Tom Cruise may have hit some turbulence with his latest theatrical release, but his 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick is proving once again that it has serious staying power. As of October 2026, the action sequel has rocketed back into the upper echelon of Paramount+'s most-watched movies, reminding everyone why it was hailed as the film that saved cinema.
The timing couldn't be better for Cruise, who has faced a rough patch following the disappointing performance of Digger. That satirical black comedy, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, was expected to be a major win for the star, but it stumbled at the box office, pulling in less than $50 million worldwide against a reported $125 million budget. It was a rare miss for an actor synonymous with box office dominance.
In stark contrast, Top Gun: Maverick was a phenomenon. Released in 2022, the legacy sequel grossed a staggering $1.45 billion globally, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Christopher McQuarrie—who also directed Cruise in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning—the film was a perfect storm of high-octane action, nostalgia, and star power, featuring Miles Teller, Monica Barbaro, and Glen Powell.
Now, four years later, the film is enjoying a streaming renaissance. According to current data, Top Gun: Maverick ranks as the fourth most-watched movie on Paramount+ worldwide, trailing only Diablo, Passenger, and the latest Scary Movie installment. This surge in viewership is a testament to the film's enduring appeal, especially among subscribers looking for a thrilling escape.
For Cruise, this streaming success is a welcome boost. While Digger may have been a critical and commercial disappointment, Top Gun: Maverick continues to deliver. It's a reminder that even when a project doesn't land, the actor's legacy is secure, thanks to films like this one. If you're in the mood for a rewatch, you can catch it on Paramount+, and for more on Cruise's other streaming ventures, check out his Jack Reacher film hitting Tubi.
Looking ahead, the Top Gun franchise is far from done. A third installment was confirmed at CinemaCon earlier this year, with Cruise set to return as Maverick. While details are scarce, Teller and Powell are rumored to reprise their roles, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer is reportedly on board alongside McQuarrie. Fans will have to wait for more updates, but the excitement is already building.
In the meantime, Top Gun: Maverick's streaming performance is a clear signal that audiences still crave the adrenaline-fueled magic of the original. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is the perfect time to dive back into the cockpit. And if you're curious about other Cruise classics, you might also want to check out American Made landing on Prime Video.
As the streaming wars heat up, Paramount+ is clearly benefiting from having a title like Top Gun: Maverick in its arsenal. It's a blockbuster that keeps giving, and for Cruise, it's a reminder that even when the box office doesn't cooperate, his legacy is firmly intact. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming updates and box office analysis.
