5 Brands in Top Gun

Introduction to Top Gun

The iconic movie Top Gun, released in 1986, is an action-drama film that follows the story of Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hotshot F-14 Tomcat pilot, as he attends the Navy’s elite Top Gun school. The film is known for its intense action sequences, memorable characters, and high-octane aerial stunts. One aspect of the movie that has garnered significant attention is the prominent placement of various brands throughout the film. In this article, we will explore five notable brands that made appearances in Top Gun.

Ray-Ban

The first brand that comes to mind when thinking of Top Gun is Ray-Ban. The iconic Aviator sunglasses worn by Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick, have become an enduring symbol of the film. The placement of Ray-Ban in the movie was a deliberate marketing effort, and it paid off, as the brand experienced a significant surge in sales following the film’s release. The Aviator style has since become synonymous with the movie and is often referred to as the “Top Gun” sunglasses.

Harley-Davidson

Another brand that made a notable appearance in Top Gun is Harley-Davidson. Maverick’s Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was initially supposed to be a Harley-Davidson, but the company declined to participate in the film. However, the Kawasaki bike was later replaced with a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy in some scenes. The association with the film has contributed to the cool factor of the Harley-Davidson brand, which is often linked to freedom and rebellion.

Nike

Nike is another brand that appeared in Top Gun. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Maverick and his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), Goose, are seen wearing Nike sneakers while playing beach volleyball. The scene has become an iconic moment in the movie, and the placement of Nike helped to further establish the brand as a lifestyle and fashion powerhouse.

Cartier

The Cartier brand also made an appearance in Top Gun. In one scene, Maverick’s love interest, Charlie, is seen wearing a Cartier Tank watch. The Tank watch is a classic design that has been a staple of the Cartier brand for decades, and its appearance in the film helped to reinforce the brand’s luxury and sophistication credentials.

Oakley

Finally, Oakley is another brand that appeared in Top Gun. In some scenes, Maverick and his fellow pilots are seen wearing Oakley sunglasses, which were a relatively new brand at the time of the film’s release. The placement of Oakley in the movie helped to establish the brand as a player in the action sports and lifestyle markets.

📝 Note: The product placements in Top Gun were a deliberate marketing effort to appeal to a younger demographic and to associate the brands with the film's themes of _speed_, _style_, and _rebellion_.

In summary, the five brands that appeared in Top Gun - Ray-Ban, Harley-Davidson, Nike, Cartier, and Oakley - have all become iconic in their own right, and their association with the film has contributed to their enduring popularity. The movie’s influence on popular culture and brand marketing cannot be overstated, and it continues to be a cultural touchstone to this day.