'MASTERPIECE' TOM CRUISE ACTION THRILLER RETURNS TO NETFLIX

A "masterpiece" film starring Tom Cruise that boasts "amazing" flying sequences is streaming now in the UK. Top Gun (1986) is an action thriller focussing on hotshot fighter ace Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Cruise), who is admitted to an elite US navy pilot school.

But his appetite for risk, and arrogance about his abilities cause friction between him and his rival airmen. The film, which was directed by Tony Scott and written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr., is frequently hailed as a quintessential 80s Hollywood action film.

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A long-awaited follow-up "Maverick" was released in 2022. The original film returned to Netflix on Tuesday, December 2, after being removed in May.

One fan, who called it an "action masterpiece" said that Scott "shoots the action like a music video and it looks amazing".

"He gets great access to military hardware and locations," they added.

Another said the film "executes cheese to perfection, yes there are some silly lines but there are some real good ones too!".

"The aerial action sequences are truly amazing, and for 1986 nothing short of magnificent," they said.

The fan noted that the film is "loved and loathed by many alike" but from the "amazing flight sequences, Maverick's motorbike, trashy romance and to the cool 80's soundtrack" it should be "taken for what it is. An entertaining film".

Others said they loved the film, whilst acknowledging quibbles they they have with it. "Top Gun is an average popcorn flick," they wrote.

"The plot is as cheesy as any movie."

But they argued that "after you watch the movie for a while, the story will fade but something else will stick with you."

They added: "That thing is what forced me to give this movie a 9/10. What is that thing? Well, the feel of the movie, the mode. The 80s fresh air. And the beautiful soundtrack. These things overcome all the flaws in this all-flawed movie."

Someone else acknowledged that film got mixed reviews when it came out, but the "writing and all casting and performances" are "excellent".

They said: "Even the soundtrack is still all top hits to this day. I'm glad I watched it again, and you'd never think after watching this, a sequel would ever surpass it, but it has. This one is a 9, the new one a perfect 10/10."

Top Gun is streaming now on Netflix.

2025-12-06T19:02:29Z