Netflix’s Carry-On, starring Taron Egerton, delivers holiday chaos and heart-pounding thrills. Could this festive action movie dethrone Die Hard? Stream it now on Netflix.
Netflix has officially delivered its answer to Die Hard this holiday season with Carry-On, a nail-biting thriller starring Taron Egerton. Blending the high-stakes tension of airport security chaos with festive travel anxiety, this movie is the ultimate action-packed Christmas treat.
But can it really dethrone Die Hard as the go-to holiday action classic? Let’s dive into why Carry-On deserves a spot on your must-watch list.
A TSA Agent Turns Action Hero: Why Ethan Kopek Could Be the New John McClane
Taron Egerton steps into the shoes of Ethan Kopek, a young TSA agent who’s thrust into an impossible situation when a mysterious stranger blackmails him into letting a suspicious carry-on bag pass through security. Much like Bruce Willis’s John McClane in Die Hard, Ethan is an everyday guy pushed to his limits as he navigates escalating stakes and personal danger.
Egerton is no stranger to a ‘thriller’ role with his amazing work in Apple TV+ Black Bird’s an absolute must-watch. In Carry-On his performance brings vulnerability, grit, and determination to Kopek as you watch him unravel the mystery and fight to protect innocent lives — much like the same tension and triumph that made John McClane a household name.
Christmas Travel Chaos Meets Thrilling Suspense
There’s something uniquely gripping about combining festive cheer with fast-paced action, and Carry-On capitalises on this formula brilliantly. Set during the bustling Christmas travel season, the film uses the high-pressure atmosphere of an airport as the perfect backdrop for suspense.
The holiday setting isn’t just window dressing — it adds layers of tension and relatability. We’ve all experienced the frenzy of holiday travel, and Carry-On takes that stress to the extreme with life-or-death stakes. The juxtaposition of sparkling Christmas lights and the shadow of danger gives the movie a unique tone that’s as thrilling as it is entertaining.
Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman Shine in a Stellar Cast




Egerton anchors the film, but Carry-On wouldn’t land as effectively without its strong supporting cast. Jason Bateman (Ozark) plays a chillingly enigmatic antagonist whose motives keep viewers guessing — a role far from the normal Bateman characters we’ve seen in comedy movies. Sofia Carson (Purple Hearts) adds emotional weight as Ethan’s pregnant girlfriend, caught in the crossfire.
How Carry-On Could Start a New Holiday Movie Tradition
What makes Die Hard an enduring classic is its ability to blend relentless action with the magic of the holiday season. Carry-On takes a similar approach, offering high-octane thrills while capturing the festive chaos of Christmas travel.
Whether it’s the relatable hero, the suspenseful airport setting, or the twists that keep you guessing, Carry-On has all the makings of a new holiday favourite. Netflix is clearly hoping this film will become a seasonal staple — and with its gripping storyline, it just might.

Watch Carry-On on Netflix: Everything You Need to Know
Ready to watch? Here’s what you need to know:
- Release Date: December 13, 2024
- Where to Stream: Netflix — Watch Now
- Run Time: 1h 59min
- Classification: M