On May 16, 1986, Top Gun hit theaters, a film that not only defined the 80s era, but also became a cultural phenomenon that still has a loyal fan base today. This action hit from director Tony Scott brought a glamorous, adrenaline-fueled story about elite US Navy pilots, and Tom Cruise became an overnight global star as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.
The film follows young and talented pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell who, together with his co-pilot Goose, arrives at the prestigious school for fighter pilots – the legendary Top Gun Academy. Maverick is a rebel, prone to breaking the rules, but also an incredibly capable pilot. At the school, he competes with other elite pilots, including the cold and perfectly precise Iceman (Val Kilmer). In addition to aerial duels and competitions, Maverick falls in love with instructor Charlie (Kelly McGillis), and his personal story becomes increasingly dramatic when tragedy strikes his friend Goose.
The film was inspired by the real-life Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known as TOPGUN. After the film, interest in enlisting in the US Navy increased by more than 500%.
The film’s music has become as legendary as the film itself. Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” won an Oscar for Best Original Song, while Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” has become a staple in any memory of the film.
The film was made on a budget of around $15 million. The film was a huge success at the box office, grossing around $357 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of the year in the United States. In addition to theatrical distribution, it also generated additional revenue through VHS sales and television rights, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the 1980s.
Film legacy
Top Gun not only raised the bar for aerial action, it also solidified the formula for a film in which action, music, romance, and personal drama work together perfectly. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, its popularity with audiences was immense, and it is now considered one of the most influential action films of all time.
A sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, was released in 2022, delighting fans old and new. The sequel had a budget of $170 million and grossed over $1.49 billion at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of Tom Cruise’s career and one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Leave a Reply