Tom Cruise has long been a titan of Hollywood, but even by his lofty standards, the enduring popularity of his Top Gun franchise is something special. In May 2026, both Top Gun and its record-breaking sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, have surged onto Paramount+'s global Top 10 Movie charts, proving that audiences still can't get enough of Maverick's high-flying antics.
The original 1986 classic sits at #10, just behind High Ground, while the billion-dollar sequel Top Gun: Maverick claims the #7 spot, nestled between Night Hunter and Take Cover. This streaming resurgence comes hot on the heels of Cruise receiving an Academy Honorary Award at the 2026 Oscars, adding to his already glittering trophy case of Golden Globes and multiple Oscar nominations.
For the uninitiated, both films follow LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a fearless U.S. Navy aviator who first proves his mettle at the elite Top Gun training program. The sequel catches up with an older, wiser Maverick as he returns to train a new generation of hotshot pilots, blending nostalgia with fresh stakes. Together, the two films have grossed over $1.8 billion worldwide, with Top Gun: Maverick alone pulling in a staggering $1.496 billion.
Critics and audiences alike have embraced the franchise, though their opinions differ on the original. Top Gun holds a 56% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling it a flashy, cliché-ridden recruitment poster for the U.S. Navy. Audiences were kinder, giving it an 83% score. In contrast, Top Gun: Maverick earned a near-perfect 96% from critics and a stunning 99% audience score, hailed as a masterclass in how to do a legacy sequel right.
Ross Bonaime of Collider gave Top Gun: Maverick an "A" rating, noting that while the first film was "two hours of machismo, sweaty showoffs, and toxic personalities," the sequel adds genuine depth. It shows Maverick evolving from a reckless hotshot into a mentor who puts others first, all while honoring the original's spirit. "It sets a new standard in the era of reboots," Bonaime wrote, praising its balance of homage and originality.
For fans of Cruise's other iconic action franchise, the Mission: Impossible series, this streaming success is just another reminder of his box-office dominance. And if you're craving more free streaming action this month, check out Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds' Lands Free on Tubi in May 2026.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to revisit the skies with Maverick. The Top Gun films are currently streaming on Paramount+, and with their chart-topping performance, it's clear that this franchise still has plenty of fuel in the tank.
