Top Gun Day is observed annually on May 13 as a day to commemorate, honour, remember, and appreciate the iconic film. Tom Cruise portrayed naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 release Top Gun. This film shattered all previous records to become the highest-grossing film of its time, garnering a staggering $356 million worldwide. So, how do we commemorate Top Gun Day, and why is the Internet so excited about it? Read on to find out, and you’ll soon be a member of this film’s fan base.
The background of Top Gun Day
Top Gun was a phenomenon in 1986, when it was first released. It caused such a stir at the time that even the U.S. military was discussing it! Even though the film was released on May 16, May 13 was designated as Top Gun Day. According to the day’s creators, they chose May 13 as the day because the original movie release date, May 16, coincided with Iron Eagle Day and because they made a mistake on the first poster, which incorrectly stated May 13.
Top Gun was based on an actual school called U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School or TOPGUN, which is an interesting fact. Previously, it was based at San Diego’s Miramar Naval Air Station. TOPGUN was founded in the late 1960s as a means to make up for losing the Vietnam War air war. Later, in 1996, TOPGUN was renamed the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor and relocated to Fallon, Nevada. During the release of the film Top Gun, the navy utilised it as a recruitment instrument. The Navy put up booths outside theatres in an attempt to recruit moviegoers. Surprisingly, 90% of Navy applicants reported having watched the film.
Since the release of the original film, the Top Gun crew has been contemplating a sequel, and the exciting production of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ began in 2019 with a 2021 release date. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the film was pushed back to 2022. So, are you prepared to relive the Top Gun experience?
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TOP GUN DAY ACTIVITIES
Watch the film
If you are among the small minority of people who have not yet seen the Top Gun Movie, this is your opportunity to do so. Appreciate the experience.
Cosplay is a joy
What is a more appropriate method to observe Top Gun Day than by watching the film? Becoming the film! Yes, you can cosplay as characters from the film and have fun with other movie fans and your companions.
Play it
There are also a pair of Top Gun video games available for fans of the film. You can honour the occasion by playing the game.
5 COOL FACTS ABOUT THE MOVIE TOP GUN
The United States government assessed a nominal fee for the film’s use of its aircraft carriers.
Due to the film’s insane popularity, Top Gun is now an attraction at two amusement parks.
At least six varieties of aviator glasses are associated with the film.
According to reports, the film contains numerous technical inaccuracies and errors, including phoney trophies.
The soundtrack to the film, which included songs such as “Danger zone,” sold nine million copies.
TOP GUN DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 13 | Monday |
| 2025 | May 13 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 13 | Thursday |