81 - "Top Gun" (1986)

     I just recently got to see Top Gun on the big screen for the first time, thanks to AMC Theaters classic movies series. THAT was a great experience to say the least. I'm not a big fan of Tony Scott action movies as things like script and good acting are usually not hallmarks of his work, but Top Gun is definitely an exception. Tom Cruise stars as Navy pilot Pete Mitchell, codenamed Maverick, who along with his partner Goose (Anthony Edwards) are sent to the top pilot school in the world, Top Gun. Maverick is known as being a hot shot and will take crazy risks with his flying to gain the upper hand. His abilities, while unique and some of the best the instructors have ever seen, are so out of the norm that he is labeled as risky to work with. While at Top Gun, Maverick duels with the other top pilot in the Navy, Iceman played by Val Kilmer. When an accident leads to a tragic consequence, Maverick must somehow pick himself up and find the courage to get back in the cockpit. A female instructor named Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis in her second straight appearance in this list, becomes romantically attracted to Maverick and tries to help give him the courage to continue. Top Gun is a fun, action-packed film and is one of the movies that defined the decade of the 80's. This is another movie where the soundtrack fits perfectly and adds to the movie, highlighted by the 80's classic "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins.