Top Gun Watching Order

“You can be my wingman any time.” Top Gun is a classic 80s film packed full of memorable scenes, quotes, and characters. While most people thought this beloved film would stay in the 80s, it came back recently with a vengeance. The release of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 broke the box office and turned Top Gun into a franchise.

For viewers new to the series or for fans looking to revisit it, you’re in the right place. This watching order is designed to give an outline of the Top Gun franchise. It explains what order to watch the Top Gun movies and explains some of the details surrounding them.

Top Gun Watching Order

Top Gun starts with the original film: Top Gun. This film, set in the 80s, introduces the main characters and the premise of the series. This is followed by Top Gun: Maverick. Maverick takes place 30 years later but generally continues the same storyline, maintaining the focus on Tom Cruise’s character: Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

Currently, these are the only two films in the franchise. However, a third film is officially in the works. So, be on the lookout for more Top Gun in the future.

FAQ

Is "Top Gun: Maverick" a Reboot?

No, Top Gun: Maverick is not a reboot. It is a sequel that directly continues the story of the original film.

Can I Watch "Top Gun: Maverick" Without Watching "Top Gun"?

Yes, you can watch Top Gun: Maverick without watching Top Gun. Top Gun: Maverick works alright as a standalone film. The film has enough distance from the original film to develop its own identity, and the action in it is fun no matter what.

However, we highly recommend watching the original Top Gun first. Maverick generally continues the story from the original film and heavily references it at points. So, to get the most out of it, you should watch the franchise in order.

Is There a Sequel to "Top Gun: Maverick"?

Yes, there is a sequel to Top Gun: Maverick. A sequel is officially in the works and will be the third film in the franchise.

Is Top Gun Based on a Real Story?

No, Top Gun is not based on a real story. However, many elements of it are based on real life. The Top Gun school, officially called the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, is a real program run by the US Navy. Tom Cruise's character, Maverick, is loosely based on the Vietnam War veteran and fighter ace, Duke Cunningham. Kelly McGillis's character, Charlie, is loosely based on Christine Fox, a former employee at Naval Air Station Miramar who went on to become Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense.

In addition, the idea for the movie as a whole came from a story in California magazine. This story, "Top Guns" by Ehud Yonay, detailed the lives of fighter pilots.

All Watching Orders