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Carry-On

Carry-On

Every holiday season, millions travel safely by air. This Christmas will be different.

2024119 minPG-13Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films
Director
Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring
Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler

An airport security officer races to outsmart a mysterious traveler forcing him to let a dangerous item slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Carry-On?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Carry-On streaming on Netflix.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Carry-On?

Carry-On earns 5 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Preferred by Critics.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Carry-On worth watching?

Carry-On's Midcredits score is the 62nd percentile of all films, from 1.3M ratings across 6 sources. 55% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

62nd percentile

Better received than 62% of films

76th percentile among Action63rd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)63rd
Approval (how many liked it)59th

65 /100

63rd percentile of all films

78th percentile among Action63rd percentile among 2020s

Critics 69 · Audience 65

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

55% liked it

59th percentile of all films

72nd percentile among Action60th percentile among 2020s
55% rated it 7–1045% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 52%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 7 noms overall

96th percentile

1.3M ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Action97th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 22% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A formulaic Die Hard homage set at LAX on Christmas Eve that works best as disposable popcorn entertainment.

Fans praised

  • villain Bateman plays against type with chilling charisma
  • brisk, engaging thriller paying homage to 90s action
  • practical effects and physical stuntwork add authenticity

Detractors panned

  • protagonist makes endlessly illogical decisions
  • laughably unrealistic airport security and logistics
  • plot relies on contrived conveniences and lazy writing

What stands out

Acting73

Egerton commits physically, Bateman is compellingly sinister as villain

Atmosphere65

convincing LAX terminal and baggage areas create immersive airport setting

TensionDivisive60

effective thriller moments but undermined by implausible setups

PacingDivisive60

first act drags, but second half picks up; some feel it overstays at 2 hours

Cinematography58

soaring drone shots of LAX freeways, energetic staging of action

Characters40

hero lacks depth, girlfriend is a flat damsel, detective starts relatable then becomes plot-armored

Plot and storyDivisive30

ridiculous contrivances and characters making irrational choices undermine logic

Originality20

heavily derivative of Die Hard and other 90s thrillers with no fresh ideas

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 21 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Carry-On like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its high-stakes premise completely straight, with no ironic distance.
The rideThe blackmail setup sustains a high level of tension and dread from beginning to end, with intermittent action spikes.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from the initial blackmail through the escalating confrontation to the resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film ends with the hero's family intact and a new career beginning, leaving an uplifting, feel-good impression.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA TSA agent is blackmailed by a mercenary to let a bomb through security; he must outwit the villain and prevent a chemical attack.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalDeception · 9% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeKopek must survive the immediate physical and moral threat from the Traveler while navigating the web of deceit and his own complicity.
StanceThe film warns of the vulnerabilities in airport security and the moral compromises one can be forced into under extreme pressure.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalUrbanRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Lorne Balfe
SettingA major airport during Christmas Eve
MusicAn urgent, tension-building score suited to the airport thriller setting.

Content guide

Is Carry-On okay for kids?

PG-13

Carry-On is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, some language and suggestive references” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (59/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (24/100) and frightening material at moderate (59/100). Overall it is heavier than 61% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+13
  • Belgium12
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • LTN-13
  • LU12
  • MexicoB
  • MY18SG
  • Netherlands12
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • PRPG-13
  • SingaporeNC16
  • South Africa13
  • Spain12
  • TH13
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA12+
  • VIPG-13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 38% of all filmsHeavier than 61% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 69%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 22%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 46%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 72%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 69% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Carry-On have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Carry-On, all withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in Carry-On?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Taron Egerton
as Ethan Kopek
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jason Bateman
as Traveler
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sofia Carson
as Nora Parisi
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danielle Deadwyler
as Elena Cole
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Theo Rossi
as Watcher
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Logan Marshall-Green
as Agent Alcott
Dean Norris
as Phil Sarkowski
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Sinqua Walls
as Jason Noble
Gil Perez-Abraham
as Eddie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tonatiuh
as Mateo Flores
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Carry-On?

Movies like Carry-On include The Commuter (2018), Non-Stop (2014) and The Shallows (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Jaume Collet-Serra, and several are films about law enforcement.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its subject: survival. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Carry-On?

824 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: terrorist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.