'Top Gun: Maverick' Fuels Our Need for More 'Top Gun' Quotes
Back in 1986 when the original Top Gun movie was released, everyone was happy to go into the "Danger Zone" with Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he went to TOPGUN, the Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California (the program has since moved). Of course, it helped that then-24-year-old Tom Cruise played the cocky—or confident, depending on who you ask—Navy pilot who pushed through the program, along with best friend Goose, played by Anthony Edwards. Rounding out the cast was Tim Robbins, Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Tom Skerritt and Kelly McGillis, who played his older love interest, civilian TOPGUN instructor (and astrophysicist), Charlie.
The movie was a hit, making over $357 million (which is huge, considering the budget was only about $15 million). Not only that, but the songs "Take My Breath Away" (which won an Oscar and a Golden Globe) and "Danger Zone" from the soundtrack took over radio for months. In fact, "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins even made an appearance in the sequel film Top Gun: Maverick, which landed in theaters May 27, 2022. We'll have to wait and see whether it returns for Top Gun 3.
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Cruise, taking on a producer credit in the sequel in addition to his starring role, wanted to make sure things were authentic—young castmates went airborne in fighter jets and directed themselves in flying scenes with cockpit cameras as part of aviation training crucial for their roles. Joining Cruise the second time around were Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Val Kilmer (in a small role) and Miles Teller, who played Goose's son, Rooster.
Head back to the original "danger zone" with these 50 Top Gun quotes from the original.
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50 Top Gun Quotes
1. "I feel the need, the need for speed." — Maverick
2. "We didn't slide into Cougar's spot. It was ours, OK?" — Goose
3. "Hollywood, you look good. I'm going after Viper." — Maverick
4. "Yes, I know the finger, Goose." — Charlie
5. "The plaque for the alternates is down in the ladies' room." — Iceman
6. "You two really are cowboys."-Iceman
7. "She's lost that loving feeling." — Maverick
8. "You're everyone's problem. That's because every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous." — Iceman
9. "Maverick, it's not your flying, it's your attitude. The enemy's dangerous, but right now you're worse. Dangerous and foolish. You may not like who's flying with you, but whose side are you on?" — Iceman
10. "That's right! Ice... man. I am dangerous." — Maverick
11. "It's classified. I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." — Maverick
12. "Sorry, Goose, but it's time to buzz the tower." — Maverick
13. "Great balls of fire!" — Goose
14. "Ice water." — Maverick
15. "You knew it, you broke it. You followed Commander Heatherly below after he lost sight of you and called no joy. Why?" — Viper
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16. "That's pretty arrogant, considering the company you're in." — Viper
17. "Great, then I won't have to worry about you making your living as a singer." — Charlie
18. "Maverick, you just did an incredibly brave thing. What you should have done was land your plane! You don't own that plane! The taxpayers do! Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash!" — Stinger
19. "You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead." — Maverick
20. "Talk to me, Goose." — Maverick
21. "I'm going to need a beer to put these flames out. Yo! Great Mav, real slick." — Maverick
22. "But you were tempted to ask me out for dinner." — Maverick
23. "Goose, you're such a d**khead. Whose butt did you kiss to get in here anyway?" — Slider
24. "Jesus Christ, and you think I'm reckless? When I fly, I'll have you know that my crew and my plane come first." — Maverick
25. "What's your problem, Kazansky?" — Maverick
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26. "No no no, there's two Os in 'Goose,' boys." — Goose
27. "It's time for the big one." — Goose
28. "Just a walk in the park, Kazansky." — Maverick
29. "This is what I call a target-rich environment." — Maverick
30. "Damn, this kid is good!" — Viper
31. "I can see it's dangerous for you, but if the government trusts me, maybe you could." — Maverick
32. "It takes a lot more than just fancy flying."-Charlie
33. "I think I'll go embarrass myself with Goose." — Maverick
34. "That was some of the best flying I've seen to date — right up to the part where you got killed." — Jester
35. "Remember boys, no points for second place." — Slider
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36. "Take me to bed or lose me forever." — Carole
37. "I will fire when I'm f--king good and ready! You got that?" — Maverick
38. "Every time we go up there, it's like you're flying with a ghost." — Goose
39. "His fitness report says it all. Flies by the seat of his pants, totally unpredictable." — Jester
40. "Now I'm not gonna sit here and blow sunshine up your a**, Lieutenant. A good pilot is compelled to evaluate what's happened, so he can apply what he's learned. Up there, we gotta push it. That's our job. It's your option, Lieutenant. All yours." — Viper
41. "I see some real genius in your flying, Maverick, but I can't say that in there. I was afraid that everyone in the tax trailer would see right through me, and I just don't want anyone to know that I've fallen for you." — Charlie
42. "First one dies, you die too. But there will be others. You can count it. You gotta let him go. You gotta let him go." — Viper
43. "He can't get back in the saddle, won't engage." — Jester
44. "Maverick, I flew with his old man. Let me ask you something. If you had to go into battle, would you want him with you?" — Viper
45. "Okay, knock it off, gentlemen. Let's go home, Viper has the lead." — Viper
46. "Mayday, mayday, Mav's in trouble. He's in a flat spin, he's heading out to sea." — Iceman
47. "You're not going to be happy unless you're going Mach 2 with your hair on fire." — Charlie
48. "God, he loved flying with you, Maverick. But he'd have flown anyway ... without you. He'd have hated it, but he would've done it." — Carole
49. "You can be my wingman anytime." — Iceman
50. "Bulls**t. You can be mine." — Maverick
Next, find out how Tom Cruise's net worth grew from Risky Business to big business!