Do You Need to Watch the First Top Gun?
The long-awaited sequel to the 1986 classic, Top Gun: Maverick, has finally arrived, and with it, the question on everyone’s mind: Do you need to watch the first Top Gun to enjoy the new film? The answer is not a simple yes or no. In this article, we’ll explore the connections between the two movies, and help you decide whether or not you should bother watching the original.
The Connection between the Two Movies
Top Gun (1986) was a groundbreaking film that introduced the world to the United States Navy’s elite fighter pilots and their high-flying antics. The movie followed the story of Maverick (Tom Cruise), a hotshot pilot who enrolled in the Top Gun program to prove himself and impress his radar intercept officer, Goose (Anthony Edwards). The film’s success was largely due to its adrenaline-fueled action sequences, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack.
Fast forward to Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which takes place 35 years after the events of the first film. Maverick is now a test pilot and instructor at the Top Gun school, while his former love interest, Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood (Jennifer Connelly), is a civilian astronaut. The movie follows Maverick as he is pushed back into the cockpit to train a new generation of pilots, including his rival and former student, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw (Miles Teller).
The Necessity of Watching the First Top Gun
While Top Gun: Maverick is designed to be a standalone film, there are several reasons why watching the original might enhance your viewing experience:
• Backstory and Character Development: The first film provides a rich backstory for Maverick, Goose, and other characters that are revisited in the sequel. Watching the original helps you understand their motivations, relationships, and personalities, which are crucial to appreciating the sequel.
• Action Sequences and Iconic Moments: The original Top Gun features some of the most memorable action sequences in movie history, including the iconic aerial dogfight and the tragic finale. Seeing these moments again can provide a nostalgic boost and increase your excitement for the sequel.
• Themes and Tone: The first film explores themes of competition, camaraderie, and the challenges of being a fighter pilot. These themes are still present in the sequel, but watching the original helps you appreciate the evolution of the characters and the tone of the series.
The Benefits of Not Watching the First Top Gun
On the other hand, there are valid reasons why you might not need to watch the first Top Gun:
• Standalone Story: Top Gun: Maverick is designed to be a standalone film, with a new storyline and characters. If you’re only interested in the action-packed adventure and don’t care about the backstory, you can skip the original and still enjoy the sequel.
• New Characters and Plot: The sequel introduces new characters, such as Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and his sister, Lieutenant Sophia Bradshaw (Monica Barbaro), which are not related to the original film. This new cast of characters can provide a fresh start for new viewers.
• Streaming Options: In today’s streaming era, it’s easier than ever to catch up on older films. If you don’t have the time or inclination to watch the first Top Gun, you can always binge-watch it later or read a summary to get the gist of the story.
The Verdict
Ultimately, whether or not you need to watch the first Top Gun depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re a fan of the original film and want to appreciate the sequel’s callbacks and references, then watching the first Top Gun is a must. However, if you’re only interested in the action-packed adventure and don’t care about the backstory, you can still enjoy the sequel as a standalone film.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros of Watching the First Top Gun:
• Backstory and character development
• Action sequences and iconic moments
• Themes and tone
Cons of Watching the First Top Gun:
• You might already know the story and characters
• You might not care about the backstory or themes
• You might not have the time or inclination to watch an older film
Table: Top Gun vs. Top Gun: Maverick
| Top Gun (1986) | Top Gun: Maverick (2022) | |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Follows Maverick’s first year at Top Gun | Follows Maverick as a test pilot and instructor |
| Characters | Introduces Maverick, Goose, and other original characters | Introduces new characters, including Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and Sophia Bradshaw |
| Action Sequences | Features iconic aerial dogfight and other action-packed moments | Features new, high-octane action sequences |
| Tone | Explores themes of competition, camaraderie, and the challenges of being a fighter pilot | Explores similar themes, with a focus on mentorship and leadership |
In conclusion, while watching the first Top Gun can enhance your viewing experience of the sequel, it’s not strictly necessary. Whether you choose to watch the original or not, Top Gun: Maverick is a thrilling and action-packed film that promises to deliver plenty of excitement and nostalgia.
