Celebrating Top Gun Day

Today is May 13, 2025—Top Gun Day! It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, its enduring soundtrack, and the high-flying spirit that continues to captivate audiences nearly 40 years later.

Whether you're rewatching the movie for the umpteenth time, quoting your favorite Maverick line, or just vibing to one of the most iconic soundtracks in cinema history, today is all about stepping back into the Danger Zone—and staying there for at least a few musical minutes.

In a previous blog post, I argued that the Top Gun soundtrack isn’t just one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time—it might also be one of the most unexpectedly educational. Yes, the music is pure ’80s gold. But what sets it apart, at least in my legal nerd opinion, is how each track title can be tied to a specific legal concept tested on the bar exam.

It’s true. From “Danger Zone” (foreseeability and duty in torts) to “Take My Breath Away” (warrantless breath tests in criminal procedure), I matched every original soundtrack track to a black-letter bar rule. What began as background music while I graded final exams turned into one of the most entertaining bar prep exercises I’ve ever created.

If you missed that earlier post, check out "Top Gun Soundtrack" (June 4, 2022).