It’s gotta be said Top Gun is one helluva ride – for everyone involved, whichever side of the screen you’re on. And it seems the main man himself, Tom Maverick-Cruise, couldn’t resist taking to the skies one more time, with Paramount announcing at CineCon 2026 that a third adrenaline-fuelled Top Gun film is on its way. Cue little jets doing loop-da-loops in our minds.
The announcement coincides with another milestone for cinema’s most iconic aviation franchise. The seemingly forever young Top Gun turns 40 this year and to celebrate, Cineworld is bringing the 1986 classic and its sequel Top Gun: Maverick to the big screen. Which let’s face it, is a big gift for Top Gun fans everywhere. And the news of a third film the icing on the cake.
The treats don’t stop there, because Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick can be seen in IMAX, 4DX and SCREENX – just pick the super-sized format of your choice, or see it in every single one.
Time to rev up the engines of anticipation and recap our favourite scenes from Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick. Flight jackets on, adjust your Ray-Ban Aviator classics to ‘cool’ position and off we go.
BOOK TOP GUN: MAVERICK TICKETS
Looking good, Maverick (Top Gun)
As far as iconic openings go, the carrier deck launch in Top Gun is slick, glossy and still hits with force today. The Tomcat fighter jets launch at sunrise and thunder off the aircraft carrier.
The first fighter launches. Then a second. The third pilot approaches his jet, and checks to make sure it’s stable, because this pilot is Tom Cruise and he knows what he’s doing. Against a backdrop of endless ocean and sky, we get a fantastic side view of the aircraft, and it sets our pulses racing. Short of stepping into the cockpit ourselves, this is how it feels to be Maverick. All that’s left to say is, we’re on board and mission ready, sir.
He shoots, he scores (Top Gun)
When it comes to determining who’s the best, the fittest, and the cutest of the Top Gun pilots, there’s only one way to decide. Cue a game of beach volleyball in the hot sun, with tops off and physiques blatantly on show. Rivalry is in the air, and it doesn’t stop when the planes touch down. As Maverick and Iceman fight it out on opposite teams, the competitiveness and camaraderie are on show.
We’ve got that lovin’ feeling (Top Gun)
Unaware the person they are trying to impress is their instructor, Maverick and Goose go all in with a serenade in a bar. The target? Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis. The other pilots join in, and we’re treated to Maverick’s charm offensive. We weren’t expecting a full-on pilots sing-along but we’re here for it. The guy might be a risk-taking toughie but isn’t too tough for a ballad in a public bar. The payoff is delightful especially when Maverick later discovers the woman he’s trying to impress outranks him.
It’s time to buzz the tower (Top Gun)
High on a successful training mission, Maverick wants a low flyby of the control tower. Goose warns him it’s not a good idea; the tower commander says no. But when did Maverick ever follow the rules? In the mood for celebrating, he flies by the tower and does a victory roll with a whoop.
Maverick and Iceman final dogfight (Top Gun)
We know Mav’s a hotshot. We enjoy his airborne antics and his recklessness. But can the other pilots rely on him to have their backs? The final mission will tell. Will his ego or team spirit win out? We’re gunning for him to make the right decision as he reaches crisis point in the air. Under attack, he loses focus and Iceman’s aircraft is in danger. Holding Goose’s dog tag brings Maverick back to the moment and guides him. He makes the right manoeuvre and saves Iceman’s aircraft. He proves himself. We know we can put our trust in Maverick no matter what.
Maverick by name, maverick by nature (Top Gun: Maverick)
The pilot fledglings are in the training room, waiting for instruction. They’re eager to learn, so they can take their turn in the skies. Maverick wants to prove anything’s possible, even on a seemingly impossible mission. But he wants to show not tell, so he flies the canyon run himself as the squadron watch in admiration, proving his mettle as a mentor. And he smashes it, well under target time – showing them how it’s done. Hands down, he’s still got it.
The bombing run – the final mission (Top Gun: Maverick)
Rooster still blames Maverick for his father, Goose’s death. Yet he has to learn to accept Maverick as his mentor. But the outcome of a mission tests the relationship in an environment that couldn’t be more danger-filled. Obstacle after obstacle flies past as they navigate narrow bridge archways, at high altitudes. The stakes are high and jeopardy plentiful. The moment Rooster finally saves Maverick is a deeply satisfying and emotional payoff.
Never mind the navy. This high-octane action and emotional depth is why we need Maverick. So, what better to watch the Top Guns back-to-back? If ever there was a time you fancied being Maverick’s wingman, this is it. Book your seat in the Cineworld ‘cockpit’ today.
Experience Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick in IMAX, 4DX or ScreenX.
BOOK TOP GUN: MAVERICK TICKETS
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