The buddy cop genre has been with us for decades now, with recent installments including The Nice Guys, The Other Guys, and Stuber. However, while some of these newer movies are great, they are still not even close to classic buddy cop movies such as Lethal Weapon and Rush Hour. Those two film franchises, while both belonging to the same genre and following similar plot lines, are unique and wonderfully entertaining movies with hilariously memorable characters and cunning villains.
This article will give five reasons why Lethal Weapon is the best buddy cop franchise and five why it’s Rush Hour.
Lethal Weapon: Diplomatic Immunity
There is no denying that the Lethal Weapon franchise has given us all some incredible lines over its four-movie run. However, by far the best line came in the second film. The villain possessed diplomatic immunity, making it impossible for Riggs and Murtaugh to catch him.
However, at the end of the movie, the villain holds up his ID and declares “diplomatic immunity,” only for Murtaugh to shoot him and say “it’s just been revoked.” This is easily one of the best lines in action movie history.
Rush Hour: Blooper Reel
While not strictly speaking part of the movie itself, the blooper real is something that we have all come to associate with the Rush Hour movies, as well as with Jackie Chan movies in general. In a sense, the blooper reel is like a version of the MCU post-credit scene without the cliffhanger or the long wait.
The blooper reel shows us how much fun Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan were having onset, as well as interesting and hilarious issues they ran into while filming.
Lethal Weapon: Joe Pesci
While he didn’t appear in the first movie, there is no denying that Joe Pesci’s Leo Getz is one of the most memorable characters in the Lethal Weapon franchise. The small, fast-talking sidekick to Riggs and Murtaugh is one of the funniest characters of the movies.
While originally appearing as a banker in the second Lethal Weapon movie, he would then return as a real estate broker in Lethal Weapon 3 and then as a P.I. in Lethal Weapon 4.
Rush Hour: Challenging Stereotypes
While both Riggs and Murtaugh were both American, in Rush Hour we have an interesting cultural divide that helps drive the character dynamic between Lee and Carter. While Rush Hour does see Carter use some anti-Asian racial slurs, the film uses them in an interesting way.
Rather than using the racial slurs to poke fun at Jackie Chan, we are intended to laugh at Carter during these moments. In other words, Carter is the butt of the joke because of his racism.
Lethal Weapon: ’80s Setting
The ’80s were a fantastic time for cop movies. Not only do we get some fantastic music, most notably with Sting in Lethal Weapon 3, but the time in which the film is set allows for more classic cop storylines to unfold. The detectives don’t have the comforts of modern technology, allowing for more true detective work to take place.
In addition, the Lethal Weapon franchise also has some iconic ’80s fashion and aesthetics that make for an enjoyable watch, particularly today as our ’80s nostalgia continues to grow.
Rush Hour: Chris Tucker’s Comedy
While Chris Tucker may divide opinion due to some of his roles, there is no denying that he excels in the role of Carter in the Rush Hour franchise. He plays the part incredibly well, expertly playing off the “straight man” role that Jackie Chan’s Lee embodies.
While Carter is often the butt of the joke in the Rush Hour movies, he is also a fast-talker and more than capable of delivering a good roast to some of the villains across all three Rush Hour movies.
Lethal Weapon: Riggs’ Character Development
Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs is one of the most interesting characters in the buddy cop genre. While he the classic “younger” cop who is paired up with an older detective, he has also gone through a lifetime’s worth of emotional torment and pain. This leaves him reckless and suicidal for much of the first film.
However, by the end of the fourth movie, not only has Riggs managed to overcome his suicidal tendencies, but he has also found a new family and happiness. With the fifth movie in the franchise announced recently, it is only a matter of time before we see what Riggs has been up to all this time.
Rush Hour: Banter Between Lee And Carter
As with any buddy cop movie, most of the enjoyment comes from the unique relationship and camaraderie that develops between the two characters. However, while this is a typical feature of a buddy cop movie, there is no buddy cop movie that does it better than Rush Hour.
Lee and Carter consistently banter throughout the films, with Lee growing more and more witty as the series continues. This banter not only helps us bond with the characters more, but also provides fantastic comic relief to break up the action and martial arts scenes.
Lethal Weapon: Chemistry of Riggs And Murtaugh
The chemistry of Riggs and Murtaugh is the main cause of success behind the Lethal Weapon movies. The two consistently argue, with Riggs’ reckless style clashing with the careful and considered approach of the older and more experienced Murtaugh.
However, while the two have hilarious arguments with each other, they also share a close and touching bond that makes the films even more enjoyable to watch.
Rush Hour: Jackie Chan’s Martial Arts
There is no denying that Jackie Chan is an international treasure. The Hong Kongese actor and martial artist has starred in countless movies, earning himself an honorary Oscar in the process. The simple presence of Jackie Chan in these movies makes them a fantastic watch, especially seeing how he interacts with Chris Tucker’s Carter.
Furthermore, Jackie Chan also brings an exciting level of fight choreography that is unique to his movies. This alone elevates Rush Hour from the typical buddy cop genre movie.
