45 Best Top Gun Quotes That Aren't Classified

Georgia Stone
Dec 12, 2023 By Georgia Stone
Originally Published on Jan 08, 2021
Tom Cruise quotes from 'Top Gun' have gone down in history
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Read time: 8.8 Min

'Top Gun' is a much loved action drama film that was released in 1986.

'Top Gun' was directed by Tony Scott and featured the legendary Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis in lead roles. Renowned actors such as Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan and Val Kilmer played supporting roles in 'Top Gun'.

Famous quotes from 'Top Gun' are remembered to this day, and in this article we're going to revisit some of the best 'Top Gun' quotes.

'Top Gun' starts with the iconic line, "Morning, Scott." To Which Scott replies, "Morning, Wells."

The rest of the movie from this point on is an exhilarating trip through the high skies. We'll be covering quotes from legendary characters from the movie like Maverick and Goose and all you need to do is scroll on to read the best 'Top Gun' Maverick quotes and 'Top Gun' Goose quotes.

Apart from Maverick and Goose, we'll also revisit the most memorable Kelly McGillis 'Top Gun' quotes and hilarious Stinger Maverick quotes. So, without further ado, let's get started!

For more amazing quotes articles right here on Kidadl, check out these 80s movie quotes and Tom Cruise quotes.
 

The Best 'Top Gun' Quotes

We kick things off by taking a look at some 'Top Gun' quotes that are still remembered fondly by fans of the movie as well as fans of actors such as Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis and Val Kilmer.

If you're on the lookout for an iconic 'Top Gun quote', you're at the right place, because we've compiled a list of the most famous 'Top Gun' quotes in this section, so read on!

For example, did you know that the line "Talk to me, Goose" is actually said by Goose to Maverick? He says this line after Maverick sadly dies, showing the love he had for his friend.

Maverick and Goose are a pair that people still love, and the movie is a perfect example for fighter pilots to feel the need for speed.

Look out for number 14: "Hey Goose, you big stud," which is the iconic line that actress Meg Ryan (playing Carole) says to Goose in 'Top Gun', and number 16: "I feel the need... for speed," which is perhaps the most famous line from 'Top Gun'.

Maverick 'Top Gun' quotes were brought to life by the remarkable acting skills of the one and only Tom Cruise.

1. "Tom Kazansky: You're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.

Maverick: That's right, Iceman! I am dangerous."

- 'Top Gun'.

2. "Jesus Christ, and you think I'm reckless? When I fly, I'll have you know that my crew and my plane come first."

- Maverick.

3. "What I'm about to tell you is classified. It could end my career. We were in the worst dogfight I ever dreamed of... His F-4 was hit, and he was wounded, but he could've made it back. He stayed in it, saved three planes before he bought it."

- Viper.

4. "It's classified. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

- Maverick.

5. "That was some of the best flying I've seen to date - right up to the part where you got killed. You never, never leave your wingman."

- Jester.

6. "How's it feel to be on the front page of every newspaper in the English-speaking world, even though the other side denies the incident? Congratulations."

- Stinger.

7. "Charlie: Listen, can I ask you a personal question?

Maverick: That depends.

Charlie: Are you a good pilot?

Maverick: I can hold my own.

Charlie: Great, then I won't have to worry about you making your living as a singer.

Maverick: I'm going to need a beer to put these flames out. Yo! Great Mav, real slick."

- 'Top Gun'.

8. "Cougar: This is Ghost Rider 117, this bogey is all over me. He's got missile lock on me. Do I have permission to fire?

Stinger: Do not fire until fired upon!"

- 'Top Gun'.

9. "Goose: It's the bottom of the 9th, the score is tied. It's time for the big one.

Iceman: You think you can handle that Maverick?

Maverick: It's just a walk in the park Kazanski."

- 'Top Gun'.

10. "God, he loved flying with you Maverick. But he would've done it anyway... without you. He'd have hated it, but he would've done it."

- Carole.

11. "You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead."

- Maverick.

12. "Maverick, it's not your flying, it's your attitude. The enemy's dangerous, but right now you're worse. Dangerous and foolish. You may not like who's flying with you, but whose side are you on?"

- Iceman.

13. "Viper: In case some of you are wondering who the best is, they are up here on this plaque. Do you think your name will be on that plaque?

Maverick: Yes, sir.

Viper: That's pretty arrogant, considering the company you're in.

Maverick: Yes, sir.

Viper: I like that in a pilot."

- 'Top Gun'.

14. "Carole: Hey, Goose, you big stud!

Goose: That's me, honey.

- 'Top Gun'.

15. "Top Gun rules of engagement are written for your safety and for that of your team. They are not flexible, nor am I. Either obey them or you are history. Is that clear?"

- Viper.

16. "Maverick: I feel the need...

Goose: ...the need for speed."

- 'Top Gun'.

17. "Goose: No. No, Mav, this is not a good idea.

Maverick: Sorry, Goose, but it's time to buzz the tower."

- 'Top Gun'.

18. "Remember, boys, no points for second place."

- Slider.

19. "I see some real genius in your flying, Maverick, but I can't say that in there. I was afraid that everyone in the tax trailer would see right through me, and I just don't want anyone to know that I've fallen for you."

- Charlie.

20. "Every time we go up there, it's like you're flying with a ghost."

- Goose.

21. "Maverick: I can see it's dangerous for you, but if the government trusts me, maybe you could.

Charlie: It takes a lot more than fancy flying."

- 'Top Gun'.

22. "Maverick: Tower, this is Ghost Rider requesting a flyby.

Air Boss Johnson: Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full."

- 'Top Gun'.

23. "His fitness report says it all. Flies by the seat of his pants. Totally unpredictable."

- Jester.

24. "What you should have done was land your plane! You don't own that plane! The taxpayers do! Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash!"

- Stinger.

25. "Yeah, he did it right... Is that why you fly the way you do? Trying to prove something? Yeah, your old man did it right."

- Viper.

26. "Too close for missiles, I'm switching to guns."

- Maverick.

27. "Viper: How ya doin'?

Maverick: I'm all right.

Viper: Goose is dead.

Maverick: I know.

Viper: You fly jets long enough, something like this happens.

Maverick: He was my R.I.O., my responsibility.

Viper: My squadron, we lost 8 of 18 aircraft. 10 men. First one dies, you die too. But there will be others. You can count on that. You gotta let him go. You gotta let him go."

- 'Top Gun'.

Funny 'Top Gun' Quotes

Now that we've taken you through some of the quotes from 'Top Gun' that are regarded as the best from the movie, it's time to turn our attention towards some funny quotes from the movie.

'Top Gun' had numerous moments that were nothing short of hilarious and if these quotes make you giggle, make sure you check out the movie too.

Trust us, you won't regret it!

Some of the Iceman quotes and Stinger Maverick quotes from 'Top Gun' are sure to make you laugh out loud.

28. "The defense department regrets to inform you that your sons are dead because they were stupid."

- Goose.

29. "Iceman: You can be my wingman any time.

Maverick: You can be mine."

- 'Top Gun'.

30. "Maverick: I thought of being an instructor, sir.

Stinger: Top Gun?

Maverick: Yes, sir.

Stinger: God help us."

- 'Top Gun'.

31. "Charlie: I'll have what he is having. Hemlock, is it?

Maverick: Ice water."

- 'Top Gun'.

32. "Slider: Crashed and burned! Huh, Mav?

Maverick: Hey, Slider. You stink!"

- 'Top Gun'.

33. "I think I'll go embarrass myself with Goose."

- Maverick.

34. "Maverick: You didn't tell me who you were the other night.

Charlie: You didn't give me a chance, did you? You deserved it.

Maverick: I know. But you were tempted to ask you out for dinner.

Charlie: No. I don't date students."

- 'Top Gun'.

35. "When I first met you, you were larger than life. Look at you. You're not going to be happy unless you're going Mach 2 with your hair on fire."

- Charlie.

36. "Two of your snot-nose jockeys did a fly-by on my tower at over 400 knots! I want somebody's butt, I want it now, I've had it!"

-  Air Boss Johnson.

37. "Slider: ... whose butt did you kiss to get in here anyway?

Goose: Well, the list is long, but distinguished."

- 'Top Gun'.

38. "No, boys. There's two "O"s in Goose."

- Goose.

39. "Charlie: Sit down! I love that song! How long have you two been doing this act?

Maverick: Oh, since uh...

Charlie: Puberty?

Maverick: Right, puberty."

- 'Top Gun'.

40. "Mustang, this is Voodoo 3. Remaining MiGs are bugging out."

- Merlin.

41. "Charlie: So, lieutenant, where exactly were you?

Maverick: Well, we...

Goose: Thank you.

Maverick: Started up on his six, when he pulled in through the clouds, and then I moved in above him.

Charlie: Well, if you were directly above him, how could you see him?

Maverick: Because I was inverted."

- 'Top Gun'.

42.  "Charlie: Hello, Pete Mitchell. I heard the best of the best were going to be back here, so uh...

Maverick: This could be complicated. You know on the first one I crashed and burned.

Charlie: And the second.

Maverick: I don't know, but uh, it's looking good so far."

- 'Top Gun'.

43. "This is what I call a target-rich environment."

- Maverick.

44. "Let's turn and burn!"

- Nick.

45. "Carole: I've known Pete for a lot of years now and one thing's for certain. There are hearts breaking wide open all over the world tonight.

Charlie: Why?

Carole: Because, unless you are a fool, that boy is off the market. He is 100 percent prime-time in love with you."

- 'Top Gun'.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 'Top Gun' quotes, then why not take a look at these 'You've Got Mail' quotes or 'Indiana Jones' quotes for more great movie quotes?

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Written by Georgia Stone

Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

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Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.

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