Top Gun (1986)

As students at the Navy's elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young flyer learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.

Director:

Tony Scott

Writers:

Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr.,

Stars:

Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer

Won 1 Oscar. Another 8 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Cruise	...	Maverick
Kelly McGillis	...	Charlie
Val Kilmer	...	Iceman
Anthony Edwards	...	Goose
Tom Skerritt	...	Viper
Michael Ironside	...	Jester
John Stockwell	...	Cougar
Barry Tubb	...	Wolfman
Rick Rossovich	...	Slider
Tim Robbins	...	Merlin
Clarence Gilyard Jr.	...	Sundown
Whip Hubley	...	Hollywood
James Tolkan	...	Stinger
Meg Ryan	...	Carole
Adrian Pasdar	...	Chipper

Storyline

Maverick is a hot pilot. When he encounters a pair of MiGs over the Persian Gulf, his wingman is clearly outflown and freaks. On almost no fuel, Maverick is able to talk him back down to the Carrier. When his wingman turns in his wings, Maverick is moved up in the standings and sent to the Top Gun Naval Flying School. There he fights the attitudes of the other pilots and an old story of his father's death in combat that killed others due to his father's error. Maverick struggles to be the best pilot, stepping on the toes of his other students and in a different way to Charlie, a civilian instructor to whom he is strongly attracted.

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Plot Keywords:

pilot | flying | death | fighter pilot | famous line | 

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Taglines:

Up there with the best of the best.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 May 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Top Guns

Filming Locations:

USS Carl Vinson, Pacific Ocean

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,965,737 (USA) (8 February 2013)

Gross:

$179,767,866 (USA) (15 February 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When the film was first released on VHS, it included a fighter pilot-themed Diet Pepsi commercial prior to the film.

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Goofs

In the opening scene when all planes take off, it is sunrise. As they intercept the "bogeys" it is high noon. Towards the end of flying time it is nighttime.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Flight Captain: Good morning, Scott.

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Crazy Credits

A song called "Through the Fire" (by Larry Greene) appears in the end credits music listings, but isn't anywhere in the film. This song, however, does appear on the soundtrack.

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Connections

Referenced in Home Movies: Camp (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Danger Zone"
By Giorgio Moroder & Tom Whitlock
Performed by Kenny Loggins
Produced by Giorgio Moroder
Kenny Loggins courtesy of CBS Records

User Reviews

Classic 80's movie: Tom Cruise at his best

The fact that people are still writing about this film 15yrs after it was first released (and I'm not just talking about me!) really says a lot. I was dubious about writing a comment, seeing as it really has been ages since it was released and thinking that most people who wanted to see it probably already have. After recently watching it for the umpteenth time on TV, I felt compelled to write a quickie ;) I have to say, it's the first time I looked up Top Gun on the imdb and I was actually quite surprised that it only received a 6.4 rating. If you haven't seen the movie yet, don't judge it by the ratings, read a few user comments first and just rent it out, I guarantee you'll have a good time, especially with its amazing soundtrack! The best 80's songs ever written, I still get chills down my back listening to them ;) It's a simple plot but there's something about it that makes it a seriously enjoyable film and one you can watch time and time again. Go have fun! Enjoy!