11 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun: Maverick is fantastic, simply put. I was expecting it to be good, but it's actually much more enjoyable than I had anticipated. The callbacks to the original Top Gun are expertly done, the new characters are strong/well cast, and it has plenty of meaning. The music is fab, and the action is outstanding - the aerial stuff is sensational. The story is superb, with each high stake coming across as intended. Parts even gave me slight goosebumps, which is a surprise given I'm not someone who has a connection to the 1986 film. It's all super neatly put together, and I honestly came close to giving it a higher rating. Tom Cruise is brilliant as he reprises the role of Maverick, while Miles Teller comes in and gives a top performance.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick in its status as a sequel, but the similarities end there. While both movies are action-packed and feature Tom Cruise in the lead role, they offer completely different storylines and tones. Top Gun: Maverick focuses on Maverick's journey as a top naval aviator and his confrontation with his past, while Jack Reacher: Never Go Back follows Jack Reacher as he uncovers a government conspiracy to clear his name. The former is a thrilling and emotional exploration of Maverick's character, with stunning aerial action sequences, while the latter is a fast-paced crime thriller with intense fight scenes. So, if you loved Top Gun: Maverick for its aviation theme and heartfelt story, you should watch Jack Reacher: Never Go Back for its gripping conspiracy plot and adrenaline-fueled action.

Days of Thunder is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick in many ways. Both movies revolve around skilled individuals in high-stakes professions, showcasing their talent and determination. While Top Gun: Maverick focuses on Maverick's journey as a top naval aviator, Days of Thunder delves into the world of stock car racing. Both films capture the thrill and intensity of their respective fields, immersing the audience in heart-pounding action sequences. However, there are notable differences between the two movies. Top Gun: Maverick is a sequel that pays homage to its predecessor, effectively incorporating callbacks to the original while introducing new characters. On the other hand, Days of Thunder may not captivate racing fans as much, as it lacks the chemistry and captivating performances seen in Top Gun: Maverick. Despite this, Days of Thunder still offers exciting racing scenes that will keep viewers engaged.

"Only the Brave" is reminiscent of "Top Gun: Maverick" in its portrayal of a group of elite individuals who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their mission. While "Top Gun: Maverick" focuses on top naval aviators and their high-stakes missions, "Only the Brave" tells the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a group of elite firefighters who risk everything to protect a town from a historic wildfire. Both movies showcase the dedication, bravery, and camaraderie of these extraordinary individuals. However, while "Top Gun: Maverick" is set in the world of fighter jets and aircraft carriers, "Only the Brave" takes place in the challenging environment of wildfires. Despite their different settings, both films excel in capturing the essence of their respective professions and the sacrifices made by those involved.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick in many ways. Both films are highly anticipated sequels that bring back beloved characters and deliver thrilling action sequences. While Top Gun: Maverick takes us into the world of fighter jets and naval aviation, Spider-Man: No Way Home takes us into the multiverse of superheroes and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Both films explore the theme of the protagonist confronting their past and making sacrifices for the greater good. They also feature strong performances from their respective casts, with Tom Cruise and Tom Holland delivering standout performances. However, Spider-Man: No Way Home brings a unique element with its incorporation of the multiverse, introducing dangerous foes from other worlds and forcing Peter Parker to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. This film is a must-watch for fans of the franchise, as it ties up loose ends from previous movies and delivers an exciting and satisfying conclusion.

Avengers: Endgame is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick because both movies are highly anticipated sequels that live up to the hype. Just like Top Gun: Maverick, Avengers: Endgame delivers on all fronts, providing an emotional rollercoaster ride with epic plot lines that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The callbacks to the previous Marvel films are expertly done, just as Top Gun: Maverick pays homage to its predecessor. Both movies feature strong casts, with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick and Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Mark Ruffalo giving outstanding performances in Avengers: Endgame. While Top Gun: Maverick takes us on a thrilling journey through the world of naval aviation, Avengers: Endgame takes us on a cosmic adventure with time travel and super villains.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick in its thrilling action sequences and high-stakes plot. Both films feature Tom Cruise in top form, delivering impressive performances. While Top Gun: Maverick focuses on the world of naval aviation, Mission: Impossible - Fallout takes us on a heart-pounding journey with Ethan Hunt and his IMF team. The action in both films is top-notch, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. However, where Top Gun: Maverick explores the personal journey of its protagonist, Mission: Impossible - Fallout is more of a globe-trotting adventure. With its intense plot, breathtaking stunts, and undeniable charm, Mission: Impossible - Fallout is a must-watch for fans of Top Gun: Maverick.

American Made is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick in its portrayal of a charismatic and daring protagonist. Both movies feature Tom Cruise as the lead character, showcasing his ability to take on thrilling roles. While Top Gun: Maverick focuses on Maverick's journey as a top naval aviator and his confrontation with his past, American Made tells the story of Barry Seal, an American pilot who becomes a drug-runner for the CIA. Both films capture the essence of adventure and danger, with Cruise delivering exceptional performances. However, American Made stands out with its comedic elements and its real-life basis, as it explores the Iran-Contra Affair. If you enjoyed the exhilarating action and Cruise's portrayal in Top Gun: Maverick, you should definitely watch American Made for a different yet equally captivating experience.

Behind Enemy Lines: Bravo niner delta, what's your vector, Victor? You'll hear lots of dialogue like that in Behind Enemy Lines. Military code talk is one of the coolest things ever. Vector, copy, come back, affirmative, negative, no-go, R(ally)P(oint)... That stuff is just plain COOL. Set during the last days of the civil war in Bosnia, this action-packed drama follows the story of a disillusioned pilot shot down over war-torn Bosnia, who goes on the run from the local military and an assassin, as his commanding officer risks all to save him. While not a sequel, Behind Enemy Lines shares similarities with Top Gun: Maverick. Both movies take place in a military setting and feature thrilling aerial action sequences. However, Behind Enemy Lines has a different tone and focuses on the intense survival story of a lone pilot, providing a unique perspective on war.

The Takedown, also known as "Loin du périph," is a French action-comedy film that bears some resemblance to Top Gun: Maverick. While the two movies may seem worlds apart at first, they both share the common thread of being sequels that explore the dynamics between their main characters. In Top Gun: Maverick, we see Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, leading a group of elite graduates on a mission that forces them to confront their past. Similarly, in The Takedown, we have Diakité and Monge, two police officers who couldn't be more different, teaming up to crack a major criminal case. Both films use this dynamic to create tension, humor, and unexpected camaraderie. However, where Top Gun: Maverick soars through the skies with its thrilling aerial sequences and heart-pounding action, The Takedown takes a more comedic approach, blending humor with intense action scenes and explicit violence.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick in many ways. Both movies are captivating sequels that build upon the success of their predecessors. They both explore themes of leadership, loyalty, and sacrifice, with a touch of post-apocalyptic tension. While Top Gun: Maverick takes us to the skies with thrilling dogfights and high-stakes missions, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes immerses us in a world where apes and humans struggle for dominance over the Earth. The CGI in both films is a testament to the advancement of technology, with the apes in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes delivering incredible performances that bring a surprising amount of humanity to the story. The cast in both movies is stellar, with Tom Cruise and Andy Serkis showcasing their acting prowess.