Paramount has officially announced the Tom Cruise Top Gun Re-release will arrive in theaters for the film’s 40th anniversary, offering fans another chance to see the iconic action drama on the big screen. The studio scheduled the event for May 13, 2026, just days before the original’s 1986 debut anniversary, reinforcing Tom Cruise’s centrality to the franchise’s enduring appeal after nearly four decades.
Paramount Schedules Anniversary Event
The 40th anniversary re-release of Top Gun marks its fourth major rollout to cinemas following its original 1986 debut, a 3-D version in 2013, and a 2021 prequel run ahead of the sequel. Confirmed by Paramount, this latest theatrical event was revealed as part of a growing 2026 lineup, as reported by Variety. Returning on May 13, 2026, Top Gun’s new release date comes almost exactly forty years after its original May 16, 1986 premiere, a date that helped cement Tom Cruise’s role as Maverick in pop culture.
Notable Release History for Top Gun
Throughout its box office history, most Top Gun releases have happened in May. The first film premiered on May 16, 1986, followed by a May 14, 2021 re-release, and the blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick launching May 27, 2022. The only outlier has been the 3-D re-release, which arrived in February 2013. Top Gun’s overall box office receipts have reached $357 million, with the franchise’s popularity contributing to Paramount’s ongoing efforts to keep it relevant for new and returning audiences.
Chronology of Major Top Gun Screenings
Below is a look at the major theatrical showings for the Top Gun franchise:
1. Top Gun – May 16, 1986
2. Top Gun 3D Re-Release – February 8, 2013
3. Top Gun 2021 Re-Release – May 14, 2021
4. Top Gun: Maverick – May 27, 2022
5. Top Gun 40th Anniversary Re-Release – May 13, 2026
Val Kilmer Absent from Upcoming Event
The 2026 re-release will be the first Top Gun theatrical event without Val Kilmer, who was celebrated by fellow cast members including Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Jennifer Connelly following his passing on April 1, 2025, at age 65. Kilmer’s contribution as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky became a touchstone in the film’s legacy, and his absence will be notable for longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Industry Context and Franchise Prospects
The anniversary re-release comes amid a crowded movie calendar, landing just five days after Mortal Kombat II and days before Disney’s The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22. Paramount’s strategy to bring the original Top Gun back to theaters may tap into renewed excitement around the franchise, especially since the last film, Top Gun: Maverick, amassed $1.496 billion at the box office in 2022.
With the return of Tom Cruise likely to rekindle interest in his action-hero persona, speculation is building around Top Gun 3. According to reports from August 2025, Paramount considers a third installment a top priority, though no major announcements have been made regarding its storyline or cast. Many hope that the 40th anniversary showing’s performance could accelerate development of the sequel, potentially reducing the wait experienced after the original film.
Significance and What Lies Ahead
Top Gun’s 40th anniversary theatrical event stands to reaffirm its position in entertainment history while also serving as a tribute to the franchise’s enduring stars, such as Kelly McGillis, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Edwards, and of course, Tom Cruise. Paramount’s commitment to the Tom Cruise Top Gun Re-release keeps the brand relevant for longtime fans and introduces a new generation to the legacy of Maverick, Iceman, and their peers. As anticipation builds for Top Gun 3, the anniversary screening could shape the studio’s future decisions and the direction of the franchise over the next decade.
