Lethal Weapon (1987)

Adventure Action Comedy Thriller Crime
→ Influenced 6 films ← Inspired by 4 films

Buttoned-down veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh is partnered with unhinged cop Martin Riggs, who — distraught after his wife's death — has a death wish and takes unnecessary risks with criminals at every turn. The odd couple embark on their first homicide investigation as partners, involving a young woman known to Murtaugh with ties to a drug and prostitution ring.

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Connections

← Inspired By

Dirty Harry
Dirty Harry (1971)1
 48 Hrs.
48 Hrs. (1982)2
 Red River
Red River (1948)3
 Three Days of the Condor
Three Days of the Condor (1975)4

→ Influenced

Bad Boys II
Bad Boys II (2003)5
 The Other Guys
The Other Guys (2010)6
 Hot Fuzz
Hot Fuzz (2007)7
 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)8
 Loaded Weapon 1
Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)9
 Bad Boys
Bad Boys (1995)10

Sources

Influenced By

  1. Dirty Harry (1971)
    "The film's portrayal of a maverick cop who operates outside the rules influenced the character of Martin Riggs. Screenwriter Shane Black aimed to create an "urban western" inspired by "Dirty Harry," featuring a protagonist who is "reviled for what he did, what he is capable of, the things he believed in."" Lethal Weapon Wikipedia
  2. 48 Hrs. (1982)
    "This film established the buddy-cop genre by pairing a seasoned detective with an unconventional partner. "Lethal Weapon" built upon this foundation, refining the dynamic between its two leads." Far Out Magazine source
  3. Red River (1948)
    "Director Richard Donner incorporated elements from this classic western, particularly in the film's action sequences. Donner noted that John Wayne fans would recognize some of the punches thrown by Mel Gibson and Gary Busey from "Red River."" 25 Facts About ‘Lethal Weapon’ Roger Cormier Mental Floss
  4. Three Days of the Condor (1975)
    "The use of Christmas as a backdrop in "Lethal Weapon" was influenced by this film, where the holiday setting adds a chilling counterpoint to the espionage plot." Shane Black Wikipedia

Influenced

  1. Bad Boys II (2003)
    "This sequel features Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Miami detectives tackling a drug cartel, echoing the high-energy action and comedic interplay characteristic of *Lethal Weapon*." 10 Buddy Cop Movies To Watch If You Like Lethal Weapon Ben Sherlock ScreenRant
  2. The Other Guys (2010)
    "Starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, this film parodies and pays homage to the buddy cop genre popularized by *Lethal Weapon*, blending action with humor." 10 Buddy Cop Movies To Watch If You Like Lethal Weapon Ben Sherlock ScreenRant
  3. Hot Fuzz (2007)
    "Directed by Edgar Wright, this film draws inspiration from *Lethal Weapon* and other action movies, incorporating similar themes and stylistic elements." Hot Fuzz Wikipedia
  4. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
    "Written and directed by Shane Black, the creator of *Lethal Weapon*, this film continues the tradition of blending action and comedy within a crime narrative." Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Wikipedia
  5. Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
    "A direct parody of *Lethal Weapon*, this film satirizes the tropes and characters of the original, highlighting its cultural impact." Loaded Weapon 1 Wikipedia
  6. Bad Boys (1995)
    "Known for its dynamic duo of mismatched police partners, this film influenced the buddy-cop dynamic seen in "Bad Boys." The chemistry between Martin Lawrence and Will Smith echoes the partnership of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover." Reelviews source