The Top Gun sequel surpassed the previous record, which was held by Sonic the Hedgehog 2, by over 60%. The viewership for Top Gun: Maverick is also nearly four times higher if you compare it to the original Top Gun. Finally, the sequel leads viewership for Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” franchise movies on the streaming platform by 140%. It didn’t hurt that the sequel didn’t have any notable competition on its debut weekend. In fact, the closest thing it had to rivals were the horror blockbuster, Smile, and The Lost City, which stars Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock. The viewership record may also have been helped by Paramount+ offering a 50% discount on annual subscriptions to the streaming platform. The limited-time offer can be availed until Jan 2. Paramount Pictures President and CEO Brian Robbins issued a statement about the success of Top Gun: Maverick on the streaming platform. “The runaway success of this film across theatrical, digital, and now in streaming is an undeniable proof point demonstrating the power of Paramount’s multi-platform release strategy,” Robbins said. " “Across all our 2022 titles, and now with ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ our studio has unlocked the value of variable windowing that streaming provides to augment a film’s overall success." Top Gun: Maverick holds the distinction of being Paramount’s highest-grossing domestic release and became the first movie to take the No. 1 spot at the box office charts on both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. The Top Gun sequel is also Tom Cruise’s biggest opening and highest-grossing film to date. The actor recently thanked fans for supporting the movie while skydiving. In a matter of days, we will know for certain if Top Gun: Maverick holds on to the title of the highest-grossing film of 2022. As of yesterday, it holds a commanding 400 million lead over challenger Avatar: The Way of Water. James Cameron’s Avatar sequel recently broke the $1 billion mark at the box office. The film did it in just two weeks after its international release. We may see Avatar: The Way of Water narrow the gap, but it will take a miracle for the film to dislodge Top Gun: Maverick from its apex spot. Top Gun: Maverick bagged two Golden Globe nominations for best original song and best motion picture, drama. The film has also been hailed as one of the 10 Best Films of 2022 by AFI. The movie has also been recognized by the National Board of Review as the best film for 2022. Tom Cruise received a nomination for best actor in the Critics Choice Awards while the film was nominated for best film.
