Logo What's After the Movie

Lethal Weapon 4 1998

Detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh confront a dangerous threat when they find themselves investigating a Chinese drug cartel. As the case escalates, the detectives and their families become targets of the cartel's ruthless retaliation. Riggs and Murtaugh must overcome personal challenges and work together to dismantle the criminal organization and safeguard those they care about.

Detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh confront a dangerous threat when they find themselves investigating a Chinese drug cartel. As the case escalates, the detectives and their families become targets of the cartel's ruthless retaliation. Riggs and Murtaugh must overcome personal challenges and work together to dismantle the criminal organization and safeguard those they care about.

Does Lethal Weapon 4 have end credit scenes?

No!

Lethal Weapon 4 does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Lethal Weapon 4

Explore the complete cast of Lethal Weapon 4, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Lethal Weapon 4

See how Lethal Weapon 4 is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Lethal Weapon 4 stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Rotten Tomatoes
review

52%

TOMATOMETER

review

64%

User Score

IMDb

6.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

66

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Lethal Weapon 4 Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Lethal Weapon 4 with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Lethal Weapon 4 Quiz: Test your knowledge about the intricate relationships and high-stakes events in Lethal Weapon 4.

What significant life event is Lorna Cole experiencing in the movie?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Lethal Weapon 4

See more

Read the complete plot summary of Lethal Weapon 4, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the reality of Lorna Cole’s (Rene Russo) pregnancy with LAPD Sergeant Martin Riggs’ (Mel Gibson) child sinks in, the couple begins to contemplate what their future holds. At the same time, fellow officer LAPD Sergeant Roger Murtaugh’s (Danny Glover) daughter Rianne finds herself in a delicate situation, as her pregnancy remains a closely guarded secret due to her relationship with Detective Lee Butters. The pressure mounts when the Police Chief decides to promote both Riggs and Murtaugh to captains, despite concerns from the department’s insurance provider regarding their previous actions as sergeants, setting off a series of events that challenged their newly acquired authority.

Amidst these personal struggles, the officers uncover a Chinese immigrant smuggling operation while investigating an oceangoing vessel that has been intentionally run aground. Murtaugh’s empathetic character shines through when he offers refuge to the Hong family, who are in fear of deportation from the United States. The desperation of the Hongs resonates deeply with Riggs, Cole, and Murtaugh’s families, fostering strong emotional connections through shared values and a commitment to justice.

An important lead surfaces when Grandfather Hong reveals his search for a talented engraver, his uncle, who financed their journey to America. At the same time, Lorna’s sensitivity towards Rianne’s circumstances compels Riggs to uncover the concealed truth of her pregnancy, a secret that stretches the bonds of their partnership.

The investigation heats up as the officers confront “Uncle” Benny Chan, a formidable crime boss operating from a Chinatown restaurant. Introducing high-ranking Triad negotiator Wah Sing Ku adds a layer of intensity to the impending confrontation. Riggs and Murtaugh’s inability to establish probable cause leads Chan to force them out of his establishment, escalating tensions to a dramatic climax.

The situation deteriorates when Riggs’ attempt to apprehend the escaped ship captain fails, resulting in Ku punishing him brutally as a warning. The Triad’s quest to eliminate anyone exposing their counterfeiting operation puts Murtaugh’s family at significant risk. In a gripping twist, a daring rescue orchestrated by Hong’s resourceful grandson, Ping, brings some of the captives to safety just in time. Although Riggs and Murtaugh manage to thwart some of the Triad’s pursuers, Ku narrowly escapes, determined to eliminate all who threaten his organization.

The climax settles upon a warehouse where Mr. Hong is coerced into engraving plates for Ku’s illegal business, ensuring his family’s safe passage in return. In a heart-wrenching moment, Ku brutally executes Hong in front of his uncle to secure his continued compliance, illustrating the lengths to which he will go to uphold his nefarious plans.

As chaos ensues, police officers initiate an odd diversion at Chan’s dentist office, attempting to extract crucial intel while under the influence of laughing gas. Yet, in a chaotic turn of events, Riggs and Butters accidentally divulge a secret to Murtaugh during this unusual interrogation, setting off a chain of unforeseen consequences. Eventually, Detective Ng, a specialist in cases involving the Chinese government, uncovers that Ku is negotiating with a corrupt Chinese general for the release of the Four Fathers, which includes Ku’s own brother. This understanding leads the police to a warehouse, uncovering the gruesome fate of Mr. Hong and his uncle, both murdered as soon as they were deemed useless.

With urgency mounting, the officers race against the clock to prevent the exchange between Ku and the general, ultimately exposing the counterfeit scheme. In response to this betrayal, the enraged general seeks revenge on the Four Fathers before being mercilessly killed by the Triads in an explosive firefight. As the dust settles, Murtaugh’s friend Butters is injured while saving him from a Triad attack.

Unyielding, Ku attempts to flee with his brother, only to witness him fall victim to Murtaugh’s pursuit. Riggs and Murtaugh engage in a visceral confrontation with Ku on a pier. In a moment of desperation, Murtaugh pierces Ku with rebar, yet the vicious criminal manages to knock him out. The collapsing pier sends both Riggs and Ku into the water, enhancing the suspense.

Riggs seizes an opportunity to retrieve a Kalashnikov assault rifle and delivers the final blow to Ku, while Murtaugh fights against the odds to rescue Riggs from a crushing concrete slab that trapped him beneath the water.

After the battle has concluded, Riggs visits his late wife’s grave, seeking solace as he prepares for his uncertain future with Lorna. In a touching moment, Getz shares a story from his childhood that sheds light on their friendship and provides Riggs with a fresh perspective.

As they await the arrival of Lorna’s child, Riggs and Murtaugh learn that Butters will soon join their family. With the city secured and the Hong family granted asylum, Murphy reinstates Riggs and Murtaugh’s ranks as sergeants, recognizing their relentless commitment to restoring peace in their community.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Lethal Weapon 4

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Lethal Weapon 4. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Trailer #1

Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) 35mm film trailer, flat hard matte, 4K trichromy

Cars Featured in Lethal Weapon 4

See 73 more

Explore all cars featured in Lethal Weapon 4, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


American

LaFrance 900

American

1972

LaFrance Pioneer II

Audi

1986

5000 Wagon C3

BMW

1993

525i Touring E34

Buick

1984

Century

Buick

1992

LeSabre

Cadillac

1997

DeVille

Cadillac

1976

Seville

Chevrolet

1976

Blazer

Chevrolet

1998

Blazer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


dvd extra

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About Lethal Weapon 4

Stay updated on Lethal Weapon 4 with in-depth articles, critical reviews, and ending explainers. Explore hidden meanings, major themes, and expert insights into the film’s story and impact.


Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.