Alright, fellow zombie lovers, you might want to buckle up. Netflix is about to bring the apocalypse right to your living room next week, and trust me, this one’s tailor-made for every Walking Dead fan who’s been looking for their next zombie fix. Sure, you can watch the brand-new season of Daryl Dixon or maybe even go back and rewatch old seasons of other Walking Dead spinoffs. But sometimes, you need something fresh, and Netflix is about to have just what you've been looking for soon.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the streaming giant will be adding the gritty and intense post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Years Later to its platform. You're probably thinking to yourself, “How is this a zombie movie?” Well, it might not fit the classic mold of shambling, groaning zombies, but it features fast, aggressive, infected humans who behave like them.
So, even though they aren’t the traditional “undead,” the infected serve the same role as zombies. They're terrifying, relentless threats in a post-apocalyptic world. You'd surely be missing out on a heart-pounding, gruesome thrill ride that’s as intense and emotionally charged as any classic zombie story if you were to skip out on this amazing film. I'm just saying!
Danny Boyle directed 28 Years Later from a screenplay that was written by Alex Garland. It's not an original film in that it's the latest sequel in the 28 Days Later franchise, expanding on the terrifying world introduced in the first movie. The previous films are 28 Days Later (2003) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). Boyle helmed 28 Days Later, while Garland wrote the script for that film. So, their return for this latest installment feels like a full-circle moment. However, they were not involved at all in the production of 28 Weeks Later.
28 Years Later hit theaters in June 2025 and quickly became a hot topic among fans and critics alike. It also performed strongly at the box office, raking in $150.4 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. When it lands on Netflix this month, this will be the first time people can watch the long-awaited sequel from the comfort of their own homes on a streaming service. Since the movie has left theaters, it's only been available for rent or purchase through digital platforms.
Due to a deal between Sony (28 Years Later distributor) and Netflix, the streaming giant gets exclusive U.S. streaming rights to Sony's feature films after they leave theaters. That's how it ended up scoring 28 Years Later for its platform. Since it's a licensed film, it will eventually depart Netflix. That's important to keep in mind. However, a departure date has not been set yet.
Nearly thirty years have passed since the rage virus first broke out from a secret bioweapons lab. While strict quarantine zones remain in place, some have managed to carve out a fragile existence among the infected. One group of survivors has made their home on a small island, linked to the mainland by a single, well-fortified causeway.
But when a member of the group dares to cross into the mainland, he uncovers a terrifying truth. The virus has mutated, and its effects are now reaching beyond the infected, changing even the uninfected survivors. That's what 28 Years Later is about. Talented actors such as Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes all star in this gory flick.
Luckily, there are two more sequels to look forward to after this film. They are 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and another untitled sequel. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will pick up after the events of 28 Years Later. It's set to be released in theaters on Jan. 16, 2026. However, it's currently unknown when the other sequel will be released. Although not confirmed, both films will likely stream on Netflix sometime after their theatrical releases as well.