Common Sense Media Review
Exciting Tom Cruise classic has some intense scenes.
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Top Gun
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Based on 87 kid reviews
Kids say the film is an exciting classic featuring young Tom Cruise as a fighter pilot, filled with themes of friendship, romance, and intense flying scenes, although it includes mild swearing, a notable sex scene, and some violent moments that suggest it may be more suitable for older teens or families willing to skip certain parts. While many appreciate its fun and nostalgic aspects, they caution about the occasional graphic content and strong language that could be inappropriate for very young viewers.
- action-packed
- mild swearing
- some violence
- skip scenes
- family suitable
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
TOP GUN centers around Maverick (Tom Cruise), a troubled, overconfident fighter pilot who's one of the United States' best. When another pilot loses his confidence during a standoff with an enemy plane, Maverick and his wingman, Goose (Anthony Edwards), get the chance of a lifetime: to attend the Top Gun Naval Flying School in Miramar, California. There, Maverick meets and tries to woo Charlie (Kelly McGillis); takes on his rival, Iceman (Val Kilmer), in the skies; and comes to terms with the mysterious fate of his father, a naval fighter pilot whose death details have been kept confidential. But can Maverick temper his loose-cannon ways to win the competition and cope with the death of someone close to him?
Is It Any Good?
Made at the peak of Cruise's career in the 1980s, Top Gun is still exciting to watch. For all of the serious drama in the film, it's also heavy on action and charisma. Adults of a certain age will remember how it spawned a fashion movement of aviator glasses and bomber jackets and what a huge star Cruise was. More than The Color of Money or the Mission: Impossible franchise, this well-directed, well-acted film is the one in which Cruise proved that he could play more than an arrogant jerk with a killer smile. Cruise imbues Maverick with so much warmth and depth that you can't help rooting for him.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether they agree with the idea that "There are no points for second place." Is winning all that matters? What would you risk to win?
Who do you think Top Gun is aimed at, audience wise? How do you think it might be different if it were remade today?
Do you think it was right for Charlie and Maverick to pursue a romantic relationship?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 16, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : May 19, 2020
- Cast : Kelly McGillis , Tom Cruise , Val Kilmer
- Director : Tony Scott
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic intensity and mild sexuality and peril
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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