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Top Gun Day

Rev up your engines and get ready to fly – it's Top Gun Day! Celebrate with the classic movie, quotes, and fun activities.

Thursday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 13

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYMovies & TV

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Put on your aviator sunglasses and get ready to celebrate Top Gun Day on May 13! It's the day to honor the classic action movie starring Tom Cruise that was released in 1986. It tells the story of Maverick, a hotshot Naval Aviator who is determined to be the top pilot in his class. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of the highest grossing films of all time. So grab your friends, make some popcorn, and celebrate this thrilling holiday by watching Top Gun – it's guaranteed to be a great time!

TIMELINE

Top Gun Day Timeline

Release of Top Gun

The movie Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, a hotshot pilot training at the U.S. Navy's Fighter Weapons School, was released.

Top Gun Tops Box Office

Top Gun became one of the highest-grossing films of 1986 and quickly gained a dedicated following.

Academy Award Win

The movie won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Take My Breath Away" performed by the band Berlin.

Inauguration of Top Gun Day

20 years after the release of the film, Top Gun Day was inaugurated to celebrate and honor the iconic movie.

30th Anniversary

The 30th anniversary of Top Gun was celebrated with lush fanfare all around the world with special screenings and tributes.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Top Gun Day

Watch Top Gun

Gather your friends and family to watch the classic movie Top Gun. Make sure you have enough snacks for everyone.

PLAY

Play Top Gun Themed Games

Create exciting Top Gun themed games, such as a trivia game, an airplane simulator game, and a volleyball tournament.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Movie Marathon

Organize a movie marathon of other iconic movies from the 80s, such as The Breakfast Club, Back to the Future, and Ghost Busters.

MAKE

Make Top Gun themed drinks

Create delicious drinks inspired by the movie Top Gun. Examples include Maverick's Margarita and Iceman's Iced Tea.

Go for a Plane Ride

Head over to your nearest airport and take a plane ride. Whether in a small single engine plane or large commercial airliner, enjoy the view from above.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Top Gun Day

It captures the spirit of adventure

Top Gun showcases the courage and heroism of America's brave pilots, showcasing their skill and incredible feats during training and combat missions. The aerial sequences in the movie will take your breath away, while inspiring you to live life to its fullest!

It's an iconic movie

Top Gun is considered one of the most influential films of all time. Its story, characters and action scenes have been nothing short of iconic. It's a movie that has stood the test of time and will continue to influence generations to come.

The soundtrack is legendary

No matter what song comes on during Top Gun, you know it’s going to be good. From Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” to Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away,” the soundtrack is so memorable and just as timeless as the movie itself!

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