Top Gun movies in order Top Gun Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Top Gun: Maverick - 2022
Total Runtime:
241 Minutes
Total Items:
3
Average User Score:
(7.5)Top Gun movies in order
Get ready to take flight with a Top Gun movie marathon. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and slip on your aviators. Whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan of Tom Cruise as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, these films promise a thrilling ride. From supersonic jets and nostalgic tunes to iconic beach scenes and high-G stunts, the Top Gun series offers it all. But what's the best way to watch these films in order? And what makes them so irresistibly captivating?
In this guide, we'll navigate the Top Gun timeline, starting with Tony Scott's legendary 1986 film and soaring into Joseph Kosinski's modern aviation epic. We'll explore the context without giving away spoilers, highlight each film's style and atmosphere, and examine how the characters and themes evolve. So, cue up your Kenny Loggins playlist you're about to enter the danger zone.
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Top Gun Movie 110 min. 1986For Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete's dreams of becoming an ace pilot.USER SCORE 7 -
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Top Gun: Maverick Movie 131 min. 2022After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell finds himself training a detachment of TOP GUN graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen.USER SCORE 8 -
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Top Gun (1986)
The film that launched it all: Tony Scott's Top Gun is pure '80s adrenaline. It's packed with aerial combat, military jet stunts, and the iconic silhouette of the F-14 Tomcat against a fiery sunset. We meet Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise), a talented yet reckless pilot with an attitude as sharp as his flying skills. Alongside his RIO Goose (Anthony Edwards), Maverick is selected for the elite Top Gun school, where he competes against Val Kilmer's cool and collected Iceman.
Amidst flying rivalries, steamy romances (with Kelly McGillis as Charlie Blackwood), and aerial battles over the ocean, Top Gun creates an atmosphere that's both tough and emotional. Add in the unforgettable Great Balls of Fire piano scene, Tom Skerritt as Viper, and the legendary volleyball match, and you have a film that not only became iconic but also inspired a generation to become pilots. Paramount Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer set the stage for modern aviation action films.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Over three decades later, Tom Cruise returns in one of the best modern blockbusters: Top Gun: Maverick. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film blends nostalgia with renewed intensity, featuring practical aerial stunts that will literally blow you away. Maverick is now a veteran instructor, back at the Top Gun school to train a new generation of pilots for an almost impossible mission.
Here we meet Miles Teller as Rooster, Goose's son, who shares a complex relationship with Maverick. Jennifer Connelly shines as Penny Benjamin, a familiar name for fans of the first film. The new lineup includes Glen Powell as Hangman, Monica Barbaro as Phoenix, Lewis Pullman as Bob, and Jon Hamm as Cyclone. The film pushes the boundaries of supersonic flight, featuring the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the mysterious Darkstar hypersonic jet that even impressed NASA.
But it's not just about spectacle. Top Gun: Maverick delves deeper into Maverick's past, his relationship with Rooster, and the toll of years in the air. The emotional weight, combined with unparalleled high-G stunt flying and practical aerial cinematography, elevates this beyond a simple sequel. It's a modern classic that breathes new life into the franchise while honoring its roots.
Why This Order Works Perfectly for Your Marathon
You might wonder, "Are there really only two films in the Top Gun franchise?" Indeed, there are, but these aren't films to have on in the background. They complement each other seamlessly, with a time jump of over 30 years adding extra impact. By starting with the original Top Gun, you witness the evolution of characters, technology, and style. Then, transitioning into Top Gun: Maverick, you experience the ultimate payoff: an emotional and visual upgrade that honors and surpasses its predecessor.
Whether you're in it for the nostalgia, the military jet stunts, the rivalry between Maverick and Iceman, or simply the epic soundtrack, watching the films in order enhances the experience. The Top Gun timeline is straightforward, but that's what makes it so effective. No time jumps, no prequels or spin-offs just pure, linear aviation epicness with a heart of titanium.
Tips for Your Ultimate Top Gun Movie Night
Want to make it memorable? Start your evening with themed snacks think spicy popcorn, Red Bull for a jet boost, and perhaps a few Danger Zone cocktails. Dim the lights, play the soundtrack as your friends arrive, and consider a small volleyball match in the backyard for ambiance. For the true enthusiasts, check out behind-the-scenes videos about the practical aerial cinematography of Maverick beforehand. Your appreciation for these films will only grow.
And if you're still in the mood after the marathon, there's plenty more to explore. Consider documentaries about the real US Navy elite fighter program, interviews with the cast, or even video games that let you relive the Top Gun vibe. The franchise may be small in terms of the number of films, but its impact is sky-high.
Ready to Engage
There are movie nights, and then there are nights where you soar. A Top Gun movie marathon is the latter. Whether you're meeting Maverick for the first time or have been following him for years, these films deliver pure blockbuster power with a soul. Brace yourself for nostalgia, speed, friendship, loss, and redemption all accompanied by a jet engine soundtrack.
So put on your sunglasses, zip up your flight jacket, and press play. Because the only right way to watch this franchise is in order. Watch the Top Gun movies in sequence, and you're guaranteed a legendary movie night.