Lethal Weapon (1987) — Screenplay
A suicidal detective and a by-the-book family man are forced to partner up to take down a deadly drug ring before they kill each other first.
- Written by
- Shane Black
- Genre
- Action, Crime, Thriller
- Studio
- Warner Bros.
- Length
- 129 pages
This screenplay is a masterclass in buddy-cop dynamics and tonal balance. Black's sharp dialogue crackles with wit, while the contrasting character arcs of Riggs and Murtaugh drive the narrative forward with emotional depth. The efficient structure, blending high-octane action with moments of genuine vulnerability, offers a compelling study in how to craft a genre thriller that feels both explosive and human.
Read the full Lethal Weapon (1987) screenplay in PDF, page by page, right here on Laper — or download the original script to study Shane Black’s scene work, dialogue and structure at your own pace. A free resource for screenwriters and film students learning Hollywood script format.