You need to watch the first film because this one is a true sequel. In that there's lots of throwbacks, movie easter eggs, and nostalgia, it even had some shots made almost shot for shot from the first film to give its homage and satisfy the fans who requested it. The hardcore top gun funs are gonna love it.
There's more action as well, the shots look very authentic, and the aerial dog fights are the most intense. It's a film full of the best aerial battle stunts so far in cinema history.
Go watch it on the best movie theater you know with the LOUDEST SOUNDS. I watched it on the local IMAX theater and it perfectly captured the roaring of the engines, missiles, and the loud screeching supersonics. The IMAX screen also makes you see a bigger runway and a larger surrounding view of the skies and inside cockpit. It all makes the final 20-30 minute battle even more intense. Easily one of the best movie experiences of my life. What an experience