National Top Gun Day

A cool pilot in aviator sunglasses, flying a fighter jet with flags of different countries in the background.. — National top gun day illustration

Welcome to the wild skies of National Top Gun Day! Grab your aviator sunglasses and prepare for a high-flying adventure as we salute all things Top Gun. This national day celebrates the iconic movie that brought us Maverick, Goose, and the need for speed. So get ready to take off with us as we explore the internet history of this thrilling day!

When is Top Gun Day?

It's national top gun day on the 13th May.

The Rise of Top Gun Day

Top Gun Day takes us back to the summer of 1986 when the blockbuster movie 'Top Gun' soared to the top of the box office. Starring Tom Cruise as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, the film captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its adrenaline-pumping aerial dogfights and unforgettable bromance between Maverick and Goose.

While the movie left us with a heartache for a sequel that took over three decades to materialize, it still remains a beloved classic. And in 2010, a fan-driven initiative decided that one day in the year should be dedicated to celebrating the spirit of 'Top Gun.' Thus, National Top Gun Day was born, allowing fans to dust off their bomber jackets, quote their favorite movie lines, and relive the high-flying action.

Soaring Across the Internet

Since its official recognition on May 13, 2010, National Top Gun Day has taken the internet by storm. Fans from around the world have created dedicated social media pages, shared epic flight videos, and engaged in lively discussions about their favorite moments from the movie.

Giving a nod to the tech-savvy nature of the 'Top Gun' pilots, the hashtag #TopGunDay has become the go-to way for fans to connect and share their love for the film online. From heart-stopping flight sequences to hilarious GIFs featuring Maverick's iconic smirk, the internet is brimming with everything Top Gun.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the world of 'Top Gun,' National Top Gun Day is the perfect opportunity to experience the thrilling adventures and camaraderie that made the movie a timeless classic.

History behind the term 'Top Gun'

1969

The Origins of Top Gun

The term 'top gun' originates from the world of aviation. In 1969, the United States Navy introduced a program called the 'Naval Fighter Weapons School' (NFWS), which aimed to enhance the combat skills of their elite fighter pilots. The school was established at Naval Air Station Miramar in California, becoming famously known as 'Top Gun'.

1986

Top Gun Hits the Big Screen

The term 'top gun' reached new heights of fame in 1986 with the release of the action film 'Top Gun', directed by Tony Scott. The movie starred Tom Cruise as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, a talented and fearless Navy fighter pilot. 'Top Gun' grossed over $356 million worldwide, becoming a blockbuster hit and solidifying the term 'top gun' in popular culture.

1988

Top Gun enters the Oxford English Dictionary

In 1988, the term 'top gun' was officially recognized and added to the Oxford English Dictionary. The definition described it as 'a pilot, especially a military pilot, who is highly skilled or successful.' This entry cemented the term's place in the English language and further contributed to its widespread usage.

2005

Top Gun: Combat Zones Video Game

The popularity of 'Top Gun' extended beyond movies and books. In 2005, a video game titled 'Top Gun: Combat Zones' was released, allowing players to experience aerial combat as elite fighter pilots. The game served as a testament to the enduring cultural impact of the term 'top gun' and its association with skillful aviators.

2020

Top Gun: Maverick Sequel

After more than three decades, the 'Top Gun' legacy continues with the release of 'Top Gun: Maverick' in 2020. The sequel stars Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick, now a flight instructor, as he trains a new generation of pilots. The film not only reintroduces the term 'top gun' to younger audiences but also pays homage to the original, keeping the term's cultural relevance alive.

Did you know?

Did you know that Tom Cruise went through months of intense flight training to prepare for his role as Maverick in 'Top Gun'? He definitely took the phrase 'method acting' to new heights!