Jaume Collet-Serra’s Carry-On, a high-octane thriller set within the confines of an airport, has swiftly ascended the ranks of Netflix’s most-watched original films. Released in December 2024, the film stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent thrust into a nightmarish scenario when he’s coerced into allowing a deadly chemical weapon onto a passenger plane. Its gripping premise, coupled with Egerton’s compelling performance, propelled the film to the top of Netflix’s charts within its first week, surpassing all other films released on the platform that year. Accumulating an impressive 149.5 million views in its first month, Carry-On maintained its reign at the top of the English-language film list for four consecutive weeks, solidifying its position as a bona fide audience favorite. This success is particularly noteworthy considering the film’s reported $47 million production budget, marking a significant return on investment for Netflix.
Carry-On‘s narrative centers on Ethan Kopek’s desperate struggle to avert a catastrophic terrorist attack. Caught between the demands of ruthless extremists and his duty to protect innocent lives, Kopek must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and high-stakes decisions. The film’s tension-filled plot, punctuated by moments of suspense and action, kept audiences on the edge of their seats, contributing to its widespread popularity and critical acclaim. The film’s success is further amplified by the ongoing speculation surrounding Taron Egerton’s potential casting as Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, adding another layer of intrigue and drawing further attention to his performance in Carry-On.
The film’s director, Jaume Collet-Serra, expressed his gratification at the audience’s enthusiastic response, highlighting the personal connection viewers forged with the story. The outpouring of positive feedback, from friends and strangers alike, confirmed for Collet-Serra that Carry-On had resonated deeply with viewers. The film’s success is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling, driven by a compelling performance from its lead actor and the expertly crafted suspense that permeates the narrative. This positive reception underscores the film’s ability to engage audiences on an emotional level, transcending mere entertainment to offer a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
While Carry-On’s exceptional performance has sparked discussions about a potential sequel, Collet-Serra maintains that no concrete plans are currently underway. He acknowledges the possibility of revisiting the Carry-On universe, contingent upon a strong narrative concept that lives up to the original’s captivating storyline. This cautious approach suggests a commitment to quality over quantity, prioritizing a compelling narrative over the allure of capitalizing on the initial film’s success. A sequel would only be considered if it could offer a fresh and engaging perspective, further developing the world and characters introduced in the first installment.
Carry-On‘s remarkable achievement is contextualized within the broader landscape of Netflix’s most-watched original films. It currently holds the fifth position on the all-time list, trailing behind Red Notice, Don’t Look Up, The Adam Project, and Bird Box. Its inclusion in this elite group highlights the film’s widespread appeal and its ability to capture the attention of a global audience. Significantly, Carry-On‘s success bumped Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story from the top five, underscoring the competitive nature of the streaming platform and the ever-shifting landscape of audience preferences.
While Carry-On dominated the English-language film charts, the global phenomenon of Squid Game continued its reign in the non-English television category. Season 2 of the Korean drama amassed a staggering 126.2 million views within just 11 days of its release, shattering Netflix TV records. The series’ continued popularity is evidenced by its number one ranking in 91 countries and the sustained viewership of Season 1, further solidifying Squid Game’s position as a global cultural phenomenon. This dual dominance, with Carry-On leading English-language films and Squid Game reigning over non-English television, showcases the diverse offerings on Netflix and the platform’s ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences across different languages and cultures. This global reach highlights the evolving landscape of entertainment consumption and the increasing prominence of international content in the mainstream media.
