Trending Now - Behind the Scenes: Top Gun's 40-year Legacy Unveiled

WHO:

The Guardian - Tom Cruise, Jack Epps Jr. (screenwriter), Jim Cash (co-writer), Tony Scott (director), Jerry Bruckheimer (producer), Val Kilmer (Iceman), Kelly McGillis (Charlie), Anthony Edwards (Goose), Pete Pettigrew (former top gun instructor).

WHAT:

The Guardian - Top Gun, a film about Cold War flying aces, turns 40.

The Guardian - Top Gun earned $357 million worldwide and became the No. 1 film of 1986.

The Guardian - The song "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin won the Oscar for best original song.

The Guardian - A sequel to Top Gun was released in 2022, with a third installment now in development.

WHERE:

The Guardian - The film was inspired by an article in California magazine featuring a photo from inside the cockpit of an F-14 fighter jet.

The Guardian - Filming took place at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

WHEN:

The Guardian - Top Gun was released in 1986.

The Guardian - The third installment of Top Gun is anticipated to be released on July 19, 2024.

WHY:

The Guardian - The film was created to showcase young American heroes and their experiences, aiming to honor military service members.

The Guardian - The U.S. military cooperated with the film to improve its image and encourage enlistment.

HOW:

The Guardian - Jack Epps Jr. interviewed 30 pilots and underwent training, including learning how to eject and using a helo dunker.

The Guardian - The film's production involved real planes rather than special effects to enhance authenticity.

The Guardian - Tom Cruise was secured for the role of Maverick after flying with the Blue Angels, which convinced him to commit to the project.

(UPDATED May 16, 2026 23:13 UTC)

The iconic film Top Gun, which celebrates its 40th anniversary, was a massive success, earning $357 million worldwide and becoming the top film of 1986. Featuring a star-studded cast including Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and Kelly McGillis, the film was inspired by a magazine article and filmed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, with real planes used for authenticity. A sequel was released in 2022, and fans can look forward to a third installment set to hit theaters on July 19, 2024.