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Look, I’ll be honest—I’ve watched Top Gun: Maverick at least six times since 2022, and I still get chills during that final dogfight. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, insane practical stunts, and Tom Cruise being, well, Tom Cruise. If you’re currently suffering from a post-Maverick hangover and need that same adrenaline spike, I’ve got you covered. Here are 12 movies that will make you feel the need—the need for speed.
1. Ford v Ferrari: The Ultimate Need for Speed
If you loved the technical precision of Maverick, this is your next obsession. Christian Bale and Matt Damon have such chaotic chemistry, it’s honestly iconic. The racing scenes? They aren’t CGI-heavy nonsense; they’re visceral, loud, and you can practically smell the burning rubber. It’s got an 92% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason, guys. Plus, it’s on Hulu right now. Trust me, you’ll be gripping your couch cushions the entire time. No cap, it’s a total vibe.
2. The Right Stuff: For the History Nerds
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Okay, so if you want to know where the ‘cool pilot’ archetype started, you have to watch this 1983 classic. It’s all about the Mercury 7 astronauts, and the sheer audacity of these men is wild. It’s basically the grandfather of every modern flight movie. It’s long, but the character development is top-tier. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the cockpit with them. It’s currently streaming on Max—get some snacks, you’ll be there a while.
3. Midway: Modern War Movie Chaos
Roland Emmerich knows how to blow stuff up, and he does not hold back here. Is it historically perfect? Maybe not. Is it a blast to watch? Absolutely. The aerial sequences are pure eye candy, and if you’re looking for that ‘we are going to win this thing against all odds’ feeling from Maverick, this is it. It’s available on Netflix, and honestly, the scale of these battles is just insane. You’ll be cheering at the screen, I swear.
4. Dunkirk: Christopher Nolan’s Masterclass
Okay, switch gears for a second. Dunkirk isn’t a ‘fun’ flyboy movie, it’s a high-stress, heart-pounding experience. The Spitfire scenes? They’re literally some of the best cinematography ever captured. When those engines cut out and there’s just silence over the ocean, I can’t—it’s just too much. It’s streaming on Prime Video. If you want a movie that makes you forget to breathe for two hours, look no further. It’s a total mood.
5. Iron Eagle: The 80s Guilty Pleasure
Look, we have to talk about the 80s cheese. Iron Eagle is basically Top Gun with a teenager and a Walkman. It’s ridiculous, it’s campy, and it’s honestly one of my favorite things ever. Does the plot hold up? Maybe not. Do we care? Not even a little bit. It’s streaming on various platforms, and if you need a palate cleanser after all the serious war movies, this is your go-to. It’s just pure, unadulterated fun.
6. Behind Enemy Lines: The High-Stakes Chase
Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman in a survival thriller? Yes, please. This movie is all about the ‘get out before they find you’ energy that Maverick has in spades. It’s got that gritty, 2000s action aesthetic that I’m kind of lowkey obsessed with. The tension is real, and the jet scenes are surprisingly solid for a movie from 2001. Check it out on Disney+ if you want a solid afternoon watch that hits all the right notes.
7. Devotion: The Emotional Gut Punch
If you liked the brotherhood dynamic in Maverick, you will absolutely cry your eyes out watching Devotion. It’s based on a true story about the Korean War, and the bond between Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell (yes, Hangman from Maverick!) is just gorgeous. It’s on Paramount+ and it’s a beautiful, underrated film. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the waterworks, though. It’s really, really good, guys.
8. Air Force One: Harrison Ford Being a Legend
Get off my plane! Honestly, is there a better line in action movie history? This is the ultimate ‘one man saves the day’ movie. It’s not about dogfights as much as it is about pure, tactical suspense. Harrison Ford is absolutely iconic here. It’s available on Apple TV, and if you haven’t seen it recently, you’re missing out. It’s the kind of movie that reminds you why we love big, loud, Hollywood blockbusters.
9. Black Hawk Down: The Gritty Reality
If you want the intensity of Maverick but with a much heavier tone, this is the one. Ridley Scott is a genius, and he really captures the chaos of combat. It’s not a ‘fun’ watch, but it is an essential one. The sound design alone is worth the price of admission. You can find it on Netflix. Prepare to be stressed out for the entire duration, but also completely glued to your screen.
10. The Last Countdown: The Sci-Fi Twist
Okay, hear me out—what if an aircraft carrier went back in time to the day before Pearl Harbor? It’s a total cult classic from 1980. It’s got the F-14 Tomcats, it’s got the carrier deck action, and it’s got a weird time-travel hook that I’m still not over. It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s definitely something you haven’t seen a million times before. You can find it on various VOD services. Total hidden gem, no cap.
11. Flight of the Intruder: The 90s Throwback
This one is pure 90s action gold. It’s got that specific vibe of military movies from that era that just feels so nostalgic. Willem Dafoe is in it, which is automatically a win in my book. It’s not winning any Oscars, but it’s a solid, high-flying adventure that reminds me of Saturday afternoons spent watching cable TV. If you want something straightforward and exciting, this is the move. It’s on VOD—go find it!
12. Top Gun: The Original Classic
I mean, obviously? If you haven’t rewatched the 1986 original since Maverick came out, what are you even doing? It’s the blueprint. Seeing the callback moments in the sequel is a whole different experience when you’ve just seen the OG. It’s streaming on Paramount+. Honestly, the volleyball scene alone is worth the price of admission. It’s iconic, it’s cheesy, and we absolutely live for it. Can’t get enough of that soundtrack, either.
FAQs
Are there any movies as good as Top Gun: Maverick?
Honestly, Maverick is a rare beast. Movies like Ford v Ferrari come close in terms of pure adrenaline and practical stunts, but it’s hard to beat that specific blend of 80s nostalgia and modern tech.
What should I watch if I liked the flying scenes in Top Gun?
Definitely check out Dunkirk for the most intense aerial cinematography ever, or keep it classic with the original Top Gun. If you want more modern jets, Midway is a great pick for pure spectacle.
Is Glen Powell in other aviation movies?
Yes! He is fantastic in Devotion, which is a much more grounded and emotional take on military aviation. It’s a total must-watch if you’re a fan of his work in the Maverick sequel.
There you go—your ultimate list to keep the adrenaline pumping! Whether you want the historical weight of Dunkirk or the pure, unadulterated fun of Iron Eagle, there’s something here for every kind of aviation fan. Which one are you streaming first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your wingman!
