Before Quentin Tarantino became the auteur behind Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, he was a screenwriter who admired the craft of action filmmaking. One of his most passionate endorsements has always been for a 1986 Tom Cruise vehicle that he believes boasts one of the best scripts in Hollywood history. Now, that film is available to stream for free on Pluto TV, giving a new generation the chance to see what all the fuss is about.
Tarantino's Love for Tony Scott and Top Gun
Tarantino has long been vocal about his respect for the late director Tony Scott, who helmed Top Gun and later collaborated with Tarantino on True Romance. After Scott's passing in 2012, Tarantino hosted screenings of Scott's Domino and Man on Fire for students, and was visibly moved while discussing the director's work. He has repeatedly singled out Top Gun as a masterclass in action storytelling, praising its script in a famous monologue from the film Sleep with Me.
In that monologue, Tarantino posited a theory about the queer subtext of Top Gun, calling it "one of the greatest scripts ever written in the history of Hollywood." His admiration for the film has only grown over the years, and it's easy to see why: the movie's blend of high-octane aerial sequences and character-driven drama set a new standard for the genre.
A Cult Classic That Found Its Wings
When Top Gun first hit theaters in 1986, critics were lukewarm, with many praising the action but finding the non-flying scenes lacking. The film holds a 58% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting that it offers "too little for non-adolescent viewers to chew on when its characters aren't in the air." However, audiences disagreed, giving it an 83% approval rating and turning it into a box office phenomenon.
Starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, alongside Kelly McGillis and Anthony Edwards, the film grossed $360 million worldwide on a modest $15 million budget. Its iconic soundtrack, including Berlin's "Take My Breath Away," and its unforgettable dogfight sequences cemented its place in pop culture. Over the decades, it developed a devoted following, and its reputation has only improved with time.
The Legacy and the Sequel
At the time of Tony Scott's death, he and Cruise were discussing a potential sequel. That project eventually came to fruition in 2022 with Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski. The sequel was a massive critical and commercial success, grossing $1.5 billion worldwide and earning a Best Picture Oscar nomination. It holds a near-perfect 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely credited with revitalizing the theatrical experience post-pandemic.
For those who want to revisit the original before diving into the sequel, Top Gun is now available on Pluto TV at no cost. It's a perfect opportunity to see why Tarantino and countless fans consider it a landmark of action cinema. And if you're in the mood for more high-stakes thrills, check out our list of classic action thrillers that keep you hooked.
Tarantino, meanwhile, is returning to his screenwriting roots with The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, directed by David Fincher, set for release this month. It's a reminder that great writing can come from unexpected places—just like Top Gun.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on streaming releases and entertainment news.
