Release: 1986-05-16
Runtime: 1h 50m (110 minutes)
For Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete's dreams of becoming an ace pilot.
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Genres: Drama, Action
Cast: Tom Cruise, Tim Robbins, Val Kilmer, more
Tom Cruise
as Maverick
Tim Robbins
as Merlin
Val Kilmer
as Ice
Tom Skerritt
as Viper
Anthony Edwards
as Goose
Michael Ironside
as Jester
Meg Ryan
as Carole
James Tolkan
as Stinger
Kelly McGillis
as Charlie
Clarence Gilyard Jr.
as Sundown
Adrian Pasdar
as Chipper
Whip Hubley
as Hollywood
For Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete's dreams of becoming an ace pilot.
Up there with the best of the best.
Top Gun is a classic American action film released on 16 May 1986, directed by Tony Scott. The movie stars Tom Cruise as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a young naval aviator training at the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School, known as Top Gun. Alongside Cruise, the film features Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt in key roles.
The film's story revolves around Maverick, who, along with his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, gets the chance to train at Top Gun after a successful mission. As they navigate the challenges of intense training and fierce competition with other aviators, Maverick also develops a romantic relationship with civilian instructor Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood.
Upon its release, Top Gun received mixed reviews but quickly became a commercial success, grossing over $357 million worldwide against a production budget of $15 million. The film's stunning aerial sequences and memorable soundtrack, featuring songs like "Take My Breath Away" performed by Berlin and "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins, contributed to its popularity. The soundtrack itself achieved significant success, earning a 9× Platinum certification.
In the years following its release, Top Gun has gained a reputation for its cultural impact, being preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its significance. The film also inspired a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which premiered on 27 May 2022 and received positive reviews from both critics and audiences.
The film's plot explores themes of rivalry, teamwork, and personal growth. Maverick's journey is marked by his struggle to overcome personal loss and guilt following a tragic accident during training. The film culminates in a climactic battle that tests the skills and teamwork of the Top Gun graduates, ultimately showcasing Maverick's growth as a pilot and leader.
Critically, the film has sparked discussions about its portrayal of military life and the romanticized view of war. While some critics praised the high-energy action and visual effects, others pointed out its lack of depth in character development and plot. Over time, however, the film's status as a beloved 80s classic has only solidified, further amplified by its various home video releases and re-screenings.
In summary, Top Gun not only redefined the action genre but also left a lasting legacy on popular culture. Its combination of thrilling aerial combat and romantic drama continues to resonate with viewers, making it a timeless piece of cinematic history.
