On this day in history, May 16, 1986, Tom Cruise's Cold War blockbuster 'Top Gun' premiered on the silver screen.

On May 16, 1986, "Top Gun," a celebrated American film, was released, embodying the spirit of the time before "woke" Hollywood.

The action-romance depicted cocky young U.S. Navy pilots in a "Danger Zone" of love and Cold War combat, with a patriotic and sexy tone, yet somewhat predictable.

The F-14 strafed pop culture across America, leaving a trail of explosive memories in its wake.

In 1986, the release of "Top Gun" led to its rapid rise to the top of the charts and attracted significant attention to both the film and its cast, as MovieWeb.com noted in a 2022 retrospective.

"The movie gained instant classic status due to its acclaimed soundtrack and exceptional aerial scenes."

In 1986, "Top Gun" outperformed all other movies financially by a significant amount.

The 1980s saw Hollywood's biggest star rise to fame, with 23-year-old actor Tom Cruise, and also produced a No. 1 soundtrack featuring top acts of the era, including Kenny Loggins, Cheap Trick, and Loverboy.

Kelly McGillis portrayed Charlie, the alluring blonde instructor at the Navy's prestigious "Top Gun" flight academy, and, naturally, she was Tom Cruise's romantic interest.

The movie's popularity, with 46 million North American ticket sales, resulted in a lasting impact on pop-culture.

"The film became an instant classic thanks to the award-winning soundtrack and some of the best aerial scenes to ever hit the big screen."

"Goose," "Iceman," and "Maverick" from "Top Gun" became synonyms for brash, self-assured masculinity in American culture.

In the movie, Maverick says "Talk to me, Goose" twice during thrilling flight scenes, a phrase that has become a staple in casual conversation today.

"Anytime you want to be my wingman, Maverick," Iceman says after the Cruise character shoots down Soviet MIGs in the movie's climactic dogfight scene.

The term "wingman" has been commonly used in military jargon and now refers to a trusted male friend in social settings, due to its association with the successful "Top Gun" exchange.

"Top Gun" inspired a hit sequel 36 years later, proving its enduring popularity.

In 2022, 'Top Gun: Maverick' became the biggest box-office hit, thanks to its themes of impressive aerial stunts and proud American patriotism.

Although "Top Gun" was a commercial success and had a significant influence on popular culture, it received a tepid critical reception.

In 1986, Roger Ebert, the renowned film critic, wrote about the thrilling movie, describing how the soundtrack vibrates as the sleek planes chase each other through the clouds.

"The soundtrack trembles as the sleek planes pursue each other through the clouds."

"Although the love story between Cruise and McGillis fails to capture the audience's attention, the movie's ground scenes rely on old clichés and conventions from numerous other war films."

The public disagreed with Ebert, especially about the scorching Cruise-McGillis maneuvers.

The 1965 Righteous Brothers No. 1 Billboard hit "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" was revived by Maverick's public serenade of a sizzling skirt flight instructor.

Theaters fans anticipated Maverick to fail, but they cheered when Charlie invited him to join him after the dangerous barroom stunt.

Their romance inspired its own scorching love anthem.

In 1986, "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin became a global sensation, reaching No. 1 status worldwide and earning both Academy and Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Song.

"Top Gun" was preceded by a long-forgotten landmark silent movie that set the standard for the cocky pilot action-romance genre.

"’Top Gun’ has made Cruise the top box-office star of the year … (The) actor can write his own ticket for a few years."

In 1929, Paramount Pictures released "Wings," which depicted the adventures of two World War I flying aces who were both in love with the same woman.

Gary Cooper was introduced to the public as a young actor in a small supporting role in "Wings."

The success of "Top Gun: Maverick" last year brought renewed attention to "Wings," which now has an achievement that the original "Top Gun" cannot claim.

It captured Best Picture honors at the first Academy Awards in 1929.

"In 1987, "Platoon" won Best Picture while "Top Gun" was not nominated."

Scott Spangler, an aviation blogger, wrote on JetWhine.com that you shouldn't miss out on seeing the masterpiece 'Wings' if you haven't already.

"Top Gun" wasn't even nominated for Best Picture in 1987. The award went to "Platoon."

Perhaps the greatest influence of "Top Gun" was establishing Cruise as a Hollywood powerhouse.

In 1983, he had a successful breakout role in the teen flick "Risky Business," but it was a juvenile part.

"In 1986, Ebert praised "Top Gun" for its impressive special effects and aerial sequences, while also highlighting Cruise's performance in "The Color of Money" that same year."

"With 'Top Gun' propelling him to the top of the box-office charts, Cruise has secured his status as Hollywood's biggest star for several years."

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