Without a doubt, “28 Days Later” stands as the most influential zombie film of modern times—so much so that its classification as a “zombie” movie is up for debate. The threat here isn’t undead flesh-eaters, but ordinary people infected with the Rage Virus, which strips them of reason and turns them into vessels of blind, murderous fury.
The outbreak begins when a group of animal rights activists break into a Cambridge lab that holds violently aggressive chimpanzees. Ignoring a scientist’s desperate warnings, one of them releases a chimp, only to be attacked and instantly infected. She turns on the others, and in a matter of moments, the virus spreads beyond the lab walls, rapidly plunging all of Britain into chaos and collapse.
From that point on, the picture becomes a haunting exploration of the human condition under extreme duress. Directed with urgency and style by Danny Boyle, written by the sharp Alex Garland, and led by a then-rising Cillian Murphy, “28 Days Later” is a masterclass in contemporary horror. Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic trio at their raw, early-career best on the big screen once again.
‘28 Days Later’ is back in theaters for a limited time
“28 Days Later” is returning to the big screen for one night only on May 21 in select theaters. According to Cinemark, this special screening will include bonus footage and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming sequel, “28 Years Later,” which is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025. Tickets are already available for purchase online.
It’s worth noting that the original 2002 hit already has a sequel: “28 Weeks Later.” That film picks up after the events of the first, following U.S.-led NATO forces as they attempt to repopulate a safe zone in London. The fragile peace is shattered when two siblings break quarantine to retrieve a photo of their mother, inadvertently reintroducing the Rage Virus.
The upcoming third installment takes place three decades after the virus first escaped a medical research lab. Survivors have adapted to a changed world, with one group living on an isolated island connected to the mainland by a single, fortified causeway. When a father and son venture into the mainland, they uncover hidden secrets, terrifying dangers, and unexpected revelations.
Anticipation for the flick is high, thanks to a star-studded cast that includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. Plus, the franchise has a strong track record, with the second part arguably surpassing its predecessor in quality and scope. Time will tell if “28 Years Later” lives up to those expectations.
And that’s not all—the story will continue even further. A fourth picture, titled “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” has already been confirmed and was shot back-to-back with the third movie. While details remain scarce, the film is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026.
