Mark Wahlberg Family Plan Success is clear as Family Plan 2 debuts at the top of the Apple TV global streaming rankings on November 23, 2025, solidifying the franchise’s resonance during the holiday season. The film’s strong performance outpaces the original Family Plan, which also continues to hold viewer attention in multiple countries.
Streaming Success Across Multiple Markets
The sequel to The Family Plan launched to widespread acclaim among audiences, reaching number one on the Apple TV charts in nearly every international market except Laos, where the original film claims the top spot, and Turkmenistan, where Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s Highest 2 Lowest remains at number one. This rapid ascent highlights the extensive international appeal of Mark Wahlberg’s latest project and positions the action-comedy series as a significant revenue generator for Apple TV.
The Family Plan first gained massive popularity in December 2023, quickly becoming AppleTV+’s most-watched movie at the time. Starring Mark Wahlberg as Dan Morgan, a former assassin forced to go on the run with his unsuspecting family, the original established a strong following. This success prompted the development of the sequel, aiming to reclaim the title of the streamer’s top film after being overtaken by George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s Wolfs.
Critical Response and Reception
Despite its popularity with viewers, The Family Plan franchise has struggled to win over critics. The first film secured a disappointing 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics received the sequel even less favorably, giving it a 15% rating so far. ScreenRant’s review delivered some of the harshest criticism, stating:
“[Director] Simon Cellan Jones’ follow-up to the 2023 film is so dire and comically flat that it induces existential dread,”
—ScreenRant critic
“It is an experience akin to watching a two-hour credit card commercial.”
—ScreenRant critic
Main Cast and Characters
Family Plan 2 sees the return of Mark Wahlberg as Dan Morgan, with Michelle Monaghan reprising her role as Jessica Morgan, Dan’s spouse, and Zoe Colletti returning as Nina Morgan, one of their kids. Kit Harington joins as a mysterious antagonist threatening the Morgan family’s safety. The new storyline follows the Morgans as they travel through Europe, with pivotal scenes set in Paris, where Dan’s assassin past resurfaces and action and comedic elements are interwoven throughout the plot.
Action Set Pieces and On-Set Challenges
One of the film’s central action moments involves a fight sequence aboard a moving double-decker bus, which required complex choreography and significant on-set coordination. Discussing the difficulties with FITBOOK, Wahlberg said:
“The fight was designed and choreographed for a flat, stationary floor. Then you add a moving bus where the driver can’t see you. You, in turn, can’t anticipate when he’ll brake, turn, or speed up. It wasn’t exactly well thought out.”
—Mark Wahlberg, Actor
Despite these obstacles and the risk of injury, the cast successfully completed filming:
“got through it without major injuries”
—Mark Wahlberg, Actor
“end up with a few bruises,”
—Mark Wahlberg, Actor
What This Means for Apple TV and the Franchise
While The Family Plan 2 faces ongoing critical adversity, its placement at the top of the streaming charts undeniably marks a new chapter for Apple TV’s original movie efforts. The film’s ability to outperform titles featuring stars like Denzel Washington, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt demonstrates the sustained appeal of Wahlberg’s leading role and the franchise’s core premise. With continued high viewership across global markets, the potential exists for additional sequels or related projects that seek to maintain Apple TV’s competitive position in the holiday movie landscape.
