Top Gun: Maverick (2022), directed by Joseph Kosinski, follows the legendary Navy pilot Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise), who, after decades of defying orders and avoiding desk duties, is tasked with training a new class of elite fighter pilots. Among them is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late best friend, Nick “Goose” Bradshaw. As Maverick confronts his own past and the weight of his legacy, he leads the team through a mission fraught with danger, showcasing both the physical and emotional challenges of being a military leader.  

The film brings a fresh intensity to the Top Gun franchise with thrilling aerial stunts, military precision, and a heartfelt exploration of the bonds between soldiers. Maverick’s growth is contrasted against Rooster’s, creating a complex dynamic of mentorship, tension, and reconciliation. The sequel also emphasizes themes of loyalty, loss, and redemption, particularly as Maverick confronts the ghosts of his past.

Top Gun: Maverick became a global sensation, grossing over $1.08 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2022. This success marked Tom Cruise’s first movie to surpass the $1 billion mark and solidified Top Gun: Maverick as one of the most successful films post-pandemic, with audiences returning repeatedly to theaters. The film’s success was particularly notable given its lack of distribution in major markets like China and Russia, proving the enduring popularity of the franchise and strong audience word-of-mouth.