An Ode to Top Gun's Volleyball Scene, the Most Homoerotic Moment in Cinema History

Bless the '80s for this part of Tom Cruise's film that brough us shirtless men jumping around, high-fiving and flexing

By Jenna Mullins May 16, 2016 6:00 PMTags
Top Gun, Tom Cruise, VolleyballYouTube

If Top Gun was the highway to the danger zone, then that volleyball scene must have been the onramp to Homoerotic Blvd. And we mean that in the best way possible.

Smack dab in the middle of this macho movie about fighter pilots is two glorious, glistening, bulging minutes of hot dudes jumping around in the sand, and we would like to thank whoever made that cinematic decision. We hear it was added after principal filming was completed because the studio thought fans wanted to see more of Tom Cruise shirtless. You will not hear complaints from us regarding that choice.

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Since today is Top Gun's 30th anniversary, we would like to honor that iconic volleyball scene and give thanks to all those shiny, shirtless men. We recommend putting on "Take My Breath Away" while you scroll to really get in the mood.

We start with a shot of a muscular, shiny back. That's how we know we're in for a real treat.

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Don't be fooled by Tom Cruise "checking his watch." He just wants an excuse to flex those triceps. He does it a lot in this scene.

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Mouths open, limbs flailing!

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Not only are there shirtless men playing volleyball, but there's a hoard of shirtless men watching the other shirtless men.

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Goose and Maverick high-five with the enthusiasm of two lovers embracing after being apart for months.

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Bite those lips, boys.

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Look how excited he is at the sight of Maverick sprawled on the ground.

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Don't worry, Mav. Goose will hold you close.

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He's not even trying to hide his flexing pose. And check out Iceman's cheekbones!

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Slow motion and shirtless. Just how we like our volleyball scenes.

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Lunging and flexing. Flexing and lunging.

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We ship it.

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Why you gotta keep that shirt on, Goose?! Liberate that torso. For America!

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When Tom Cruise puts a shirt on, we turn the movie off. (Not true, of course we're finishing Top Gun. That movie is awesome.)

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Thank you, Top Gun team, for delivering this gift to us. 30 years later and we still love every moment of it.

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