If Carry On had you glued to the screen with its high-stakes airport drama and relentless suspense, you’re in for a treat.
If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for alternate picks, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 choices for alternate viewing. These movies offer similar high-intensity action, unexpected twists, and white-knuckle tension. From plane hijackings to runaway trains, here are some must-watch flicks that capture the same pulse-pounding energy.
As usual, let us know your thoughts about our picks in the comments below!
Non-Stop (2014)
Liam Neeson takes on the role of an air marshal, Bill Marks, tasked with uncovering a mysterious threat aboard a transatlantic flight. As cryptic text messages demand ransom payments and passengers start dying, Marks is forced to unravel a tangled web of deceit at 30,000 feet in the air.
The film thrives on its tight, claustrophobic setting, using every corner of the plane to create a sense of impending doom. The twists come fast and hit hard, keeping you guessing about the real culprit. Much like Carry On, Non-Stop masterfully balances action with a thrilling edge, making it a gripping watch from start to finish.
Flightplan (2005)
Jodie Foster delivers a powerful performance as a grieving mother called Kyle Pratt, who boards a flight with her young daughter—only for the girl to mysteriously vanish mid-flight. As Kyle desperately searches for answers, the crew and passengers begin to question her sanity.
This thriller is well written, expertly using its enclosed setting to ramp up the tension, with each twist pulling you deeper into the mystery. Foster’s emotional performance anchors the film nicely, making her plight both heart-wrenching and believable throughout.
Die Hard (1988)
The gold standard for action thrillers, and a lovely Christmas movie in its own right, Die Hard follows New York cop called John McClane. On Christmas Eve, he’s called into action as he battles terrorists who take over a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party.
Bruce Willis’ portrayal of McClane as a witty, resourceful underdog is iconic, and the film’s blend of explosive action and clever cat-and-mouse tactics help set the template for countless action films that followed. The confined setting of Nakatomi Plaza heightens the suspense, much like Carry On’s airport backdrop. As a result, Die Hard is a must-watch classic.
Air Force One (1997)
When terrorists hijack the President’s plane, Harrison Ford’s Commander-in-Chief is called into action. He’s forced to take matters into his own hands in this edge-of-your-seat action thriller. Packed with mid-air battles, political intrigue, and emotional stakes, Air Force One blends blockbuster action with a touch of class that keeps this one a must-watch, even all these years later.
Ford’s rugged charisma and Gary Oldman’s menacing performance as the lead terrorist create a gripping dynamic and the pair have crackling chemistry together. The confined, high-pressure environment of the titular plane keeps the tension sky-high too, And let’s not forget Ford’s iconic line: “Get off my plane!”
Executive Decision (1996)
When terrorists take control of a commercial airliner armed with a biological weapon, it’s up to a team of experts, led by Kurt Russell, to save the day.
Executive Decision may have a simple story, but it’s a tightly wound thriller that skilfully balances tactical action with nerve-shredding suspense. The standout sequence of a mid-air boarding operation is a masterclass in tension too. Like Carry On, this film’s high-stakes premise and ticking-clock scenario make every moment count, pulling you to the edge of your seat.
Speed (1994)
Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock star in this non-stop adrenaline rush about a bus rigged with a bomb that will detonate if its speed drops below 50 mph. Directed by Jan de Bont, Speed combines pulse-pounding action with clever problem-solving, as the passengers and drivers work together to survive.
Sure, the movie is a bit silly at times, including a particular eyebrow-raising jump over a broken bit of a bridge, but the high-stakes thrills make this an absolute classic and an easy recommendation.
Red Eye (2005)
Red Eye is a psychological thriller coming right from the brilliant mind of Wes Craven. The movie is set almost entirely aboard a red-eye flight and stars Rachel McAdams as Lisa, a hotel manager manipulated by a sinister stranger (played by Cillian Murphy) into aiding an assassination plot.
The film excels at building tension through tight, dialogue-driven scenes and sudden bursts of action. Red Eye thrives on its claustrophobic setting and the increasing desperation of its protagonist, making it a very memorable thriller.
Unstoppable (2010)
Tony Scott’s high-octane thriller follows a runaway train loaded with hazardous chemicals, bringing together Denzel Washington and Chris Pine as railroad workers, who are called into action and forced into a race against time to stop it.
The film combines nail-biting action with grounded, relatable characters, with an innate focus on teamwork. As a result, it adds layers of heart to the chaos. The escalating stakes and real-time pacing create a gripping experience throughout.
Under Siege (1992)
With Steven Seagal in the driver’s seat, the story centers on a Navy SEAL-turned-cook who is forced into action to save a battleship from terrorist. Under Siege blends tight quarters combat with larger-than-life villains, including a delightfully unhinged Tommy Lee Jones.
The film’s action sequences are both inventive and intense, keeping the tension high throughout. If you enjoyed the high-stakes thrills of Carry On, Under Siege offers a similarly explosive experience.
Con Air (1997)
Nicolas Cage stars as a parolee here, caught in the middle of a high-stakes prisoner transport gone wrong in what’s undoubtedly an over-the-top but highly enjoyable action thriller. With a cast of eccentric criminals, including John Malkovich as the diabolical mastermind, Con Air is a wild ride filled with memorable one-liners and explosive action.
The confined setting of the plane adds to the suspense, while Cage’s earnest performance gives the film an emotional anchor.
So there we have it, our top 10 alternatives to check out when you’ve finished watching Carry-On. Whether you loved the movie for its high-stakes airport drama, relentless pacing, or confined setting, these 10 movies should scratch that same thriller itch.
What do you think about our picks? Do you agree? Did one of your favourites make the list? Or have we missed one of your favourites? Either way, let us know in the comments below!