An elite US Navy fighter weapons school, known as Top Gun, is where the best of the best train to refine their aviation skills and dogfighting tactics. Among the fiercely competitive pilots is Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a cocky and talented pilot who flies by instinct, often breaking the rules and outperforming his peers. Maverick and his Radar Intercept Officer, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, are given the chance to train at Top Gun, where Maverick's reckless yet effective flying style quickly makes him both a standout and a target for other pilots' envy, especially the talented and by-the-book Tom "Iceman" Kazansky.

At Top Gun, Maverick struggles with the heavy weight of his late father's mysterious combat reputation and vies to be the top pilot of the class. While challenging Iceman for the coveted position, Maverick also navigates a complex romantic relationship with his civilian instructor, Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood, who is both taken with Maverick's flying prowess and concerned by his cavalier attitude. As Maverick attempts to reconcile his impulsive behavior with the discipline required of a top naval aviator, he is confronted with tragedy and must face his deepest fears, propelling his growth both as a pilot and as a person.