Top Gun
Exciting Tom Cruise classic has some intense scenes.
Parents say
Based on 26 reviews
Kids say
Based on 80 reviews
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Top Gun
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Top Gun is a blockbuster 1980s action thriller starring Tom Cruise that's chock full of narrow escapes, chases, and battles. But there are also violent and upsetting scenes, particularly the death of a main character, which make it too intense for younger kids. There's also one graphic-for-its-time sex scene (though no explicit nudity) and quite a few shirtless men in locker rooms and, in one iconic sequence, on a beach volleyball court. Winning is the most important thing to all the pilots, who try to intimidate one another with plenty of posturing and banter -- though when push comes to shove, loyalty and friendship have important roles to play, too. While sexism is noticeable and almost all characters are men, two strong women help keep some of the objectification in check. A sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, was released in 2022.
Community Reviews
Good movie but poor language
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Great Action Film
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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: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic intensity and mild sexuality and peril
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Top Gun: Maverick
Tamer sequel to '80s fave has peril, cursing, solid message.
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A Few Good Men
Complex military whodunit. For mature teens+.
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Mission: Impossible
Sensational, implausible, violent: Irresistible to teens.
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Born on the Fourth of July
Unflinching, violent story of Vietnam vet turned activist.
For kids who love action and romance
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