Maybe the best blockbuster movie of the decade is on TV tonight

The film is an absolute modern classic.

Having fallen out with his bosses (represented by Ed Harris), Maverick's old friend Iceman (Val Kilmer) lands him a position teaching a group of younger Top Gun graduates. This is so that they can carry out a specialised mission, one the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen.

Maverick's job is complicated by the presence of Lt. Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw (Miles Teller) in the graduate group. Rooster is the son of Maverick's best friend from his own Navy training who died in the air.

As such, the teacher is faced with a dilemma. Should he forbid Rooster from embarking on the dangerous mission or prepare him for it?

Watch the trailer for Top Gun: Maverick right here:

Thanks to the movie's winning central performance by Cruise, its brilliant ensemble cast (also featuring a scene-stealing Glen Powell and Jennifer Connelly), its smart screenplay, and its stunning action set-pieces, Top Gun: Maverick was a box office and critical smash hit.

Widely considered superior to its already iconic predecessor, the sequel earned six Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture. It won in the Best Sound category.

A follow-up is also in the works. That said, JOE got the scoop that one particular actor won't be returning for the sequel. Read about that here.

Top Gun: Maverick is airing on TV tonight at Film4 at 9pm. Both Top Guns are also streaming on Paramount+.

Here are the other movies airing on TV tonight (Thursday, 24 September):