilogy following the legendary Bandit and his high-speed adventures while being relentlessly pursued by Sheriff Buford T. Justice.
Spy Kids
Family-friendly action franchise about children who discover their parents are secret agents and become spies themselves, featuring the original Cortez trilogy and subsequent reboots.