Top Gun (1986)
Kernel Score: 85% · 9,377 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Action, Drama, Romance
Released: 1986-05-16
Runtime: 110 minutes
Is Top Gun worth watching?
Worth watching. A glossy, cheesy and very 1980s fighter-pilot film. The flying scenes and soundtrack still work, the romance and dialogue creak, and it's more fun than good. Watch it before the sequel, which is better.
Watch it if you
- love 1980s action and soundtracks
- enjoy flying scenes
- want a nostalgic popcorn film
Skip it if you
- want a deep story
- dislike macho, dated romance
Best for: Popcorn night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Top Gun
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Pluto TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
For 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.
Top Gun parents' guide: ages 9+
Parents need to know that Top Gun is a PG military action-romance with aerial combat, a major character death, and some sexual and romantic content.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Aerial dogfights and a training tragedy result in a significant character's death, though combat is not graphic.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A central romance includes a love scene and suggestive moments, plus notable underlying homoerotic subtext.
- Language: Some — Some mild to moderate profanity and military bravado.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Top Gun
If you liked Top Gun, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — 96%: The much-loved sequel, with better flying scenes
- Crimson Tide (1995) — 80%: Tense submarine thriller by the same director's circle
- Man on Fire (2004) — 84%: Tony Scott's tough action thriller
- Enemy of the State (1998) — 79%: Fast-paced Tony Scott conspiracy thriller
- Men of Honor (2000) — 85%: Underdog military drama
Director
Cast
- Tom Cruise as Maverick
- Kelly McGillis as Charlie
- Val Kilmer as Ice
- Anthony Edwards as Goose
- Tom Skerritt as Viper
- Michael Ironside as Jester
- John Stockwell as Cougar
- Barry Tubb as Wolfman
- Rick Rossovich as Slider
- Tim Robbins as Merlin
Top Gun FAQ
Is Top Gun worth watching?
Worth watching. A glossy, cheesy and very 1980s fighter-pilot film. The flying scenes and soundtrack still work, the romance and dialogue creak, and it's more fun than good. Watch it before the sequel, which is better.
Where can I watch Top Gun?
In the US you can stream Top Gun on Fubo, Paramount+ and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Pluto TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Top Gun OK for kids?
Top Gun is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 9+. Parents need to know that Top Gun is a PG military action-romance with aerial combat, a major character death, and some sexual and romantic content.
What movies are like Top Gun?
If you liked Top Gun, try Top Gun: Maverick, Crimson Tide, Man on Fire and Enemy of the State.