Top Gun (1986) – 40 Years Later, Maverick Still Rules the Danger Zone

 

Today, May 13, 2026, Paramount Pictures brings "TOP GUN" back to the big screen for its 40th anniversary. And for one week only, both the original 1986 classic and its stunning 2022 sequel "TOP GUN: MAVERICK" are flying into theaters nationwide 

The first time I watched "Top Gun", I was hooked. The jets. The speed. The swagger. Tom Cruise as Maverick felt like the coolest person on the planet. And 40 years later? It still holds up. Not because the story is perfect—critics had plenty to say about that back in 1986. But because "Top Gun" is pure, unapologetic cinema. It's a movie about adrenaline, ego, and the need for speed. And seeing it again on the big screen for this anniversary re-release? Absolutely worth it.

This review covers the original "Top Gun" (1986), its legacy, its iconic soundtrack, the performances, what critics said then vs. now, and why you should catch this 40th anniversary theatrical event while you can.

The Plot: A Hotshot Pilot With Something to Prove

The story is simple. Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is a young naval aviator aboard the USS Enterprise—brash, talented, and reckless. When he and his Radar Intercept Officer, Lt. Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards), get the chance to train at the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School, aka "TOP GUN," at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, it's his shot to prove he's the best .

At TOP GUN, Maverick competes against the best pilots in the Navy, including his rival, the cool and calculating Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky (Val Kilmer). He also falls for Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood (Kelly McGillis), a civilian astrophysicist and TOP GUN instructor who sees through his bravado.

But tragedy strikes. During a training exercise, a flat spin leads to the death of Goose. Maverick blames himself. He loses his confidence, nearly quits, but is eventually called back for a real-world mission. He confronts Iceman, confronts his grief, and in the final dogfight, proves he has what it takes to be the best—not just because of his skills, but because he finally learns to trust his wingman.

See also: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Deep Honest Review

The Performances: The Birth of a Superstar

Tom Cruise as Maverick: This was the role that made Tom Cruise a global superstar . He was 23 years old. His charisma, his smile, his intensity—everything that would define his career for the next four decades is on full display here. Cruise performed many of his own flying sequences (with the help of real Navy pilots), and you can feel his commitment.

Val Kilmer as Iceman: The perfect foil. Iceman is everything Maverick is not—disciplined, precise, unemotional. But he's also a formidable pilot. The rivalry between Cruise and Kilmer crackles on screen. And in the sequel, their reunion is heartbreaking.

Anthony Edwards as Goose: The heart of the film. Goose is the audience's entry point—funny, warm, relatable. When he dies, it's devastating. Edwards' performance gives the movie its emotional weight.

Kelly McGillis as Charlie: She brings intelligence and maturity. The romance between Maverick and Charlie feels genuine, and McGillis holds her own against Cruise's star power.

Meg Ryan and Tom Skerritt also shine in supporting roles as Goose's wife and the TOP GUN commander, respectively.

The Realism: Why the Flying Scenes Still Amaze

"Top Gun" used real Navy F-14 Tomcats and real pilots. Cameras were mounted inside cockpits. The actors—including Cruise—actually flew in the backseats of F-14s during filming . This commitment to authenticity means the aerial sequences have a visceral, documentary-like quality that CGI can't replicate. When Maverick pulls Gs, you feel it.

The film also received significant cooperation from the U.S. Navy. In exchange for access to aircraft, personnel, and carriers, the Navy saw "Top Gun" as a recruitment tool. And it worked—enlistment numbers soared after the film's release .

The Soundtrack: Danger Zone and Take My Breath Away

You cannot talk about "Top Gun" without talking about the music. The soundtrack is legendary:

• "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins – The unofficial theme of the film. Every time you hear those opening guitar riffs, you think of F-14s launching off a carrier.
• "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin – The love theme. Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song .
• "Mighty Wings" by Cheap Trick and "Playing with the Boys" by Kenny Loggins round out an album that defined the mid-80s.

The score by Harold Faltermeyer (of "Axel F" fame) is also iconic, blending synth and orchestral elements that scream "1980s military cool."

The Critical Reception: A Film That Critics Got Wrong

When "Top Gun" was released on May 16, 1986, critics were mixed—at best. The Rotten Tomatoes scores tell the story:

• Critics: 56% (from 142 reviews) — "Rotten"
• Audience: 83% (from 250,000+ ratings) — "Fresh"

Critics panned the screenplay as thin and predictable. They called it "military propaganda" and a "90-minute recruitment ad." Roger Ebert famously gave it 2 out of 4 stars, saying the film was "more interested in planes than people."

But audiences didn't care. They loved the adrenaline, the visuals, the romance, and the chemistry between Cruise and Kilmer. And four weeks after its release, the number of theaters showing the film actually increased by 45 percent . Word of mouth turned a critical disappointment into a cultural phenomenon.

In hindsight, many critics have revised their opinions. "Top Gun" is now recognized as a defining film of the 1980s—a time capsule of Reagan-era patriotism, Cold War tension, and unabashed cinematic spectacle.

The Box Office: A Smash Hit

• Budget: $13-15 million
• Box Office: $357.4 million worldwide

Adjusted for inflation, that's nearly $1 billion in today's dollars. "Top Gun" was the highest-grossing domestic film of 1986 and the highest-grossing film worldwide that year .

The Awards: One Oscar, But Should Have Been More

"Top Gun" won only one Academy Award: Best Original Song for "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin. It was also nominated for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Effects Editing.

Some argue the film deserved more recognition, especially for its sound design and editing. But the Oscar snub didn't hurt its legacy.

The Legacy: Why It Still Matters in 2026

"Top Gun" launched Tom Cruise into superstardom. It made aviator sunglasses and leather jackets iconic. It boosted Navy recruitment by an estimated 500% . And it spawned a franchise that—36 years later—delivered one of the biggest box office hits of all time with "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022).

The sequel earned over $1.5 billion worldwide, was nominated for six Academy Awards (including Best Picture), and revived the theater industry after the COVID-19 pandemic .

Now, with "Top Gun 3" officially in development (confirmed at CinemaCon in April 2026 by Paramount Pictures), the franchise shows no signs of slowing down . Tom Cruise is expected to return alongside producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The 40th Anniversary Re-Release (May 13-20, 2026)

For one week only, starting today, "TOP GUN" (1986) and "TOP GUN: MAVERICK" (2022) are back in theaters nationwide. This is not just a standard re-release. For the first time, the original film is being presented in premium immersive formats:

IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, ScreenX, and D-BOX .

AMC Theatres is also offering commemorative merchandise, including Maverick and Goose helmets, souvenir cups, and a free collector's print for early attendees .

Tom Cruise himself shared his excitement on Instagram:

"I'm excited to celebrate 40 years of Top Gun with you all. It's so much fun to see these two films back on the big screen!" 

Even Indian filmmaker Farah Khan, a self-proclaimed Cruise superfan, commented: "TOMMMMMM it's great to see you back.. 40 years of admiring you." 

Final Verdict: A 8/10 Cultural Classic

My rating is 8 out of 10. "Top Gun" is not a perfect film. The screenplay is thin. The dialogue is sometimes cheesy. But it's a perfect experience. The aerial sequences are breathtaking. The soundtrack is legendary. Tom Cruise is a star. And 40 years later, it still gives you chills.

If you've never seen it on the big screen—or even if you have—this 40th anniversary re-release is your chance to feel the need for speed one more time. Bring a friend. Wear aviators. And stay for the credits.

Recommendation: See it in IMAX or 4DX if you can. The aerial sequences were meant for the biggest screen possible. And if you have time, stay for "TOP GUN: MAVERICK" back-to-back. It's a perfect double feature.

Have you seen "TOP GUN" in theaters? Are you planning to catch the 40th anniversary re-release? And are you excited for "TOP GUN 3"? Let me know in the comments!

And suggest a movie for my next review! I'm in the mood for another 80s classic or action film.

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See also My full list of 2026 movie reviews →