Strap in, aviator. The sky’s the limit when it comes to this Top Gun trivia, and only the best make it to the top. If you’ve ever yelled “I feel the need… the need for speed!”, this is the quiz for you.
This isn’t just a set of movie questions. It’s an immersive 90-question online quiz about Top Gun, diving deep into the plot, cast, iconic moments, and even behind-the-scenes trivia.
Here’s how it works:
✈️ 90 trivia questions total
🧠 Divided into three difficulty levels:
Easy (first 30)
Medium (next 30)
Hard (last 30)
📦 Organized in 9 subquizzes of 10 questions each
Every 10-question block ends with a “Show Answers” button — so you can test your knowledge first, then see how you did. No cheating, Maverick.
Why Is This Quiz So Engaging?
Because Top Gun isn’t just a movie, but a legacy. From the unforgettable soundtrack to Tom Cruise’s iconic role as Maverick, this quiz brings the nostalgia and action back to life.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
🎬 Covers both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick
🧩 Questions range from general knowledge to hyper-specific
💥 Ideal for solo play or group trivia nights
📱 100% free and mobile-friendly
🔄 Instant feedback with answer reveal buttons
Sample Questions That Might Fly Your Way
What’s the nickname of Pete Mitchell?
Who plays Iceman?
What type of jet does Maverick fly in Top Gun: Maverick?
What is the name of the elite pilot school?
What song plays during the opening credits?
These are just warm-up maneuvers (wait till you hit the hard level). You’ll be sweating like you’re pulling Gs in a dogfight.
How to Use This Quiz
Just scroll down and start with Block 1. Complete each set of 10 questions, then click “Show Answers” to see your score. Want to challenge a friend? Share the link and compare results. You don’t have to finish all 90 at once, but if you do, we’ll call you Top Gun certified.
Easy Top Gun Trivia Questions
1. Who is the main character in Top Gun?
In the 1986 iconic action film Top Gun, Tom Cruise portrays Pete Mitchell, the central character. Maverick, a bold and confident young pilot, undergoes training at a prestigious air force flight academy.
2. What is the nickname of the protagonist of Top Gun?
LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, portrayed by Tom Cruise, is a U.S. Navy aviator in the film. The character draws loose inspiration from Duke Cunningham and his notable achievements in the Vietnam War. Additionally, Kelly McGillis plays the role of Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood, serving as the instructor at Top Gun and also capturing Maverick's romantic interest.
3. In what branch of the military does Top Gun take place?
The moniker TOPGUN originally referred to the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School and has since evolved into the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program. Initially situated at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, TOPGUN has presently shifted its base to Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada.
4. What is the name of Maverick's co-pilot?
The departed comrade and co-pilot of Maverick, Nick Bradshaw.
5. What iconic song plays during the opening credits of Top Gun?
The "Top Gun Anthem" stands as an instrumental rock piece and serves as the theme for the Top Gun media franchise, encompassing both the original 1986 film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, Maverick.
6. What type of aircraft does Maverick use in the original Top Gun?
In the original Top Gun, he flies the F-14 Tomcat, but that aircraft was retired in 2006, making the Super Hornet the primary aircraft for Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick.
7. Who plays the role of Maverick in the movie?
Tom Cruise returns to portray the iconic naval aviator Maverick in his starring role.
8. Where is the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School located in the original 1986 movie?
In the original 1986 "Top Gun" movie, the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School, also known as TOPGUN, is located at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California
9. What is the name of the rival of the protagonist of Top Gun?
At the institution, his adversary is the top-performing student, Tom Kazansky.
10. What is the nickname given to Maverick's best friend and co-pilot?
LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, portrayed by Anthony Edwards, represents Maverick's late best friend and serves as Maverick's radar operator. Additionally, Tom Skerritt takes on the role of CDR Mike "Viper" Metcalf, acting as the commanding officer and instructor at Top Gun.
1. What is the name of Maverick's love interest in Top Gun?
In the initial "Top Gun," Maverick's romantic interest is Charlotte Blackwood, an astrophysicist whose journey intersects with his at the TOPGUN academy.
2. What is the significance of the term "Top Gun" in military aviation?
Indeed, TOPGUN doesn't acronymize any specific terms. It emerged as a nickname coined by the tactical department of Fighter Squadron 21 during the school's establishment.
3. What is Tom Kazansky's nickname in Top Gun?
Tom earned the nickname "Iceman" due to his composed and error-free demeanor. He maintains a cool and calculated approach, strictly adhering to orders and firmly believing that Top Gun rules are paramount for the safety of their teams.
4. In what year was Top Gun released?
On May 16, 1986, Top Gun made its debut. Despite garnering mixed reviews from film critics upon its release, the film earned universal acclaim for its exceptional visual effects and soundtrack. Just four weeks after its initial release, the number of theaters showcasing the film expanded by 45 percent.
5. Who is the director of Top Gun?
Directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, Top Gun is a 1986 American action drama film distributed by Paramount Pictures.
6. What kind of plane did Pete fly in Top Gun Maverick?
In the original Top Gun, he flies the F-14 Tomcat, but that aircraft was retired in 2006, making the Super Hornet the primary aircraft for Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick.
7. Which actor plays the role of Goose in the movie?
In 1986, the actor Anthony Edwards, who portrayed the role of "Goose," was 24 years old.
8. What is the name of the transporter where much of the action in the movie Top Gun takes place?
Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. penned the screenplay for Top Gun, drawing inspiration from an article titled "Top Guns" written by Ehud Yonay, which was published in California magazine three years prior. The film features Tom Cruise in the role of Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a youthful naval aviator stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.
9. What is the name of Maverick's motorcycle in the movie?
For this particular scene, the filmmakers utilized the Kawasaki GPz900R, which was the fastest motorcycle in the world at that time.
10. What was the callsign of Goose's son in Top Gun: Maverick?
Bradley Bradshaw, Goose's son, goes by the callsign “Rooster” in Top Gun: Maverick, continuing his father’s legacy as a naval aviator.
1. What caused Goose's death in Top Gun?
Although Maverick successfully took to the air, Goose was unable to clear the canopy and collided head-first with it. The force of this impact likely led to his immediate fatality, leaving Goose to parachute down into the ocean below.
2. What's the name of the bar in Top Gun?
This isn't merely a film; it's "Top Gun." Observant viewers familiar with the I-Bar on Naval Base Coronado's Naval Station North Island will spot significant props in the recreated bar, referred to as "Hard Deck" in the movie, as they were borrowed from the actual establishment.
3. In what real-life location was the exterior of the Top Gun school filmed?
The majority of the Top Gun school scenes in the 1986 movie were filmed at the Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, now known as the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar). At the time, it was renowned as "Fightertown USA."
4. Which character says the famous line, "I feel the need... the need for speed"?
This particular line is delivered by Peter "Maverick" Mitchell, portrayed by Tom Cruise in the 1986 film Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott.
5. What is the call sign of Maverick's love interest, played by Kelly McGillis?
Her subsequent notable role was that of flight instructor Charlotte Blackwood, known by the call sign "Charlie," in the 1986 fighter-pilot film Top Gun, featuring Tom Cruise.
6. What is the name of the song that plays during the romantic scene between Maverick and his love interest in Top Gun 2?
"Hold My Hand" by Lady Gaga is a track in which snippets are incorporated into the score throughout the Top Gun film.
7. What is the name of the Top Gun instructor?
Tom Skerritt is featured in the Top Gun cast, portraying the character CDR Mike Metcalf. In the film, he takes on the role of Maverick's commanding officer and instructor at Top Gun.
8. What is the nickname of the Top Gun instructor?
CDR Mike "Viper" Metcalf, depicted in Top Gun, assumes the role of the commanding officer and instructor at Top Gun. He is a seasoned veteran of the Vietnam War, having served alongside Maverick's father.
9. What is the name of Maverick's father from Top Gun?
An often overlooked subplot from the first "Top Gun" (and seldom discussed) is the narrative involving Maverick as one of the lost sons of the 1980s. His father, Duke Mitchell, went missing and is presumed dead after flying on a particularly perilous mission during the Vietnam War.
10. What is the patch on the back of Maverick's jacket that belonged to his father?
The jacket made its debut in the original "Top Gun" film in 1986. Featuring a large patch on its back, the jacket commemorates a genuine U.S. battleship's tour of Japan, Taiwan, and the Western Pacific. Appropriately, the patch showcases the flags of the U.S., United Nations, Japan, and Taiwan.
Intermediate Top Gun Trivia Questions
1. Which actor plays the role of Viper, the Top Gun instructor?
Tom Skerritt takes on the role of CDR Mike "Viper" Metcalf in Top Gun, serving as the commanding officer and instructor at Top Gun. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he also has a connection with Duke Mitchell, Maverick's father, having served alongside him.
2. What is the nickname given to the character played by Val Kilmer?
Val Kilmer portrays the character LT Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Top Gun. Initially one of Top Gun's students, Iceman evolves from being Maverick's rival to becoming his wingman.
3. What is the name of the actor who played Goose from Top Gun?
Nick Bradshaw, with the call sign "Goose," played a significant role in the movie Top Gun. Anthony Edwards portrayed the character of Goose.
4. What does the call sign "Iceman" refer to in Top Gun?
Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, portrayed by Val Kilmer, aptly carries a callsign that mirrors his flying style and attitude. As described by Goose to Maverick in the bar, "That's the way he flies, ice-cold, no mistakes." Iceman adheres strictly to the rules, flying with precision and ignoring risks in favor of sticking to the established protocols.
5. What is the name of Goose's son in Top Gun?
In Top Gun, Goose's son, Bradley Bradshaw, was portrayed by child actors and identical twins, Aaron and Adam Weiss. However, in Top Gun: Maverick, the character is played by Miles Teller.
6. How old was Rooster when Goose died?
Indeed, Bradley Bradshaw is the son of LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw and Carole Bradshaw in the Top Gun storyline. He was approximately 2 years old when his father tragically passed away.
7. Who is Penny Benjamin in Top Gun 1986?
In the original 1986 "Top Gun" movie, Penny Benjamin is not a physical character; she is only mentioned. She is the "admiral's daughter" with whom Maverick had a past relationship, a fact revealed during a dressing-down by his commanding officer.
8. How old was Maverick in Top Gun 2?
In the context of the plot, the age of "Maverick" Pete Mitchell is a crucial element. At 57 years old, he is considered one of the best pilots in the U.S., but his age becomes a point of discussion among colleagues, raising questions about his suitability as a test and fighter pilot. The resounding answer in the storyline is that age 57 is not deemed too old for Maverick to continue excelling in his role.
9. What is the name of Goose's wife from Top Gun?
In 1986, Meg Ryan's Hollywood career was still in its early stages. In Top Gun, she portrayed the character Carole Bradshaw, who is the wife of Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, played by Anthony Edwards.
10. Who plays Lieutenant Jake in Top Gun?
In the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick," the character Lt. Jake 'Hangman' Seresin is portrayed by Glen Powell.
1. What is the name of the female pilot in Top Gun?
Lieutenant Natasha Trace, serving as a Naval Aviator.
2. What is the name of Iceman's wife in Top Gun?
In the movie "Top Gun: Maverick," Sarah Kazansky is a character who happens to be the wife of ADM Tom "Iceman" Kazansky.
3. What is Rick Heatherly nickname in Top Gun?
In Top Gun, Rick Heatherly's nickname is Jester. He is a Lieutenant Commander and an instructor at TOPGUN, played by Michael Ironside
4. Who plays Ron Kerner in Top Gun?
Rossovich embarked on his acting career in the early 1980s, initially earning acclaim for his portrayal of Ron "Slider" Kerner in the 1986 movie "Top Gun."
5. What is Ron Kerner nickname in Top Gun?
Ron "Slider" Kerner serves as an exceptional hype man and radar intercept officer, showcasing his proficiency not only in his role but also in uplifting Iceman's morale, approaching a level of support comparable to Goose's impact on Maverick.
6. What is the name of the antagonist in Top Gun?
Naval aviator Vice Admiral Beau Simpson assumes the role of the US Navy's Air Boss and takes on the role of the primary antagonist in "Top Gun: Maverick."
7. Who plays Robert Floyd in Top Gun?
In the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick," the character Lt. Robert 'Bob' Floyd is portrayed by Lewis Pullman, as listed on IMDb.
8. What is Vice Admiral Beau’s nickname in Top Gun?
Vice Admiral Beau "Cyclone" Simpson, a naval aviator, assumes the role of the US Navy's Air Boss and serves as the primary antagonist in "Top Gun: Maverick."
9. What is the name of the Rear Admiral in Top Gun: Maverick?
Rear Admiral Chester Cain holds a senior position in the U.S. Navy and plays the role of the initial antagonist in the opening of "Top Gun: Maverick."
10. What is Natasha's nickname in Top Gun 2?
Lieutenant Natasha "Phoenix" Trace is a naval aviator specializing in the F/A-18F Super Hornet and is a graduate of the TOPGUN program.
1. What is Rear Admiral Chester’s nickname in Top Gun: Maverick?
Senior U.S. Navy official Rear Admiral Chester "Hammer" Cain assumes the role of the initial antagonist in the opening of "Top Gun: Maverick."
2. Why was Rooster set back 4 years?
The revelation unfolded that Carole had passed away during the interim period between the movies, and Maverick had made a commitment to her to prevent Rooster from flying. In an attempt to uphold this promise, Maverick took the step of withdrawing Rooster's application to the Naval Academy, leading to Rooster experiencing a setback of four years in the process.
3. Who plays Chester in Top Gun?
Ed Harris portrays Rear Admiral Chester 'Hammer' Cain in the movie.
4. Who plays Sarah Kazansky in Top Gun?
In the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick," Jean Louisa Kelly takes on the role of Sarah Kazansky, as listed on IMDb.
5. Who is the RIO of LT Rick 'Hollywood' Neven in Top Gun?
LTJG Leonard Wolfe serves as the Radar Intercept Officer (RIO).
6. Who plays Cyclone in Top Gun?
Portraying the character Beau "Cyclone" Simpson in "Top Gun: Maverick," Jon Hamm embodies a stern military figure who disapproves of Maverick's methods despite their effectiveness. In preparing for the role and aiming to capture the essence of the 1986 classic, Hamm drew inspiration from a legendary character from the original film.
7. What is Leonard Wolfe’s nickname in Top Gun?
Lieutenant (JG) Leonard "Wolfman" Wolfe, a naval flight officer specialized in the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, has successfully completed the TOPGUN program as part of his training.
8. Who plays Wolfman in Top Gun?
Barry Tubb, portraying the character Wolfman, is credited in the movie "Top Gun" (1986) on IMDb.
9. Who plays Phoenix in Top Gun?
In the film "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), Monica Barbaro is listed on IMDb for her role as Lieutenant Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace.
10. Who plays Jester in Top Gun?
Michael Ironside portrayed the character Rick “Jester” Heatherly in the movie Top Gun. He later went on to portray Colonel Burton C., showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Hard Top Gun Trivia Questions
1. What is Danny Ramirez's nickname in Top Gun?
An American actor, Danny Ramirez, has garnered recognition for various roles, including Wes in "The Gifted," Mario Martinez in "On My Block," Joaquin Torres / Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Lt. Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia in "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022).
2. What is Rick Neven's nickname in Top Gun?
The moniker "Hollywood" was ascribed to Rick Neven. However, a noteworthy aspect lies in the fact that the graduating class at Top Gun boasted an exceedingly attractive ensemble, making it conceivable for nearly any member to have earned the same nickname.
3. What is the name of the RIO paired with Lt. Charles Piper in Top Gun?
Naval aviator Lieutenant Charles Piper, proficient in the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and a TOPGUN graduate, collaborates with Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus Williams, serving as his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO).
4. What is Charles Piper's nickname in Top Gun?
Lieutenant Charles "Chipper" Piper, a naval aviator with expertise in the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and a distinguished graduate of TOPGUN.
5. What was Maverick's role at the start of Top Gun: Maverick?
Maverick was working as a test pilot for the experimental Darkstar aircraft when the events of the sequel began.
6. Who plays Sundown in Top Gun?
In the movie "Top Gun" (1986), Clarence Gilyard Jr. is credited on IMDb for his role as Sundown.
7. What song does Goose play on the piano in the bar scene?
Goose engages with a piano, and atop it, his son is seated, passionately singing "Great Balls of Fire," a recurring song in the film.
8. What is Bill Cortell's nickname in Top Gun?
Naval aviator Lieutenant Bill "Cougar" Cortell, possessing proficiency in the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, has successfully completed training at TOPGUN.
9. What is the significance of the term "MiG-28," the aircraft used by the enemy pilots in Top Gun?
The audio commentary featured on the Special-Edition DVD release of the film reveals that the original intention was for the depicted aircraft to be North Korean. Notably, in reality, all postwar MiG aircraft in military service have been assigned odd-numbered designations, rendering the MiG-28 a fictional designation within the context of the movie.
10. What plane was used as the MiG-28 in Top Gun?
The MiG-28, a fictitious aircraft portrayed as the antagonist in the 1986 film "Top Gun," was brought to life on screen using a Northrop F-5 as the real aircraft.
1. Who plays Chipper in Top Gun?
Adrian Pasdar is credited as Chipper in the 1986 movie "Top Gun," according to IMDb.
2. Who composed the song Take My Breath Away from Top Gun?
The American new wave band Berlin performed "Take My Breath Away," a song written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock specifically for the 1986 film "Top Gun."
3. What does buzzing the tower mean?
Executing a buzzing the tower maneuver involves conducting a low fly-by pass in close proximity to the control tower at high speeds. The powerful force generated by the jet's engine, combined with the rapid speed of the aircraft, results in a pronounced sonic boom that not only shakes the foundation of the control tower but also affects everyone inside it.
4. Who plays Cougar in Top Gun?
According to IMDb, John Stockwell is credited as portraying the character Cougar in the 1986 film "Top Gun."
5. What was flown at the beginning of Top Gun: Maverick?
Within the opening sequence of "Top Gun: Maverick," the Darkstar makes an appearance as Tom Cruise's titular character engages in an unauthorized test flight. During this flight, the aircraft exceeds speeds well beyond Mach 10, leading to the disintegration of the craft.
6. In the movie, what is the significance of the "flat spin" maneuver?
The occurrence of an aircraft rotating rapidly around its vertical axis, resulting from a stall and loss of lift, is depicted in the movie. The term "flat spin" is employed in the film to characterize a critical situation wherein the aircraft is on the brink of crashing.
7. What do the acronym Mig-28 mean in Top Gun?
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-28 (МиГ-28 in Cyrillic script) is a fighter jet with twin engines, designed for either single or two-seat configurations. It is utilized by the air forces of an unspecified, presumably communist nation.
8. What is the call sign used by Maverick for his F-14 Tomcat?
In "Top Gun", Maverick's F-14 Tomcat has the call sign Ghostrider 203. The call sign is used by the approach controller when communicating with Maverick and Goose on the radio.
9. What song plays during the end credits of Top Gun?
"Take My Breath Away" by Berlin is the song featured at the conclusion of the 1986 movie "Top Gun." This iconic track went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1987.
10. Who plays Rick Neven in Top Gun?
Whip Hubley, who portrayed the wingman named Rick Neven, became a notable figure in the Hollywood representation of Top Gun.
1. In the movie, what is the reason behind Maverick's nickname?
Tom Cruise's character, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, serves as the central figure in Top Gun, and his callsign adeptly captures his persona. As Maverick, he embodies the spirit of a maverick—an individual who lives life independently and boldly, often embracing a daring and unconventional approach.
2. What does the term "hard deck" refer to in the context of aerial combat, as mentioned in the movie?
In military aviation terminology, "breaking the hard deck" signifies the act of descending below a pre-established altitude that is deemed safe during a flight. This term is frequently employed in the context of combat or other high-risk missions, where pilots are required to uphold a minimum altitude to mitigate exposure to enemy fire or other potential hazards.
3. What is the name of the elite flight training program featured in Top Gun?
The elite flight training program featured in the Top Gun movies is officially called the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, but it's more commonly known as TOPGUN, or simply Top Gun. This program is designed to train the best naval aviators in air combat maneuvering tactics and techniques
4. Which real aircraft carrier was used as the filming location for the USS Enterprise in the movie?
The aircraft carrier featured at the conclusion of the movie is the USS Enterprise (CV-6). This is evident from the deck markings, which display "EN" on both the bow and stern. A photograph of the USS Enterprise (CV-6) from 1939 on Wikipedia corroborates this information. The squadron depicted in the film is stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, which continues to exist in San Diego, CA.
5. Who plays Payback in Top Gun?
As per IMDb, Jay Ellis is credited with the role of Lt. Reuben 'Payback' Fitch in the movie "Top Gun: Maverick" released in 2022.
6. What is Javy Machado nickname in Top Gun?
In the 2022 movie Top Gun: Maverick, the character Lieutenant Javy "Coyote" Machado is featured.
7. What is Sam's nickname in Top Gun?
Sam "Merlin" Wells, a naval flight officer specializing in the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, holds the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade).
8. Who plays Merlin in Top Gun?
Tim Robbins played the character Merlin in the 1986 film Top Gun, as listed on IMDb.
9. Who plays Coyote in Top Gun?
An American actor, Greg Tarzan Davis, initiated his career in theater before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue acting. In the year 2022, he portrayed the character Javy "Coyote" Machado in the film Top Gun: Maverick.
10. Who delivers the line, "Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash"?
In a comprehensive dialogue addressing Maverick and Goose for their imprudent conduct in the air, Stinger, Maverick's commanding officer, delivers the memorable line, "Son, your ego is making promises that your body can't fulfill."
FAQs
How many Top Gun trivia questions are there? There are 90 in total, divided evenly across three difficulty levels.
Does the quiz cover both movies? Yes! It includes questions from both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick.
Can I play this trivia for free? Absolutely. No sign-up, no fees. Just click and play.
How do I see the correct answers? Each block of 10 questions has a “Show Answers” button at the bottom.
Is this quiz good for groups or solo play? Both! It’s fun to do alone, with friends, or during a Top Gun movie marathon.
