‘We Prefer Wicked’: Fans react hilariously as ‘Carry-On’ becomes the 5th most-watched Netflix film of all time

In a surprising development, Carry-On has risen to the top five movies ever watched on Netflix. Despite having its share of detractors, the action-thriller has been a huge success because of its suspenseful plot and high-stakes scenes. On social media, fans have expressed their confusion over the film's recent success. While some have praised the accomplishment, others have made amusing remarks by drawing comparisons to the upcoming musical Wicked.

The conflicting responses are aptly summed up in one widely shared tweet:

"'CARRY-ON' becomes the 5th most-watched Netflix film of all time."

The response that was quoted? A scathing

"We like Wicked better."

It's easy to understand why fans are feeling a touch competitive given Wicked's enormous fan base and all-star ensemble, especially since the film is expected to take center stage when it opens later this year. However, the argument between Wicked and Carry-On is only a minor portion of the larger discussion.

---

Carry-On joins Netflix's top five, but fans can’t stop talking about Wicked

The online reactions to Carry-On hitting Netflix’s top five were nothing short of entertaining, with fans delivering their own critiques in true internet fashion. While some praised the movie’s impressive feat, others couldn’t help but question its quality. One user asked bluntly,

"Is this even good?"—a comment that reflects the skepticism of many who felt the movie’s success wasn’t entirely justified.

Of course, not all reactions were so serious. In a cheeky twist, another fan commented,

“Ended Nicki,”

humorously suggesting that the film had dethroned even the biggest names in pop culture. Meanwhile, others showed their support with more lighthearted comments like,

"Carry-On with your bad self,"

showcasing how fans can appreciate (or be snarkily funny - we love both!) a movie’s triumph, even if it wasn’t their personal favorite.

However, not every comment was filled with praise. A viral GIF featuring a man shaking his hand and saying “EHHH” captured the mood of some viewers, who seemed unimpressed by the film’s ranking despite its popularity.

Another fan poked fun at the 'diversity issue' seen in media with,

"We need a sequel with a trans black lesbian vegan vaccinated Ukrainian protagonist," adding a satirical twist to the conversation around representation in films.

Perhaps the most telling tweet of all?

“This happens with every Netflix film tbh,”

a surprisingly succinct take on the platform’s seemingly formulaic approach to creating content that racks up views despite (frequent) lack of critical acclaim.

---

The unexpected rise of Carry-On

So, how did Carry-On end up being the fifth most-watched movie ever on Netflix? The film's action-packed plot undoubtedly captured audiences' attention, but its timing just might've also been a factor. It was released at a time when Netflix was comparatively quiet, but it was nevertheless able to draw in viewers who were very much awaiting something out of the mainstream ordinary genre.

The movie seems to be liked by a wide range of audiences and became a major contender for Netflix's top five thanks to its cast's (stellar!) performances and ultra-gripping plotline. It is however interesting to note that the movie's popularity comes from more than just its own merits.

The film profited from the growing tendency of people flocking to films that generate talk online, regardless of whether the film is widely adored or not, even if action-thrillers are a steady hit on Netflix. Even if people were questioning whether the movie really earned the buzz, the power of social media and Netflix's skill at content marketing helped bring it to the forefront.