As the holiday season kicks into full swing, audiences are flocking to streaming platforms and VOD services for their seasonal favorites and blockbuster hits. Netflix's Carry-On, a taut thriller starring Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, continues to lead the platform's charts for the second week in a row. Meanwhile, holiday classics such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Home Alone are thriving on iTunes and Fandango as viewers seek comfort in nostalgia.
This week also highlights some unusual trends: fewer recent blockbusters on VOD and surprising success stories like Jim Jarmusch's zombie comedy The Dead Don't Die.
Netflix's Top Performer: Carry-On
Set on Christmas Eve, Carry-On follows Egerton's Ethan Kopek, an airport security officer embroiled in a gripping conspiracy. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Black Adam), the film's high-stakes narrative and tightly-wound performances have resonated with global audiences, earning 42 million views in its opening week.
What sets Carry-On apart is its ability to marry holiday ambiance with relentless tension. Its second week at #1—an anomaly for Netflix originals—cements its place as one of the streamer's biggest hits this year.
Following closely is Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight, a historical drama about Black women in the military during World War II. This poignant story, led by Kerry Washington, debuted at #2 on Netflix's charts, underscoring the platform's commitment to diverse storytelling.
VOD: A Season for Nostalgia
On VOD, holiday classics dominate, fueled by early Christmas bargain hunting. Universal's How the Grinch Stole Christmas reigns supreme on iTunes, with its animated counterpart ranking #4. Other seasonal staples, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Home Alone, continue to find enthusiastic audiences.
Interestingly, Sean Baker's awards contender Anora (Neon) broke into the top 10, performing well despite its specialized appeal. A24's horror Heretic and the re-release of Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later further showcase the eclectic tastes of VOD audiences.
Fandango charts reveal similar trends, with Venom: The Last Dance leading in revenue, followed by The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Paramount's straight-to-video Dear Santa, featuring Jack Black, rounds out the top 10.
A Lack of Big-Name Releases
This holiday season has seen fewer blockbuster titles hitting VOD compared to previous years. November's hits, including Wicked and Moana 2, remain exclusive to theaters, while Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is set for a digital debut on December 24. Its arrival is poised to shake up the VOD charts, leveraging its box-office success and a lack of direct competition.
Surprise Successes
Netflix's animated feature That Christmas and perennial favorite The Christmas Chronicles continue to rank high on the platform's top 10 list. Surprisingly, Jim Jarmusch's The Dead Don't Die, a quirky 2019 zombie comedy, surged to #5, showcasing how diverse tastes can elevate unexpected titles during the holiday season.
This week's streaming and VOD trends reflect a dynamic mix of nostalgia, award-season contenders, and breakout hits. Netflix's Carry-On has emerged as a standout, proving the enduring appeal of tightly-crafted thrillers. Meanwhile, holiday classics maintain their grip on VOD, offering comfort and familiarity during the festive season.
As the digital release of Gladiator II looms and Christmas Day approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these trends evolve.
My Impressions:
Carry-On impressed me with its blend of suspense and seasonal setting, a combination that's rare in holiday cinema. Taron Egerton's performance anchors the film, while Jason Bateman's presence adds depth. The continued dominance of holiday classics highlights how nostalgia remains a powerful draw, but it's the eclectic mix of titles, from The Dead Don't Die to Anora, that makes this season's charts so interesting.
Which holiday classics do you revisit every year? And do you think Netflix's Carry-On has the staying power to become a modern seasonal favorite? Share your thoughts below!
