Top Gun (1986) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
For Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete's dreams of becoming an ace pilot.
Rated PG • 1986 • 1h 50m
The 1986 action classic 'Top Gun' earned its PG rating for intense aerial combat sequences, some sexual content, and frequent profanity that would likely warrant a PG-13 rating today. The film's primary content concerns for parents are its thrilling but perilous dogfights and the pivotal, emotionally intense death of a main character, Goose, which may be upsetting for younger viewers. The romantic subplot between Maverick and his… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Top Gun appropriate for kids?
The 1986 action classic 'Top Gun' earned its PG rating for intense aerial combat sequences, some sexual content, and frequent profanity that would likely warrant a PG-13 rating today. The film's primary content concerns for parents are its thrilling but perilous dogfights and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Top Gun
What happens in Top Gun, moment by moment
- 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:08 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Top Gun
One significant scene features passionate kissing and implied intercourse between Maverick and his instructor, Charlie. The scene is shot in silhouette, showing their forms undressing and embracing, but with no explicit nudity. There is also some sexual innuendo, including pilots joking about having sex in a bathroom and a character using a crude term to describe his excitement for combat.
Violence and gore in Top Gun
Violence consists entirely of intense aerial dogfights and training exercises. These scenes feature fighter jets in peril, missile locks, explosions, and planes being shot down. While bloodless, the action is fast-paced and loud. A key scene depicts a training accident where a jet stalls and enters a fatal spin, leading to a character's accidental death upon ejection; the moment of impact is shown.
Language in Top Gun
Profanity is frequent and strong for a PG-rated film. The dialogue includes over 20 uses of 'shit', as well as multiple instances of 'son of a bitch', 'ass', and 'goddamn'. Scornful uses of 'dickhead' and characters being called 'pussies' are also present. The middle finger gesture is used twice.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Top Gun
There are several scenes in which characters drink beer socially at parties and in bars. One character is seen smoking a cigar, and other background characters smoke cigarettes.
Mature themes in Top Gun
The central mature theme is the sudden, accidental death of a main character and the protagonist's subsequent struggle with profound guilt and grief. The scene of the accident and its immediate aftermath, where Maverick holds his friend's body in the water, is emotionally intense. The film also explores themes of reckless behavior vs. teamwork, military life, and grappling with the legacy of a deceased parent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Top Gun appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Top Gun is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. The 1986 action classic 'Top Gun' earned its PG rating for intense aerial combat sequences, some sexual content, and frequent profanity that would likely warrant a PG-13 rating today. The film's primary content concerns…
What age rating does Top Gun have?
Top Gun is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Top Gun about?
The 1986 action classic 'Top Gun' earned its PG rating for intense aerial combat sequences, some sexual content, and frequent profanity that would likely warrant a PG-13 rating today. The film's primary content concerns for parents are its thrilling but perilous dogfights and the pivotal, emotionally intense death of…
Is there sex or nudity in Top Gun?
One significant scene features passionate kissing and implied intercourse between Maverick and his instructor, Charlie. The scene is shot in silhouette, showing their forms undressing and embracing, but with no explicit nudity. There is also some sexual…
How violent is Top Gun?
Violence consists entirely of intense aerial dogfights and training exercises. These scenes feature fighter jets in peril, missile locks, explosions, and planes being shot down. While bloodless, the action is fast-paced and loud. A key scene depicts a…
Is the language in Top Gun appropriate for kids?
Profanity is frequent and strong for a PG-rated film. The dialogue includes over 20 uses of 'shit', as well as multiple instances of 'son of a bitch', 'ass', and 'goddamn'. Scornful uses of 'dickhead' and characters being called 'pussies' are also present…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Top Gun?
There are several scenes in which characters drink beer socially at parties and in bars. One character is seen smoking a cigar, and other background characters smoke cigarettes.
What mature themes appear in Top Gun?
The central mature theme is the sudden, accidental death of a main character and the protagonist's subsequent struggle with profound guilt and grief. The scene of the accident and its immediate aftermath, where Maverick holds his friend's body in the water…
How long is Top Gun?
Top Gun runs 110 minutes, directed by Tony Scott, released in 1986.
Where can I read the full Top Gun parent guide?
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