Top Gun is a legendary name in American cinema, originally released in 1986 by Paramount Pictures. Directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete Mitchell, the film quickly became a global sensation. Its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski, brought Cruise back to the role, delivering a fresh yet nostalgic continuation of the story.

Meaning and History

The Top Gun franchise holds a prominent place in 1980s pop culture, with the original movie capturing hearts worldwide through its gripping narrative and charismatic characters. The 1986 film, produced on a modest $15 million budget, became a box office phenomenon, grossing over $357 million globally and achieving cult status. The story of Pete Mitchell’s rise as an elite Navy fighter pilot left an indelible mark on audiences.

In 2022, Top Gun: Maverick premiered at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, earning critical acclaim for staying true to the spirit of the original while offering a fresh perspective. This sequel is not a reimagining or spin-off but a direct continuation, picking up 30 years after the events of the first movie. It seamlessly bridges generations, retaining the charm and thrill of the original while embracing modern cinematic techniques.

Visual Identity

The Top Gun franchise is defined by two iconic logos—one for the original 1986 film and another for Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.

1986
The original logo showcases bold, angular typography set within a dynamic emblem. The lettering is housed between two stylized wings formed by diagonal horizontal lines, creating a sense of speed and precision. Below the title, a five-pointed star overlaps an elongated horizontal stripe, reinforcing the military theme. The logo exists in two primary color palettes: a monochromatic black-and-white version and a patriotic red, white, and blue version, reflecting the film’s American roots.

2022
The Top Gun: Maverick logo builds on the original design, adding a sense of depth and modernization. The word “Maverick” appears beneath the iconic “Top Gun” title in the same geometric sans-serif typeface but at a smaller scale. The design retains the wings and star elements, reinforcing continuity between the films. Additional thick horizontal lines at the base of the emblem lend it a contemporary feel while maintaining its military-inspired aesthetics.

Font and Colors

The franchise’s logos use a bold, modern sans-serif typeface with sharp angles and thick strokes, evoking strength and authority. Fonts resembling the logo include Authority Regular and ITC Machine Medium, with slight customizations.

For the 1986 logo, the color palette alternates between classic black-and-white and a vibrant red, white, and blue. Meanwhile, the 2022 badge introduces a sophisticated gradient silver-on-black version, offering a sleek and confident three-dimensional effect. Both palettes enhance the emblem’s timeless and powerful appeal, perfectly reflecting the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled narrative of the films.