Top Gun Movies: Release Order
The Top Gun franchise follows the legendary Navy pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell through his career at the elite Fighter Weapons School. The 1986 original became a cultural phenomenon with its thrilling aerial sequences, iconic soundtrack, and portrayal of cocky fighter pilots pushing their limits, making it one of the most influential military action films of all time.
This watch list presents both films in release order, which matches the chronological timeline. The long-awaited 2022 sequel picks up thirty-six years later, with Maverick returning to Top Gun as an instructor to train a new generation of pilots, including the son of his late best friend. The phenomenal sequel was met with even greater critical acclaim than the original.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Top Gun
Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his co-pilot 'Goose' are accepted into an elite Navy fighter pilot training school. As Maverick pushes himself to become the best, he must confront personal challenges that threaten his flying career.
Top Gun: Maverick
After more than thirty years as a Navy aviator, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is called upon to train a new generation of TOP GUN pilots for an unprecedented and dangerous mission.
Other Film Series
Camilla Belle
American actress known for horror remakes, big-budget epics, and independent dramas spanning over two decades.
Ip Man
A martial arts franchise inspired by the real-life Wing Chun grandmaster who taught Bruce Lee, featuring multiple interpretations and timelines of his legendary story.
Jack Reacher
Action thriller duology starring Tom Cruise as the former military investigator who drifts from town to town solving dangerous cases.
Jamie Chung
A curated collection of films featuring Jamie Chung, showcasing her transition from reality TV personality to accomplished actress in action, drama, and independent cinema.
Ninja
Cannon Films' cult classic ninja trilogy from the 1980s, featuring Sho Kosugi in standalone action adventures that helped define the era's martial arts B-movies.
Planet of the Apes
A science fiction franchise that explores the complex relationship between humans and intelligent apes across multiple timelines and eras.