The newest chapter in the 28 Days Later universe, 28 Years Later, is officially streaming on Netflix as of Saturday, September 20, 2025, bringing Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s post-apocalyptic vision into homes across the U.S.
What Is 28 Years Later?
Set nearly thirty years after the Rage virus first ravaged England, 28 Days Later follows survivors living on a quarantined British island. When circumstances force a dangerous mission to the mainland, things quickly spiral into chaos.
The film stars Jodie Comer as Isla, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie, and young actor Alfie Williams as Spike, among others. Ralph Fiennes also plays a key role.
How It Fits Into the Franchise
28 Years Later is the long-awaited follow-up to 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). It kicks off a new trilogy penned by Alex Garland, with Boyle directing this first installment.
Already on the horizon is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, slated for release in January 2026 under the direction of Nia DaCosta, with returning cast members including Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
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Release & Where to Watch
- Theatrically released on June 20, 2025, in the U.S., U.K., and Canada via Sony Pictures Releasing.
- Made available on digital purchase or rental platforms (e.g., Amazon Prime, Apple TV) starting July 29, 2025.
- Now streaming on Netflix U.S. from September 20, 2025.
Why It Matters (to Horror & Fans of 28 Days Later)
28 Years Later revisits many of the themes that made 28 Days Later a landmark in zombie horror—survival, loss, isolation—but adds in generational trauma and what happens when a world tries to rebuild long after a catastrophe.
For those who love the original, there’s both nostalgia and continuity. The infection threat looms as forcefully as ever; the moral questions feel familiar but harder. And visually and tonally, Boyle and Garland lean into the horror of what’s left, not just what came before.
Should You Watch the Earlier Films First?
If you haven’t yet seen 28 Days Later, this film’s impact is stronger if you know its legacy. 28 Weeks Later adds context too. That said, 28 Years Later is crafted to both reward longtime fans and to stand on its own.
What’s Next?
The saga doesn’t stop here. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is coming in January 2026. With much of the current cast returning, and Garland writing all three planned sequels, the franchise looks set to continue to expand.
Conclusion
If you’re craving more of that visceral, bleak, and thought-provoking horror that the 28 Days Later name carries, 28 Years Later delivers. From its theatrical release on June 20 to its digital rollout, this film now lands on Netflix U.S. on September 20, 2025—and it’s well worth streaming. The Rage virus is back. Are you ready?
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