Got a maverick in your life who has the need for speed ? This gift guide is for you.
AmazonI was sixteen years old when the original Top Gun movie came out. While never exactly a Tom Cruise fan, I probably saw the film in the theater more than once. I grew up in a small town where there wasn’t much to do but go to the movies. During the summer months, we went to the movies so often that we saw everything that was released which then meant we’d go see the “better” films a second time.
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My brothers, of course, liked Top Gun much more than I did. They’d brandish the “I feel a need for speed” line at the slightest opportunity (usually while we were on the way to school in the snow). One of the interesting things (I think) about getting older is that so much of the pop culture that dominated my teenage years has circled back again; even some which probably should have just stayed in the past. "Top Gun: Maverick" grossed almost 1.5 billion dollars which indicates that it was very likely not one of those things (despite the fact that much of its audience was probably not even born when the original came out).
With a viewership number like that, you likely have a Top Gun fan or two in your life. Here are some great Top Gun-themed gifts for the Maverick in everyone.
Whether or not they’ve never seen the original movie, a gift of the 1986 release of "Top Gun" is sure to please. The film is available on DVD and Blu- ray. There’s even a special collector’s edition for under $20 if you want to up the ante a bit – that is if your gift recipient still owns a DVD or Blu- ray player.
Alternatively, you can view the original film on Amazon Prime Video for free with your Prime subscription. Still watchable after all these years though of course, the special effects are nothing like what we see on the screen today.
I love a good soundtrack (often more than I liked the actual movie) and the one from Top Gun Maverick is no exception. This one features singles by Lady Gaga and One Republic as well as a great live rendition of “Great Balls of Fire.”
For the Top Gun super fan, this set of the both the 1986 and 2022 art prints makes an excellent gift. If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, Trends International offers a silver framed poster featuring two Top Gun fighter jets against a moody sky.
Everyone needs a good wingman at some point or the other. This tank is for everyone who supports and cares for their Top Gun fan with love and compassion (while also reminding said fan how important a good wingman is).
This Top Gun Maverick Super Hornet set from Cobi comes with two pilot figures and a display stand. The model plane is constructed from building blocks (ala Lego style) and features a detailed motor, movable gun, and functional hatch. Cobi bricks, manufactured in Poland, have pad-printed markings (no stickers) and go together to produce historically accurate models.
I remember model airplanes requiring painting and gluing. This “easy-click” model from Revell calls for neither while still being a pretty detailed replica of the actual plane. The F-14 Tomcat is the plane flown by Maverick in the 1986 movie, in case you’re not aware.
This alloy model F-14 plane from Nuotie ships is assembled with removable weapon mounts and moveable wings. Comes with a stand so the plane can be displayed. (Though it’s also perfectly acceptable to play with it if you want).
Top Gun was one of those movies that was very much a part of popular culture during my high school years, partially because of the soundtrack. The movie’s theme song – “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins played often on the radio and at high school sporting events. Berlin’s “Take my Breath Away” was one of the “slow songs” played at all my high school dances. And, as already mentioned, the ‘need for speed’ line was used for all sorts of occasions.
Ultimately, though, I think a good part of the movie’s appeal was the flying action scenes – because I think, if we’re all being honest, most of us will admit to dreaming of being able to fly a plane just like Maverick.