10 Must-Watch Movies for Fans of Carry-On Films

Carry-On has emerged as the latest gripping thriller from renowned director Jaume Collet-Serra. The film follows the plight of an unfortunate security officer at LAX, who is unwittingly drawn into a global conspiracy when a suspicious suitcase appears during his shift. Featuring standout performances from Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, the film showcases Bateman in a departure from his typical comedic roles, stepping into a darker, villainous character that propels the narrative. As one of Netflix’s top current films, Carry-On pays homage to classic action and thriller storytelling styles.

While Carry-On boasts an original story rich with unexpected twists, it also evokes a sense of nostalgia for the mid-budget thrillers that were prevalent in the ‘90s and early 2000s. This film captures the essence of those modern classics, employing down-to-earth performances combined with inventive plot developments to maintain audience engagement, despite its straightforward narrative. The film reaches new heights during its climactic conclusion, as Collet-Serra dives headfirst into high-octane action.

10 Panic Room (2002)

Directed By David Fincher

Although David Fincher’s Panic Room may not be among his most famous works, it stands out as one of his most exhilarating offerings. The film features Kristen Stewart and Jodie Foster in the roles of a mother and daughter, who seek refuge in their panic room when intruders break into their home, only to discover that the burglars harbor much darker motives than ordinary theft.

Fincher’s ability to transform a simple premise into a gripping narrative is evident through his polished direction, sharp screenplay, and the powerful performances that breathe authenticity into even the melodramatic elements of the plot. This mirrors the approach of Carry-On, which, despite potentially exaggerated plot points, captivates by wholly embracing its compelling storyline.

9 The Guilty (2021)

Directed By Antoine Fuqua

Antoine Fuqua, known for his action-driven films like The Equalizer and Training Day, takes a different route in The Guilty, delivering a low-key yet thrilling experience. The story centers on a 911 dispatch officer who takes a mysterious call that sets him on a perilous quest filled with enigmatic clues as he tries to save a young woman in distress.

Loosely based on true events, Fuqua’s thoughtful and grounded storytelling resonates well with audiences. The first act of Carry-On shares a similar immersive quality, effectively capturing the dynamic exchanges between Egerton and Bateman’s characters, bringing an authentic depth to the narrative.

8 Buried (2010)

Directed By Rodrigo Cortes

Buried is often recognized for Ryan Reynolds’ striking lead performance, yet its meticulous storytelling deserves equal commendation. The plot focuses on a US soldier who awakens in a wooden coffin several feet below ground, armed with nothing but a cellphone and a lighter as he strives to escape his dire predicament.

It’s Reynolds’ captivating performance that compels the audience to invest in his character’s survival, paralleling the engagement felt with Egerton’s portrayal in Carry-On. Rather than relying on elaborate scenarios filled with international intrigue, Buried keeps the stakes intensely personal, offering a compelling study of survival.

7 Red Eye (2005)

Directed By Wes Craven

Wes Craven’s Red Eye diverges from his typical horror/supernatural themes, presenting a taut, personal thriller surrounding a hijacked flight. The narrative follows Rachel McAdams’ character, Lisa, who unwittingly befriends a terrorist before he takes control of the plane, aiming to assassinate a key American diplomat.

Red Eye shares thematic elements with Carry-On, featuring escalating tension and drama. However, Carry-On relies on its buildup of mystery regarding a mysterious suitcase, while Craven’s film hits the ground running with action from the outset, showcasing Cillian Murphy’s engaging performance as the terrorist.

6 Non-Stop (2014)

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

Carry-On signifies a return to form for Collet-Serra, who previously carved a niche in the mid-budget thriller landscape. His film Non-Stop features Liam Neeson as a US air marshal coerced into transferring a hefty sum of money to save the lives of his passengers.

This film marks the second collaboration between Neeson and Collet-Serra within their ongoing partnership. Similar to Carry-On, Non-Stop masterfully creates tension through sharp dialogues and powerful performances, leading to a climax that can hardly be anticipated.

5 The Call (2013)

Directed By Brad Anderson

Much like Carry-On, The Call generates its tension through gripping phone conversations. The plot revolves around a seasoned dispatch officer, played by Halle Berry, who must use her expertise and intuition to locate a kidnapped girl during multiple phone calls with key witnesses.

Anderson’s film thrives on Berry’s compelling performance, positioning her as the emotional anchor while leveraging the voices of others to build suspense. The premise may appear unremarkable on the surface, but the dynamic direction and Berry’s heartfelt portrayal elevate it to a thrilling experience.

4 Speed (1994)

Directed By Jan de Bont

Speed ranks among the finest action films of the 1990s, with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock leading the cast in a high-stakes scenario. The film’s narrative hinges on a city bus rigged with explosives, threatening to detonate if its speed drops below a critical threshold.

The brilliance of Speed lies in its sustained tension, as the audience remains on edge about the potential for a catastrophic explosion, even knowing it may not actually occur. De Bont skillfully maintains the threat in the background while Reeves and Bullock deliver performances that embody the unrelenting fear of this life-or-death situation.

3 Phone Booth (2002)

Directed By Joel Schumacher

Phone Booth has frequently been likened to Carry-On, given their remarkably similar plots. Schumacher’s film features Colin Farrell as Stu, who answers an ominous call inside a phone booth, leading him to comply with life-threatening demands from an unseen caller. This examination of self-preservation and moral dilemmas echoes the narrative of Carry-On.

The film thrives on a series of exchanges between Stu and the menacing voice of Kiefer Sutherland, representing a high-stakes battle of wits. The palpable tension between these two characters closely mirrors the dynamic between Egerton and Bateman in Carry-On, making it a compelling narrative experience.

2 Collateral (2004)

Directed By Michael Mann

Michael Mann is a master of crafting riveting thrillers, and Collateral exemplifies this talent. The story follows Jamie Foxx as Max, a taxi driver who unwittingly becomes involved in a series of murders orchestrated by his dangerous passenger, a hitman played by Tom Cruise. Collateral is a showcase for Cruise’s remarkable performance, portraying the sinister yet charming assassin.

The true strength of Collateral lies in its escalating sense of danger; each moment increases the intensity, keeping viewers enthralled. As the story unfolds, Mann effectively intertwines character dynamics and high-stakes action, culminating in a breathtaking climax that ties everything together.

1 Die Hard (1988)

Directed By John McTiernan

The festive atmosphere surrounding Carry-On has invited comparisons to various Christmas classics, yet none resonate quite like Die Hard. John McTiernan’s action staple features an LA detective navigating a treacherous hostage situation on Christmas Eve, determined to save his wife and her colleagues.

The parallels between Carry-On and Die Hard are striking: both stories unfold on Christmas Eve, involve heroes whose loved ones are held hostage, and depict terrorists forcing compliance for the sake of innocent lives. It’s clear Die Hard served as an inspiration for Carry-On, and Collet-Serra’s film skillfully upholds the legacy of this beloved holiday thriller.

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