Lethal Weapon is a 1987 action-comedy film, and the first in the Lethal Weapon series of films, all directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as a mismatched pair of LAPD detectives who are hell bent on protecting and serving despite their differences. The series falls into the action-comedy and thriller genres, and is generally considered to typify the "buddy cop" plot device. The first Lethal Weapon, along with Die Hard, is credited with setting new standards for urban action films.

Plot

The movie is set in December 1986. LAPD Detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is depressed about getting old, having recently celebrated his 50th birthday, and receiving messages from Michael Hunsaker (Tom Atkins), an old war buddy from his time served during the Vietnam War, whom Murtaugh realizes he has not seen in 12 years. Called to investigate a suicide, he is horrified to find the victim is Amanda Hunsaker, daughter of Michael. Elsewhere, younger L.A.P.D. Detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), depressed and suicidal following the recent death of his wife, nearly kills a disarmed suspect after entering a psychotic rage during a drug bust. Weary of his behavior, Riggs' superiors transfer him to Murtaugh's unit, making them very reluctant partners.