‘28 Years Later’ Arrives on Netflix, Three Months After Theatrical Debut

Lead: The horror hit 28 Years Later launches on Netflix today, Sept. 20, delivering Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s latest installment to streaming audiences just ahead of Halloween.

Nut Graf: Coming nearly three decades after the original 28 Days Later, the third film in the franchise bridges the gap between cinema and on-demand viewing, boosting accessibility and setting the stage for the next chapter in the planned sequel trilogy.

From Screen to Stream

After grossing over $150 million worldwide against a $60 million budget, 28 Years Later debuted in theaters on June 20, 2025, earning acclaim for its intense action and emotional depth. Its digital release on July 29 gave fans a way to own or rent the film before its Netflix premiere today.

Why It Matters

  • Franchise Momentum: As the first film in a new trilogy, its streaming availability primes audiences for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple due January 2026.
  • Genre Renewal: With running zombies and a renewed focus on family dynamics, the film reinvigorates the post-apocalyptic horror genre.
  • Audience Expansion: Netflix’s global reach exposes the series to millions who may have missed its theatrical run.

What Viewers Can Expect

  • Emotional Core: Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson anchor a poignant story about survival and parental devotion.
  • Iconic Style: Director Danny Boyle’s kinetic camerawork and Alex Garland’s sharp script preserve the franchise’s adrenaline-charged horror.
  • Easter Eggs: References to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later reward longtime fans and newcomers alike.

What’s Next

The next sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Garland, is set for theaters on Jan. 16, 2026, completing the trilogy that began with today’s streaming release.