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15 Movies Like Top Gun: Maverick For Fans Of Nostalgic Action Films

April 26, 2023
movies like top gun: maverick

Recently the highly anticipated action film Top Gun: Maverick hit the screens and won the viewers with its perfect action and drama. The film received amazing commercial success and critical appreciation, including multiple Oscar nominations. If you are looking for entertaining action movies like Top Gun: Maverick, we have curated a list of films just for you.

Maverick follows the story of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, played by superstar Tom Cruise, as he trains a new generation of pilots. All the critical appreciation of the film stems from its stunning visual effects, intense action sequences, and strong performances by its cast. The popularity and success of the film can be attributed to the enduring appeal of the original film, the nostalgia it evokes, and the star power of Tom Cruise. Overall, Top Gun: Maverick has been a critical as well as a box-office success and a thrilling addition to the franchise.

List of Movies Like Top Gun: Maverick

  1. Top Gun (1986)
  2. Jerry Maguire
  3. Mission Impossible Series
  4. A Few Good Men
  5. The Right Stuff
  6. First Man
  7. Oblivion
  8. Thank You For Your Service
  9. Pearl Harbour
  10. Devotion
  11. G.I. Jane
  12. Flyboys
  13. Interstellar
  14. Jack Reacher
  15. Risky Business

1. Top Gun (1986)

The classic action drama Top Gun (1986) is the prequel to Top Gun: Maverick and follows Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as a young fighter pilot, who is selected to attend the prestigious Top Gun Naval Flying School. Along with his wingman, Goose, Maverick competes against the best pilots from around the world, hoping to prove that he has what it takes to be the best.

Stunning aerial footage and a legendary soundtrack made Top Gun beloved to many. If you haven’t seen this prequel, you should know that not only does it serve as the foundation for the sequel, but it also captures the essence of what made the original film such a hit. For a deeper appreciation of movies like Top Gun: Maverick, the original Top Gun (1986) is a must-watch.

2. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Tom Cruise’s Jerry Maguire is a romantic comedy-drama film where he plays the character of a successful sports agent named Jerry Maguire. The story follows him after he is dismissed from his company, after advocating a moral approach. So, he sets out to start his own agency with the help of his only remaining client, Rod Tidwell.

Along the way, Jerry struggles to balance his newfound principles with the cutthroat world of professional sports. Similar to movies like Top Gun: Maverick, he faces great challenges in high-stake situations. Jerry also struggles with his love for a single mother, Dorothy. As a fan of Tom Cruise movies, this is a great choice.

3. Mission Impossible Series

Tom Cruise has more than a few good action movies up his sleeve, The Mission Impossible series is one of his most popular action film franchises and follows the adventures of Tom as Ethan Hunt, an agent of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF).

With 6 films and 2 more films on the way, the series is known for its thrilling action sequences, intricate plots, and impressive stunts, many of which are performed by Tom Cruise himself! The series has been both a critical and commercial success, with each instalment building on the previous one. For a similar level of high-flying action and adrenaline-pumping excitement that you received in movies like Top Gun: Maverick, The Mission Impossible series is highly recommended.

Also Read: Movies like Edge of Tomorrow

4. A Few Good Men (1992)

A Few Good Men is a legal drama film directed by Rob Reiner with Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson. The film revolves around a military court-martial trial of two Marines accused of murdering a fellow Marine and the legal battle between the defence and prosecution.

While A Few Good Men, similar to films like Top Gun: Maverick, features Tom Cruise in a military setting, this drama film show Tom’s excellent acting range. A Few Good Men explores justice, honour, and loyalty and is another great Tom Cruise movie for you.

5. The Right Stuff (1983)

The historical drama The Right Stuff is based non-fiction book by Tom Wolfe telling the story of the early days of the U.S. space program and the pioneering Mercury Seven astronauts. There was a competitive nature of the programme during the Cold War Era, and the triumphs of astronauts’ heroism formed an excitement for space exploration.

The sense of bravery, aviation high skills, and competition is reminiscent to films like Top Gun: Maverick and hence this personal journey of men as they pursue their dreams in The Right Stuff if perfect for you to watch this weekend.

6. First Man (2018)

First Man is a biographical drama film about the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong and his journey towards becoming the first human to walk on the moon. The movie is directed by the talented Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling as Armstrong.

Taking on one the most iconic American stories, First Man was critically appreciated for its visuals and performances. First Man is amongst some of the most inspiring movies similar to Top Gun: Maverick that celebrates humans pushing the boundaries of possibilities in an introspective character-driven story, you will thoroughly enjoy.

7. Oblivion (2013)

Before Joseph Kosinski and Tom Cruise worked on Top Gun: Maverick, they made a sci-fi film called Oblivion together. Here, Tom plays the role of Jack Harper, a technician who is tasked with repairing drones on Earth after a devastating war with an alien race. 

As Jack begins to question his mission and the truth of his own memories, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything he knows. Fans of Oblivion often talk about the excellent large-scale epic storyline and the dazzling visuals. Oblivion is deeply insightful and surprisingly underrated amongst all of Tom’s films, similar to Top Gun: Maverick.

Also Read: Space Movies Like Contact

8. Thank You For Your Service (2017)

Thank You For Your Service follows the lives of a group of soldiers who return home from Iraq and struggle to adjust to civilian life. Based on a true story, the movie highlights the mental health challenges and trauma that many veterans face after serving in combat. 

Featuring Top Gun: Maverick’s Miles Teller in the lead role of Adam Schumann, this film is a raw portrayal of the challenges of transitioning from civilian life after military service. A comparatively serious film, Thank You For Your Service is another one to add to your list of movies like Top Gun: Maverick. 

9. Pearl Harbour (2001)

Pearl Harbor depicts the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. The movie focuses on a love triangle between two friends, played by Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett, and a nurse, played by Kate Beckinsale. Similar to movies like Top Gun: Maverick, Pearl Harbor involves military and aerial combat.

Pearl Harbor is however not mainly an action movie, but more of a romantic drama set against the backdrop of war. The film received mixed reviews from critics over its plot and character development, but you can give it a try if you are finding a war film with ariel combat to watch.

 

10. Devotion (2022)

Devotion is a historical drama film that depicts the story of two brothers, Jesse and Tom, who become naval aviators during the Korean War. The movie follows their journey as they fight to prove their worth and deal with the pressures of war and their complicated relationship. 

Similar to films like Top Gun: Maverick, Devotion also explores the story of naval aviators and showcases the intense training and adrenaline-fueled action that come with being a fighter pilot. With stunning aerial sequences and a heartfelt story of brotherhood, Devotion delivers an emotional and engaging cinematic experience.

11. G.I. Jane (1997)

G.I. Jane is an American action drama film directed by Ridley Scott. You may have heard of the series G.I. Joe, this film is a part of the series and tells the story of Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil, played by Demi Moore. Jordan becomes the first woman to undergo training in the U.S. Navy’s elite special operations unit, the Navy SEALs. 

Needless to say, she faces various brutal challenges, from discrimination to harassment from her male colleagues, while proving her worth as a soldier. With the strong resilience and the support of her commanding officer, played by Viggo Mortensen, O’Neil fights to earn respect and shatter the gender barriers in the military. You can watch this after movies like  Top Gun: Maverick.

12. Flyboys (2006)

Flyboys is about Lafayette Escadrille, a group of American pilots who joined the French Air Service during World War I. This story, similar to movies like Top Gun: Maverick, features impressive aerial combat scenes, stunning cinematography, and an engaging storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Flyboys is a well-crafted and entertaining movie based on real events and offers a poignant and thrilling depiction of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the Great War.

13. Interstellar (2014)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is an incredible film that explores the themes of time travel, relativity, and the human condition. With lead roles by actors like Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathway, this is a journey of humanity’s survival on earth and finding a new home. This movie is visually stunning, with impressive special effects transporting viewers to different worlds and times. 

Similar to movies like Top Gun Maverick, Interstellar share a focus on the human experience, with characters facing challenges and overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals. Overall, Interstellar is great for thrilling action and emotional depth.

14. Jack Reacher (2012)

If you thought we were done with all our Tom Cruise action films, then you’re wrong. In 2021 the action film Jack Reacher is released and looks at the titular character (played by Tom Cruise) as a tough and skilled ex-military officer who is brought in to solve a seemingly impossible case involving a sniper attack.

In Jack Reacher, Cruise delivers a strong and charismatic standout performance. The film features impressive action sequences and a well-written storyline that keeps you guessing until the end. So, as a fan of Tom and films like Top Gun: Maverick, you should watch this one. 

15. Risky Business (2012)

Risky Business is a classic ’80s film that stands the test of time with its iconic scenes, memorable soundtrack, and brilliant performances. One of Tom’s earlier movies, it is about a high school student, Joel Goodsen, who turns his parents’ absence into an opportunity to make some quick cash by turning his home into a brothel. However, things take a turn for the worse, and Joel finds himself in deep trouble.

The youthful rebellion and coming-of-age resonate with audiences of all ages, and its unique blend of humour, drama, and suspense is why it’s a timeless classic. No one who’s seen the movie can forget the iconic scene of Cruise sliding across the floor in his underwear to the tune of “Old Time Rock and Roll”! It’s not exactly similar to movies like Top Gun: Maverick, but you’ll have fun regardless. 

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few movies like Top Gun: Maverick that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. An Officer And a Gentleman
  2. Hot Shots (A Parody)
  3. Red Tails
  4. Only The Brave 
  5. A Few Good Men 
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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