THE NEED FOR SPEED! CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF ‘TOP GUN’
It’s almost been 40 years since we saw the film Top Gun, a title that has become a cult classic. On May 16, 1986, the film dropped in theaters (after premieres earlier in New York and LA) introducing us to one of Tom Cruise’s most iconic roles, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell.
THE NEED FOR SPEED! CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF ‘TOP GUN.’ Celebrating the 40 year anniversary of #TopGun. #TomCruise #Movies Share on XThe film follows Maverick alongside his fellow Naval Fighter Weapons classmates who are training as part of the elite Top Gun pilot program. Among them is Maverick’s best friend, the more reasoned pilot. The film chronicles Maverick’s “hot shot” tendencies that sometimes override his natural talents and the risks he takes that end up being the right calls.
Talk to me, Goose.
– TOP GUN
This is one of those titles I didn’t see until long after it had (or maybe it never did!) lost its “cool” factor. In fact, I think I probably saw it in 2022 or 2021. The film has some drama and sadness but remains a favorite film with user ratings of 7 out of 10 or a 4.8 out of 5 (on Prime Video). The film inspired, even all of those years later, a sequel in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick which did return Tom Cruise to his iconic role surrounded primarily by a new cast, who is now rumored to return for a third film with Cruise. top gun 40 years
LIST | SOME OF THE BIG MOVIE ANNIVERSARIES OF 2026
Additional cast includes:
- Tim Robbins
- Kelly McGillis
- Val Kilmer
- Tom Skerritt
- Anthony Edwards
- Clarence Gilyard Jr.
- and Meg Ryan
This is one title that has already been celebrated (and its franchise) basically to the creative limit here (at least right now) so I won’t be posting anything new today, outside of acknowledging that 2026 marks a big milestone for the film!
As part of this 40 year celebration, starting today, May 13, Top Gun is also supposed to have a “one week” run in theaters. The small theaters near me are even showing it, so check your local theaters for showtimes!
Below, you can see our collection of things we have posted about or on Top Gun.
- CELEBRATING ‘TOP GUN’ DAY WITH SEVEN REASONS WE LOVE IT
- ‘TOP GUN’ (1986): THE MOVIE THAT MADE AN ACTION STAR
- ‘TOP GUN: MAVERICK’: THE UNIVERSAL BEST MOVIE OF 2022
Photos: Alamy
Stream, at publication, Top Gun or Top Gun: Maverick on Paramount+; or digitally purchase the films on places like Prime Video
I may have not had much to post or add that is new to my thoughts on Top Gun as it hits this 40 year milestone, but I want to read and hear all of your thoughts! Can you believe this one is turning 40 years old? Share all of your thoughts below in the comment section. Let’s talk.
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