Top Gun Celebrates 40 Years; Lessons in Ego, Overcoming Guilt, and Sacrificial Love

Moviegoers felt the need for speed when Top Gun was released in 1986. It starred Tom Cruise as he continued to rise to stardom in the 1980s following the success of Risky Business.

Top Gun follows Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his co-pilot Nick “Goose” Bradshaw. They get their shot against the best in U.S. Navy Aviation at Miramar. Some military-based films were used to generate recruitment, like Top Gun and Navy Seals.

Top Gun featured lessons of faith that are taught through the character of Maverick. We learn what it takes to overcome ego, overcome guilt, and practice sacrificial love.

Ego

The biggest flaw about Maverick is pride. Pride is a deadly sin, and he had to learn humility. He is seen looking for every chance to obtain personal glory in all that he does. Ego and pride are obstacles in our growth in faith.

Maverick would learn the hard way after the death of his best friend, Goose. His death broke him, but it forged him to surrender his pride and find a new way of living and serving.

One thing Maverick learned in his five weeks is something Viper would tell him: “A good pilot is compelled to always evaluate what's happened so he can apply what he's learned.” One way to overcome pride is to always look back at mistakes and be ready to do better.

Sacrificial Love

After coming to the aid of his wingman, “Iceman”, they formed a pack to always be there for each other. The phrase “I’ll be your wingman” was the defining moment and a strong ending to the film. It also showed that Maverick was willing to be a team player in the squadron.

Overcoming Guilt

The climactic part of the film is Maverick overcoming a training accident that resulted in the death of Goose, his co-pilot. He looked for ways to redeem himself as he also sought the help of his squadron leader, “Viper”.

Viper also knew Maverick’s father, which also helped fill a void Maverick needed. Past failures should never define who we are. Rather, we must overcome them. It takes a fervent faith and ardent hope to not let them hold us back from greatness. 

Top Gun is a must-watch. There was a sequel released in 2022 and a third one that is confirmed in development.