Classic films often spark debate, but few rivalries are as intense as the one between Top Gun (1986) and its long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022). With Paramount rereleasing both films in select theaters starting May 13 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original, now is the perfect time to settle the score. This guide will walk you through a structured rewatch that highlights key differences in storytelling, character arcs, and action sequences, helping you decide which film truly earns the title of the ultimate aviation epic.
What You Need
- Access to both films – Either via the theatrical rerelease (one-week run starting May 13) or streaming/digital copies.
- A large screen or quality monitor – Sound and visuals matter; consider a home theater setup or book a seat at your local cinema.
- Notebook or notes app – Jot down observations on plot, character development, and technical filmmaking.
- Snacks and drinks – Keep your energy up for the marathon (total runtime ~4 hours).
- Optional: Companion viewer – Discussing the films with a friend can deepen the comparison.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Set the Scene and Expectations
Before pressing play, remind yourself of the cultural context. Top Gun debuted in the mid-1980s during the Cold War, emphasizing individuality and machismo within a military framework. Its sequel, released 36 years later, grapples with legacy, grief, and modern warfare’s technological shift. Write down your initial memories or assumptions about each film. This baseline will help you track changes in your opinions.
Step 2: Watch Top Gun (1986) Fully
Start with the original – but avoid pausing for analysis until the credits roll. Immerse yourself in the iconic soundtrack, the dogfights, and the chemistry between Tom Cruise’s Maverick and Anthony Edwards’ Goose. Pay attention to the pacing: the film mixes airborne adrenaline with grounded melodrama (Charlie’s romance, the volleyball scene). Notice how the film builds tension for the final dogfight – a classic example of 1980s blockbuster storytelling. Use your notes to capture first impressions of Maverick’s arrogance, Iceman’s rivalry, and the tragic turning point.
Step 3: Reflect Before Moving to the Sequel
Take a 15-minute break. Jot down your immediate thoughts: What did you love? What felt dated? How did the themes of risk and camaraderie resonate? This pause prevents the sequel from overwriting your memories of the original. Consider whether the original’s emotional peaks (Maverick’s guilt after Goose’s death, the triumphant finale) still hold power decades later.
Step 4: Watch Top Gun: Maverick with Fresh Eyes
Now dive into the sequel. Unlike the first film, this one is powered by nostalgia but also reinvents the protagonist. Maverick is older, haunted, and forced to confront a new generation of pilots – including Rooster, Goose’s son. Note how the action sequences use practical effects and IMAX cameras to achieve visceral realism. Compare the flight choreography: the original used model shots and rear projection; the sequel relies on real jets captured in-camera. Pay attention to how the sequel handles Maverick’s character growth – his recklessness is now tempered by wisdom and sacrifice.
Step 5: Analyze Key Comparison Points
After both viewings, create a structured comparison. Use these categories:
- Story & Themes: Original – following your dream, competition, loss; Sequel – legacy, redemption, teamwork.
- Visual Style: The 1986 film’s grainy 35mm vs. the 2022 digital crispness with dynamic aerial shots.
- Character Arcs: Maverick’s journey from cocky youth to mentor; the supporting cast (Iceman, Charlie vs. Rooster, Penny Benjamin).
- Emotional Impact: Which film made you feel more invested? Which death scene (Goose vs. a near-miss) landed harder?
- Soundtrack: Compare Kenny Loggins’ anthem “Danger Zone” with the new score’s melancholic themes.
Step 6: Evaluate the “Winner” Based on Your Criteria
Now you can decide which film emerges stronger. But don’t just pick a favorite – articulate why. Perhaps you prefer the original’s irreverent energy and 80s charm, or you admire the sequel’s emotional maturity and technical mastery. Write a short paragraph summarizing your verdict, referencing specific scenes or lines that tipped the scale. If you watched with a friend, debate your conclusions – differences in perspective can reveal new insights.
Tips for the Ultimate Comparison
- Watch on the big screen if possible – The rerelease window is only one week; checking local listings for both films maximizes the cinematic impact.
- Ignore popular opinion for a purer experience – Social media may be split; your own reaction is what matters.
- Pay attention to the endings – The original ends with a triumphant victory; the sequel closes with a poignant, hopeful future. Which resonates more with you now?
- Revisit the films after a gap – If you have time, wait a week and rewatch your chosen “winner” alone to see if the decision holds.
- Respect both films’ eras – Acknowledge that technical limitations shaped the original and that the sequel benefits from 36 years of filmmaking evolution.