In 2015, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Maverick: The Masterclass Sequel Top Gun Maverick Offers Up More Than Just Great Action

Whether you’re a child of the ‘80s or a new fan who discovered the franchise through Maverick , there is no denying the cultural impact of Top Gun . As of April 2026, with Top Gun 3 officially in development, now is the perfect time to revisit the cockpit. Why Top Gun Still Soars

Originally released in 1986, the first Top Gun wasn't just a movie; it was a phenomenon. While some critics initially found the plot thin, the combination of Tom Cruise's star power and groundbreaking aerial cinematography made it an instant classic.