Danny Boyle’s ’28 Years Later’ hits No. 1 on Netflix

Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic horror sequel 28 Years Later has quickly become a streaming sensation on Netflix, climbing to the number one spot on the platform’s U.S. movie charts just one day after its September 20 debut on the service.
The film has outpaced previous chart-toppers including “Ice Road: Vengeance” and “KPop Demon Hunters” to claim the top position, according to Flix Patrol data as of September 22, 2025.
This rapid ascent to the streaming charts comes after the movie had already proven its commercial appeal during its theatrical run, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.
The film’s streaming success appears to be bolstered by strong critical reception, with 28 Years Later earning an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise as one of the best horror movies of the year.
The streaming success comes at a crucial time for the franchise, as Sony Pictures has already filmed the sequel “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” set for theatrical release in January 2026, with the strong performance providing confidence for the planned trilogy.

Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic horror sequel “28 Years Later” has quickly become a streaming sensation on Netflix, climbing to the number one spot on the platform’s U.S. movie charts just two days after its September 20 debut on the service. The film has outpaced previous chart-toppers including “Ice Road: Vengeance” and “KPop Demon Hunters” to claim the top position.cbr

According to Flix Patrol data, the film topped Netflix’s U.S. movie rankings as of September 22, 2025. This rapid ascent to the streaming charts comes after the movie had already proven its commercial appeal during its theatrical run, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.flixpatrol

Strong Critical Reception Drives Streaming Success

The film’s streaming success appears to be bolstered by strong critical reception, with “28 Years Later” earning an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 383 accredited reviews. Critics have praised the film as “a brutal, emotional, and harrowing new chapter” for the franchise, with Entertainment Weekly calling it “one of the richest horror movies in a very long time”.collider

The movie reunites original “28 Days Later” director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland nearly two decades after their groundbreaking 2002 zombie film. Set 28 years after the initial outbreak of the Rage Virus that devastated Britain, the sequel follows a father and son’s perilous journey through infected zones while confronting a dangerous cult.collider

Building Momentum for Franchise Future

The streaming success of “28 Years Later” comes at a crucial time for the franchise, as Sony Pictures has already filmed the sequel “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” set for theatrical release in January 2026. The strong Netflix performance, combined with the film’s $150 million theatrical gross, appears to have provided sufficient confidence for Sony to move forward with the planned trilogy.collider

The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and newcomer Alfie Williams in his feature film debut. Both “28 Years Later” and the original “28 Days Later” are currently available on Netflix, though viewers seeking the complete trilogy will need to find “28 Weeks Later” on other platforms like Hulu.cnet