How Top Gun: Maverick’s Breathtaking Practical Effects Were Achieved

Here's how the Top Gun Maverick flying scenes were made. See how the Top Gun Maverick cast and crew prepared for these Top Gun Maverick scenes and Top Gun Maverick stunts, from filming the exciting Top Gun plane clips fit for an action movie, to some hardcore Tom Cruise flying lessons.

We spoke to Top Gun Maverick director Joe Kosinski and star Miles Teller about how Top Gun: Maverick's astonishing aerial sequences were achieved using unprecedented practical effects, and a rigorous training program designed by Maverick himself, Tom Cruise. Join us for a look at Top Gun Maverick behind the scenes.

Top Gun: Maverick is exclusively in UK cinemas May 25 and May 27 in the US, in 4DX and IMAX.

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[npcimknot]

This movie is the first movie in a long time that feels like a real blockbuster. Practical really has a massive difference.

[kashif]

This movie demands to be seen in a theater, no tv screen can do justice to the amount of work these guys have put in

[epw]

Lol, so let me get this straight, the plot in the movie was Tom Cruise trying to teach the crew how to fly a dangerous mission, but also behind the scenes, he also put them through a REAL flying course? Dudes a legend

[OfentseMwaseFilms]

Tom Cruise is a one in a lifetime actor. You can see him fighting to nail the shot as the G's destroy his face. This movie is Amazing! 10/10

[Carbonite]

Man's still dishing out blockbuster movies decades later, absolute legend

[Hazzelnot]

Much like Dunkirk, only a movie theatre can do this film justice. The sound experience was out of this world.

[rayreese]

This movie was 10/10 . Some of the unbelievable aerial footage I’ve ever seen. Chills

[ASpec]

This movie was epic. One of the rare instances where the sequel was just as if not better than the original.

[gabriellechung]

You know a movie is a blockbuster when the majority who have already watched it plans to go see it a second time. Like the old Disney E-ticket ride! Kudos to Cruise and crew, they’ve set the bar high.

[drrd]

How is Tom Cruise still alive! The amount of crazy stunts this man has done, he is more than an actor, he is a producer but also stunt man. What a legend!

[futureocean]

Titanic, Jurassic Park, Avatar changed the game. Now the authentic “real” movie to make a comeback.. how refreshing!

[joshhooker]

Tom Cruise is probably the last of the great movie stars. Aside from some questionable beliefs, he really is the whole package. If this doesn't sweep the Oscars, then they really are completely irrelevant.

[allthingstoallmen]

Say what you want about Tom Cruise as a person, but when it comes to his craft, the man goes ALL IN

[kg]

Best theatre experience I've ever had in my life!! Much needed break from CG stuff. Can't even imagine the planning & extensive training everyone must have gone through.

[warrens.]

The money shot for me was seeing three F-18's all break the sound barrier in one scene as they were low flying through the snowy mountains. That was just incredible.

[ironingbored]

The practical effects in this movie are a stark, stunning contrast to the seemingly endless stream of Marvel-type CGI drivel which Hollywood has been churning out for far too long. With such a glut of CGI, it is rarely impressive now. Top Gun 2 just goes to demonstrate it with an old fashioned effort. The flying sequences are amazing!

[nicks.]

Watched it last night at a IMAX theater. Absolutely unreal flying scenes. You felt like you were in the cockpit pulling G’s with them. 10/10. The whole theater said “holy sh*t” out loud probably 20 times during the movie.

[authorofone]

As a VFX artist, it’s so cool to see practical used like this. Often people act like there’s a fight between CG and real, but there’s never been one. If real is the best way to capture the shots and it fits the movie, not a single VFX person will complain. Congrats to everyone involved

[viditjain]

He's fricking 59 and still doing crazy stunts and putting out the best of Hollywood's action movies

[MrT-lhbw]

The roof coming off the guard shack when darkstar goes over was awesome on screen. Can’t believe it wasn’t planned that’s amazing