Top Gun Turns 40 After Grossing $357 Million and Launching Tom Cruise's Maverick
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 16
Top Gun Turns 40 After Grossing $357 Million and Launching Tom Cruise's Maverick
4 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 16
Saturday marks 40 years since Top Gun, the 1986 hit that made Tom Cruise a star and later spawned a 2022 sequel, with a third film now in development.
A Blue Angels flight helped seal Cruise's decision to play Maverick after producers targeted him early; screenwriter Jack Epps Jr. and Jerry Bruckheimer said the ride convinced him to sign on.
Real Navy access shaped the film's realism and plot: Epps interviewed 30 pilots, flew in jets, and drew Maverick's rivalry and Goose's death from pilots' competitiveness and lingering grief over lost comrades.
The Pentagon backed the production after filmmakers insisted on real aircraft, and the Navy later set up recruitment tables in cinemas, reinforcing the film's long-running image as both blockbuster and military branding.
Despite criticism that it glorified war, Top Gun became 1986's top-grossing film at $357 million worldwide, and Bruckheimer credits its enduring appeal above all to Cruise.
After a $1.5 billion sequel, can the new Top Gun installment escape the shadow of its own massive success?
As Maverick faces an 'existential crisis,' will the next Top Gun dare to ground its legendary pilot for good?
Celebrating 40 Years of Top Gun: Theatrical Re-release, Enduring Influence, and Top Gun 3 Announced
Overview
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Top Gun, Paramount Pictures announced a special re-release of the original film in theaters, giving fans a chance to relive the classic on the big screen. This event also features Top Gun: Maverick, creating a unique double-feature experience. Both films are available in 4K Ultra HD, offering a premium option for home viewing. By combining theatrical and home entertainment, the re-release appeals to both nostalgia and modern viewing preferences, making this anniversary a global cinematic event that connects the franchise’s legacy with new audiences.