I recently discovered that after almost 30 years, Top Gun is to be given a sequel. I’m taking this as a sign that it’s time to say why I think the original 1986 film is a misunderstood cult classic. 

Firstly, let me qualify this by assuring you that you don’t need a nostalgic love for this film to enjoy it. I didn’t care much for it at all before the age of 25. Secondly, you may need surround sound. More on that later.

I never watched Top Gun when I was young. Or at least not properly. I’m sure it was on the telly during a wet Sunday evening, but at that time I was wearing out a tape of Face/Off and playing Def Jam Vendetta on my brother’s PS1. Also, Top Gun was being heralded as ‘the best film ever’ by the type of girl who is probably very lovely but who I wouldn’t have been swapping CDs with anytime soon. So I was happy to forfeit it from my young and impressionable stage. The stage that primes you for a lifelong love for a film thanks to nostalgia alone (clearly Face/Off is more than this, but that’s another article).

At 25, I came to realise this was a bad choice. One night after a hard day’s work, my colleague declared she was going to have a pizza, wine and movie night to help her get through the rest of the week. I immediately invited myself along. We had all the usual debates: red or white, meat feast or Hawaiian, Top Gun or ANY OTHER FILM. We both wanted red; I won Hawaiian; she got Top Gun. It only took 15 minutes for me to fall in love with it. Here are four reasons why I think you might do the same…

I feel the need… the need for speed

It’s an obvious opening gambit, but a good one. Fast planes doing stunts are fun. Who doesn’t like seeing this? It’s made even more gratifying knowing that they were done for real, using real fighter planes. Super Cool! The way it’s edited and put together builds a real sense of excitement, danger and even a little bit of awe. A perfect tribute to stunt pilot, Art Scholl, who actually died during the filming.

Welcome to the Dangerzone

I’m no sound engineer, but I have ears and a nervous system connected to them. When Maverick pulls off the fly-by in the opening scene, when the ‘woosh’ travels across the room (surround sound IS required), my hair actually stood on end… there may have even been a squeal. That’s not to mention the integral use of 80s gold on the movie jukebox, quite literally, when it comes to Maverick and Goose’s original ‘wingman’ move. It was once said that Top Gun is one song away from a musical. If this is true, then it’s a very awesome, 80s musical. Think Rocky Horror show, not Mamma Mia.

Your ego is writing cheques your body can’t cash

In the past, some have questioned the plot, suggesting it’s a weak story. Well let’s explore this… All the way through you’re faced with Maverick’s internal struggle with the memory of his father. This in turn becomes the main driver for an emotional, cautionary tale against demonstrating arrogance in the face of danger. Or to put it another way “flying too close to the sun.” You don’t call that an interesting story? Tell that to Diodorus, who (after a quick Google search tells me) is apparently the first person to be credited with sharing the ancient Greek myth of Icarus and his big wax-wings.

You’ve lost that loving feeling

Lads, lads, lads! Who wants to see this right? What about a film where people put their lives in the hands of others, and are happy to display and vocalise their love for one another? Does it take it too far and become overly homoerotic? Well, sure, hard to deny there are ‘undertones’ when there are scenes like this volleyball match.

It’s a film about a group of guys trying to be the coolest, the toughest, the bravest, etc, so you have to expect an almost tangible whiff of Old Spice when watching it. But it’s also a film that happily avoids homophobic or sexist quips. Something many films made throughout the 80s struggled with. Yes, it explores the usual male-associated themes of ‘brotherhood’, ‘how can you make father proud when he’s not around to see it’ (weep!) and coming back from personal tragedies (double weep!) but… why is this an issue?

Take me home or lose me forever!

I appreciate that this film isn’t winning any Oscars, but there are a lot worse ways you can spend one of the impending wintery Sunday evenings. So do yourself a favour, get some beer, popcorn and friends. Purchase some aviators, and just let go and enjoy yourself for a few hours. You never know, it might just ‘take your breath away’ (it won’t).

Disclaimer: I take no liability for any persistent quoting that may occur as a result of viewing the movie in question. The peril was inferred through my persistent quoting throughout this article.

For more in-depth and slightly wayward film analysis, check out our movie features section including this passionate defence of Independence Day.