Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 12+ Exciting Tom Cruise classic has some intense scenes.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that Top Gun is a blockbuster thriller that's chock full of narrow escapes, chases, and battles -- just what older tweens and teens love to see. But parents beware: There are also some violent and upsetting scenes, chiefly the death of a main character, which make it intense for younger kids (especially in the 3-D version). There's one graphic-for-its-time sex scene, though no nudity, and in one iconic scene, there are quite a few naked male torsos on a beach volleyball court. Winning is the most important thing to all the pilots, who try to intimidate one another with plenty of posturing and banter -- though when push comes to shove, loyalty and friendship have important roles to play, too. While sexism is quite noticeable, two strong female characters help keep some of the objectification in check.
  • Families can talk about whether they believe the moral of the story: "There are no points for second place." Is winning all that matters? What would you jeopardize to win?
  • Who do you think Top Gun is aimed at, audience wise? How do you think it might be different if it had been made today?
  • Do you think it was right for Charlie to pursue a romantic relationship with Maverick?
The good stuff
  • message true1 Positive messages: Winning is the most important thing to these characters, though they also prize loyalty, friendship, and duty. While sexism is quite noticeable, two strong female characters help keep some of the objectification in check. Some relatable male friendships.
  • rolemodels true1 Positive role models: Maverick is cocky and cool, but he's got some depth to him, too. Charlie is a smart, tough female character.
What to watch for
  • violence false3 Violence: A main character is killed during a traumatic plane crash/malfunction. A lot of fighter pilot skirmishes (including missiles/explosions) and characters in peril.
  • sex false3 Sexy stuff: A graphic-for-its time love scene with characters shown embracing intimately in profile, but no nudity; some gratuitious use of tongue kissing. A teacher sleeps with her (adult) student. Lots of shirtless men in a beach volleyball scene. Some innuendo/references.
  • language false3 Language: Several uses of "s--t," plus "son of a bitch," "goddamn," "damn," "d--khead," "p---y," "hell," "a--hole," "ass," "laid," and "oh my God."
  • consumerism false0 Consumerism: Not an issue
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Maverick drinks wine and then drives off on his motorcycle. Some beer drinking and cigar smoking by adults. Memorable scenes set in bars.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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