With the “28 Years Later” trailer shattering records — amassing nearly 150 million views and becoming the second-most-watched horror trailer of all time — the excitement for this long-awaited installment is undeniable.
As fans gear up for the film’s June 20release, it’s the perfect time to revisit the “28” series. This post-apocalyptic franchise redefined modern horror with its chilling depiction of a world ravaged by the Rage Virus. Here’s a look back at the films that started it all and what to expect from the next chapter.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
‘28 Days Later’ (2002)
Release Date: June 27, 2003
Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Under the direction of Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, “28 Days Later” begins with a group of animal rights activists who break into a laboratory to free chimpanzees. They're no regular chimps, however, as they're infected with "Rage Virus," and the activists become patient zero in what very quickly becomes an epidemic that spreads across the nation.
28 days later, Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma to find London eerily deserted. The Rage Virus, a deadly and highly contagious infection, has turned people into violent creatures.
This isn’t a zombie movie in the traditional sense. The infected are fast, brutal, and terrifyingly human, making survival even harder. The film’s gritty style and haunting shots of an empty Westminster Bridge made it a game-changer for horror movies.
Good news for fans and newcomers: “28 Days Later” is finally available for digital streaming on Amazon. It’s been hard to find for years, so now’s the perfect time to catch up.
‘28 Weeks Later’ (2007)
Release Date: May 11, 2007
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Set six months after the initial outbreak, “28 Weeks Later” follows NATO’s efforts to repopulate and rebuild London. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the movie shifts focus to a larger scale but keeps the intense, personal horror of the first film.
The story centers on Tammy (Imogen Poots) and Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton), two siblings whose actions accidentally bring the Rage Virus back into the safe zone, throwing everything into chaos. Packed with action, the film includes unforgettable scenes like the firebombing of London and desperate escapes through the London Underground.
This movie focuses mainly on the human experience amid the chaos. Don (Robert Carlyle), who abandoned his wife Alice (Catherine McCormack) during the outbreak, becomes a key figure as his choices lead to disaster. The movie shows how small decisions can cause huge problems.
If you love a good buildup, “28 Weeks Later” has plenty of quieter moments that prepare you before the tension ramps up. The film builds the dread before everything falls apart, especially when the “safe zone” becomes a nightmare. You can't help but root for the Scarlet (Rose Byrne) and Sgt. Doyle (Jeremy Renner) as they do their best to save the kids.
When the virus reaches Europe at the end, the chilling final shot will leave you craving the next chapter.
You can stream “28 Weeks Later” on Disney+.
‘28 Years Later’ (2025)
Eighteen years after the last film was shown, the franchise is back with “28 Years Later.” Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return alongside cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle to continue the story.
This time, we follow Isla (Jodie Comer), her husband Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and their son as they live on a fortified island off Northumberland. But their trip to the mainland reveals dark secrets and new threats in a world that’s learned to live with the infected. With Ralph Fiennes joining the cast and a gripping plot, fans can expect a thrilling return to this horrifying universe.
The film’s trailer has already broken global records. If that’s any sign, this installment is set to be just as impactful as its predecessors.
