This is my favorite cop movie. It's also a buddy movie. It does have several sequences of nudity. The violence is also pretty strong. Some strong language. When all is said and done, it's okay for teens.
Tools for this page
Lethal Weapon
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Mismatched cops spar in violent '80s action hit.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–15
What to watch out for
-
Violence :
-
Sex :
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Lethal Weapon
Parents need to know that this film contains graphic violence. Though the tone of this movie is mostly serious, it treats the deaths of villains and innocent civilians in a very casual manner, as if killing bad guys is simply part of the job of being a cop. The only violence that seems to have a psychic toll is the harm done to young, attractive women. Sex is portrayed only in the context of prostitution and murder.
Read our full review by Elliot Panek
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the violence here. Do you think there is a message here amongst the carnage -- or is this simply an action film and not meant to be taken seriously? Another topic to explore is the film brought the archetypal "buddy picture" to the forefront of Hollywood cinema. Families may want to compare and contrast the ways in which this theme is presented in more recent films such as Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and Men in Black. How do these films use race as a comedic device?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!
To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.
Our Members Say
See all 3 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in LouisianaI rate this title on for age 17 and give itThis is the best cop movie ever made!!
- Lives in ColoradoI rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Great Movie, Not For Kids
I love this movie, but I'm pretty sure it's actually rated "R" and not "PG-13". I think it is one of the finest action/cop buddy movie around, but certainly not for kids. There is no way that a child could comprehend the anguish that is felt by a man who has lost his wife and wants to kill himself, or the loss of an adult child to a murder. This movie is very well acted and exciting, but needs to be watched by adults only.
- Lives in MissouriI rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
One of the best cop movies ever!
Lethal Weapon is a thrilling, edge of your seat joy ride. If you love Cop buddy movies, this is the grand daddy of them all.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.
Already a member? Log in
Our Members Rate It
Have You Seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
dubars recommends:
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
for kids age 9
See more from dubars
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
for kids age 9
See more from dubars
