Want to see San Diego on the big screen? One of the films most often associated with the city, “Top Gun,” is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a return to theaters. “Top Gun: Maverick” will also be returning.
The original Paramount Pictures film, which was followed up with a sequel in 2022, first debuted in 1986, starring Tom Cruise, Tim Robbins, Kelly McGillis and Val Kilmer and depicted pilot training and life at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, which was based on San Diego’s own United States Navy Fighter Weapons School.
The school opened at Naval Air Station Miramar in 1969, but has since relocated to Fallon, Nevada. To capture its original spirit, the cast and crew filmed “Top Gun” all over San Diego, including Liberty Station, Kansas City Barbecue, The Lafayette Hotel, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Laurel Street.
These are the ‘Top Gun’ filming locations in San Diego, including ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
“Top Gun: Marverick” also filmed in San Diego at locations such as Ocean Boulevard in Coronado, the New Point Loma Lighthouse, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and Breakers Beach.
Tom Cruise plays Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun: Maverick.” (Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Jerry Bruckheimer Films)
Both films will return to theaters for one week starting May 13. Participating theater chains in San Diego County include AMC, Reading Cinemas, Angelika Film Center, Cinépolis and Regal Cinemas.
Screenings will be available in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, ScreenX and premium large format. Fans can learn more about the 40th anniversary and find participating theaters at topgunmovie.com or check their local theater for showtimes.