Since the first film hit screens in 2002, the 28 Days Later franchise has been a major presence in the horror genre. With a creepily unique take on the post-apocalyptic thriller, the film series introduced audiences to a terrifying version of the world ravaged by the Rage Virus.
If you're looking to experience the chaos from the beginning or catch up before the long-awaited sequels arrive, here's everything you need to know about the films that are available to stream, the expanded universe, and what's next.
28 Days Later (2002)
The film that started it all, 28 Days Later, follows Jim (Cillian Murphy), a Londoner who wakes up from a coma to find the city abandoned and overrun by the infected. Directed by Danny Boyle from a script by Alex Garland, the film redefined the zombie genre with its fast-moving, raw, documentary-style cinematography. As Jim joins a small group of survivors, including Selena (Naomie Harris) and Frank (Brendan Gleeson), the story explores the horror of the infected and the desperation of humanity.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
Set six months after the events of the first film, 28 Weeks Later explores the aftermath of the initial outbreak. The UK finds itself under military quarantine, while the Rage Virus seems to be contained. But when two children unwittingly reintroduce the infection, chaos erupts. Starring Robert Carlyle, Jeremy Renner, and Rose Byrne, this sequel expands the world of 28 Days Later while delivering a bleak, high-stakes story that raises even more questions about the virus's future.
28 Years Later (2025)
28 Years Later reunites director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. The story is set almost three decades after the outbreak and focuses on a community living on a secluded island off the British coast. When a father and son venture to the mainland in search of resources, they stumble upon evolved threats and unsettling truths about the virus's impact. The film, which also features Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, is scheduled for release on June 20.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be directed by Nia DaCosta, with Alex Garland continuing as screenwriter. The upcoming installment is said to further explore the dystopian landscape. While exact plot details remain under wraps for now, the title hints at a much bleaker exploration of the post-apocalyptic world and society's collapse. The movie is set for release on January 16, 2026.
The 28 Days Later Comics
For those eager to explore more of the 28 Days Later world, the comic series 28 Days Later: The Aftermath serves as a bridge between the first two films. The story explores the origin of the Rage Virus, how the infection became uncontrollable, as well as the scientists behind it. The comics also chronicle Selena's journey in the days after the first movie.
Where to Watch the 28 Days Later Movies Streaming Online
Whether you're re-watching the original movies or gearing up for the upcoming sequels, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later can be streamed on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Max.
