Carry-On landed on Netflix on December 13, 2024, and quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films that month. The airport thriller stars Taron Egerton as a TSA agent blackmailed into letting a dangerous package onto a Christmas Eve flight.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unverified About the Film
Several key details about Carry-On are firmly established. The film was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who previously worked with Egerton on 2022’s The Batgirl (before that project was shelved). Netflix released the movie globally on December 13, 2024. The cast includes Jason Bateman as the mysterious antagonist, alongside Danielle Deadwyler, Sofia Carson, and Theo Rossi in supporting roles. Public records covering this story are gathered in Carry-On | Rotten Tomatoes
What remains less clear is the exact production budget, which Netflix has not publicly disclosed. The screenplay was written by TJ Fixman, marking a notable early-career credit for the writer.
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Release date | Confirmed: December 13, 2024 |
| Director | Confirmed: Jaume Collet-Serra |
| Lead cast | Confirmed: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman |
| Production budget | Not publicly disclosed |
| Sequel status | No official announcement as of early 2025 |
How Critics and Audiences Responded to Carry-On
Carry-On 2024 reviews have been mixed-to-positive across major outlets. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a critics score in the mid-60% range, with many reviewers praising the tight pacing and Egerton’s committed performance. The premise — a real-time thriller set in an airport terminal — drew frequent comparisons to the Die Hard franchise, with several critics calling it a worthy holiday-season action entry.
Audience reactions have been somewhat warmer than critical assessments. Viewers on social media highlighted the film’s binge-worthy tension and Bateman’s against-type casting as the villain. Some reviewers noted the plot relies on convenient coincidences, but most agreed the film delivers solid entertainment for its runtime. The Christmas Eve setting added a layer of atmosphere that resonated with viewers looking for seasonal content.
How Carry-On Came Together as a Netflix Holiday Thriller
Jaume Collet-Serra has built a reputation for directing lean, effective thrillers. His previous credits include Non-Stop (2014) starring Liam Neeson, The Shallows (2016), and Jungle Cruise (2021). The collaboration with Egerton began taking shape after their experience on the shelved Batgirl project for Warner Bros., which was completed but never released in 2022.
Netflix acquired the project as part of its strategy to produce original action content for the holiday window. The film was produced through Netflix’s in-house production infrastructure, with Steven Schneider and Collet-Serra serving as producers. Principal photography reportedly took place in late 2023 and early 2024, though the production kept details under wraps until the marketing campaign launched in the fall of 2024.
Why Carry-On Became a Streaming Conversation Starter
The film’s release timing proved strategic. Dropping a thriller on December 13 positioned Carry-On as a go-to watch for the holiday travel season, tapping into the cultural familiarity of airport anxiety. Social media engagement spiked in the days following release, with viewers sharing real-time reactions to the film’s twists.
Carry-On also reignited a broader conversation about Netflix’s original film strategy. The platform has faced criticism for inconsistent quality, but Carry-On was cited by several industry observers as an example of what works: a straightforward genre film with recognizable stars, a clear hook, and a runtime that respects the audience’s time. Whether it signals a sustained shift or a one-off success remains an open question for industry watchers tracking the platform’s 2025 slate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Carry-On differ from other airport thrillers like Non-Stop?
Carry-On centers on a TSA agent rather than a passenger or law enforcement officer, shifting the perspective to someone working inside the security system. While Non-Stop placed Liam Neeson on a plane mid-flight, Carry-On unfolds largely at a terminal checkpoint, creating a different kind of claustrophobic tension.
Is Carry-On still one of the most-watched films on Netflix?
Carry-On debuted as one of Netflix’s most-watched films in December 2024. Streaming rankings shift weekly based on new releases, so its position on the platform’s charts has likely changed since its initial surge. Netflix periodically updates its viewing data through official reports.
How many reviews contributed to Carry-On’s Rotten Tomatoes score?
The exact number of reviews compiled on Rotten Tomatoes fluctuates as new assessments are added over time.
What is Taron Egerton best known for before Carry-On?
Egerton gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Elton John in the 2019 musical biopic Rocketman, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He also starred in the Kingsman action franchise and appeared in Eddie the Eagle before taking on the lead role in Carry-On.
Is there any confirmed sequel or follow-up to Carry-On?
As of early 2025, Netflix has not announced a sequel to Carry-On.