Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as mismatched LAPD detectives Riggs and Murtaugh, this time uncovering a South African diplomat smuggling ring using its embassy immunity to run guns and launder money with impunity. Joe Pesci joins as a motor-mouthed informant in a sequel that leans further into buddy-cop comedy than the grittier original while still delivering large-scale action set pieces. It's widely regarded as the high point of the franchise, striking the sharpest balance between humor and thrills.