The Birth of Top Gun
The 80s was an era of iconic movies, and one of the most beloved genres of that decade was the jet fighter movie. Among the most famous of these was Top Gun, which starred Tom Cruise as a hotshot pilot named Maverick. The movie was a hit, both critically and commercially, and it helped to cement the jet fighter movie as a beloved genre.
Top Gun was released in 1986, and it was directed by Tony Scott. The movie follows Maverick as he attends the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, where he competes against other top pilots for the title of “Top Gun.” Along the way, he falls in love with his instructor, Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, and he faces off against the villainous Iceman, played by Val Kilmer.
The movie was a massive success, grossing over $350 million at the box office, and it also helped to boost the popularity of jet fighters and military aviation in general.
The Legacy of Top Gun
Top Gun was not the only jet fighter movie to come out of the 80s, however. There were plenty of other movies that followed in its wake, including Iron Eagle, which starred Louis Gossett Jr. as a retired Air Force colonel who helps a young pilot named Doug Masters, played by Jason Gedrick, rescue his father from a Middle Eastern country.
Iron Eagle was released in 1986, the same year as Top Gun, but it was not as successful at the box office. Nevertheless, it has become a cult classic among fans of the jet fighter movie genre, and it spawned three sequels.
Other notable jet fighter movies from the 80s include The Final Countdown, which starred Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen, and Blue Thunder, which starred Roy Scheider as a police helicopter pilot who uncovers a conspiracy involving a high-tech surveillance helicopter.
The Appeal of Jet Fighter Movies
So what is it about jet fighter movies that makes them so appealing? For one thing, they offer a thrilling mix of action and drama, as pilots are put in dangerous situations and must use their skills and training to overcome them.
Jet fighter movies also tap into our fascination with military technology and aviation. There is something inherently exciting about seeing high-tech fighter jets soaring through the air, engaging in dogfights and performing daring maneuvers.
Finally, jet fighter movies often feature compelling characters and relationships, as pilots must work together to achieve their goals and overcome their personal demons. Whether it’s Maverick and Iceman’s rivalry in Top Gun or the bond between the pilots in Flight of the Intruder, these movies offer a human element that helps to ground the action and make it more relatable.
Conclusion
The 80s may be long gone, but the legacy of the jet fighter movie lives on. From Top Gun to Iron Eagle to Flight of the Intruder, these movies continue to captivate audiences with their thrilling action, compelling characters, and love of aviation and military technology. So if you’re looking for a high-flying adventure, pop in one of these classics and let your imagination soar.