Netflix’s high-octane airport thriller Carry‑On has stormed its way into streaming legend—now ranked as the second most-watched Netflix film ever, falling just behind the global juggernaut Red Notice.
Released December 13, 2024, Carry‑On stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer forced to smuggle a nerve agent aboard a flight under a mysterious blackmailer portrayed by Jason Bateman. The film’s gripping “Die Hard–style” premise, paired with a Christmas Eve backdrop and performances by Sofia Carson and Danielle Deadwyler, quickly resonated worldwide (forbes.com, en.wikipedia.org).
By early January 2025, Carry‑On had already surged into Netflix’s all-time top 5 English-language films, amassing over 149.5 million views in its first month (worldofreel.com). Its momentum didn’t stop there. According to Netflix’s latest data, the thriller has now reached 171.5 million views, edging past Don’t Look Up (171.4 million) and solidifying its spot as the second most-watched film on the platform .
- #1 – Red Notice: 230.9 million views
- #2 – Carry‑On: 171.5 million views (whats-on-netflix.com)
- #3 – Don’t Look Up: 171.4 million views (whats-on-netflix.com)
This meteoric rise highlights Carry‑On’s enduring appeal: a taut, well-executed narrative that’s won over both critics and audiences. The film debuted to glowing reviews, earning praise for its tension-filled pacing and standout performances (en.wikipedia.org). Forbes raved it’s “a Die Hard–style Christmas thriller you definitely need to watch,” while The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a satisfying surveillance thriller” lifted by the dynamic leads (en.wikipedia.org).
Despite its surge, dethroning Red Notice—which boasts a record 230.9 million views and 454 million hours watched—remains a monumental challenge (netflix.com). For now, Carry‑On stands triumphant in second place—a historic achievement in its own right.
What’s next? Director Jaume Collet‑Serra recently hinted that while no sequel is currently in the works, the possibility remains open if audience demand and creative inspiration align (whats-on-netflix.com).
Why it matters
- 🔥 Carry‑On dethroned major hits like Don’t Look Up and The Adam Project, cementing its place in Netflix history.
- Releasing mid-December 2024, it defied expectations to become the top Netflix debut of the year (worldofreel.com).
- Its success underlines the timeless appeal of tight, high-stakes thrillers—especially during the holiday season.
As Carry‑On continues to soar, it remains poised for even more milestones. Whether it can climb to #1 depends on whether any new Netflix release can match the enduring power of Red Notice.
