Lethal Weapon (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A veteran cop and an unstable detective become partners who must put their differences aside in order to bring down a heroin-smuggling ring run by ex-Special Forces.
Rated R • 1987 • 1h 50m
A suicidal detective with nothing to lose is partnered with a family man near retirement — and they take on a drug operation. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The R rating covers violence, language, and frank treatment of suicidal ideation.
Cast
Is Lethal Weapon appropriate for kids?
A suicidal detective with nothing to lose is partnered with a family man near retirement — and they take on a drug operation. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The R rating covers violence, language, and frank treatment of suicidal ideation. Read more — free account
Content severity in Lethal Weapon
What happens in Lethal Weapon, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:08 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in Lethal Weapon
There is no depicted sexual intercourse or graphic nudity in the film. The story focuses on the bond between the two lead detectives and their investigation, keeping the content focused on action rather than romantic or sexual subplots. Some scenes feature minor innuendo typical of an 80s action drama, but overall the category is not present.
Violence and gore in Lethal Weapon
Shootouts, a man electrocuted, a fight in the rain. Action violence consistent with R.
Language in Lethal Weapon
The film features constant and pervasive use of strong language, including over 80 uses of the f-word. Racial slurs and various derogatory terms are used during confrontations between the protagonists and the antagonists. Most of the profanity occurs during moments of high stress, intense action, or heated arguments between the main characters.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Lethal Weapon
While the plot revolves around the dismantling of a massive heroin smuggling ring, there is no depiction of main characters using illegal drugs. Alcohol is consumed in social settings, particularly by the characters as they decompress from their dangerous work. The focus remains on the criminal trade of substances as a plot device rather than a depiction of recreational use.
Mature themes in Lethal Weapon
Riggs's suicidality is taken seriously rather than played for comedy — Gibson's scene with the gun in his mouth is genuinely affecting. The partnership as a reason to live. Shane Black's script elevated the buddy cop genre permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lethal Weapon appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Lethal Weapon is best for ages 15+. It's rated R. A suicidal detective with nothing to lose is partnered with a family man near retirement — and they take on a drug operation. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The R rating covers violence, language, and frank treatment of…
What age rating does Lethal Weapon have?
Lethal Weapon is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.
What is Lethal Weapon about?
A suicidal detective with nothing to lose is partnered with a family man near retirement — and they take on a drug operation. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The R rating covers violence, language, and frank treatment of suicidal ideation.
Is there sex or nudity in Lethal Weapon?
There is no depicted sexual intercourse or graphic nudity in the film. The story focuses on the bond between the two lead detectives and their investigation, keeping the content focused on action rather than romantic or sexual subplots. Some scenes feature…
How violent is Lethal Weapon?
Shootouts, a man electrocuted, a fight in the rain. Action violence consistent with R.
Is the language in Lethal Weapon appropriate for kids?
The film features constant and pervasive use of strong language, including over 80 uses of the f-word. Racial slurs and various derogatory terms are used during confrontations between the protagonists and the antagonists. Most of the profanity occurs during…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Lethal Weapon?
While the plot revolves around the dismantling of a massive heroin smuggling ring, there is no depiction of main characters using illegal drugs. Alcohol is consumed in social settings, particularly by the characters as they decompress from their dangerous…
What mature themes appear in Lethal Weapon?
Riggs's suicidality is taken seriously rather than played for comedy — Gibson's scene with the gun in his mouth is genuinely affecting. The partnership as a reason to live. Shane Black's script elevated the buddy cop genre permanently.
How long is Lethal Weapon?
Lethal Weapon runs 110 minutes, directed by Richard Donner, released in 1987.
Where can I read the full Lethal Weapon parent guide?
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