28 Years Later is already streaming on Netflix in the United States. Its September 20, 2025 Netflix debut came months before the direct sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, opened in theaters on January 16, 2026. Both newer films are now identified as streamable by Netflix in relevant territories, although international catalogs differ.
28 Years Later is already streaming on Netflix in the United States. Netflix announced a September 20, 2025 release for Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s sequel-era horror film—months before its direct follow-up, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, opened in theaters on January 16, 2026.
That timing is why the original headline described the film as arriving “ahead of the new sequel.” It should not be read as a new Netflix launch today: the U.S. streaming debut happened in 2025. As of the latest available Netflix information, both 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple are available to stream in the territories where Netflix carries them, although catalogs vary by country and can change.
When did 28 Years Later arrive on Netflix?
In the United States, 28 Years Later began streaming on Netflix on September 20, 2025. Netflix’s Tudum coverage identifies the film as available with Netflix Standard and Premium plans. The 2002 original, 28 Days Later, was also licensed to Netflix U.S. around the same time.
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The film first opened theatrically in the U.S. on June 20, 2025, then reached premium digital purchase and rental services on July 29 before moving to Netflix. That sequence is typical of a theatrical film moving through home-entertainment windows, but it does not guarantee the same dates in every country.
Is 28 Years Later on Netflix in every country?
Not necessarily. The September 20 date was specifically confirmed for Netflix U.S., and streaming rights are territory-specific. Netflix’s current pages describe the film as available to stream, but a viewer outside the United States should search the local Netflix catalog rather than assume that the American release date applies worldwide.
The distinction matters because Netflix and Sony announced a global Pay-1 licensing agreement in January 2026. Under that arrangement, Sony films move to Netflix after their theatrical and home-entertainment windows, with the worldwide rollout happening gradually and full global availability expected in early 2029. Existing local rights can still produce different availability dates before then.
Where does the film fit in the franchise?
The release order is:
- 28 Days Later (2002): Danny Boyle’s original film establishes the Rage Virus and the devastated-world premise.
- 28 Weeks Later (2007): The sequel expands the outbreak story and its consequences.
- 28 Years Later (2025): The first film in a new Boyle/Garland storyline, set roughly three decades after the initial outbreak.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026): The direct sequel and the second installment of the new trilogy.
You do not strictly need to watch the earlier two films to understand 28 Years Later, but they provide the franchise’s central history and explain the continuing threat posed by the infected. The new film follows Spike, played by Alfie Williams, as he lives in an isolated community on or around Holy Island off England’s northeast coast. A journey to the mainland forces him into a much more dangerous part of post-apocalyptic England.
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What is 28 Years Later about?
The story takes place after survivors have spent decades adapting to a world reshaped by the Rage Virus. Communities are separated from one another, the infected remain a persistent danger, and survival depends as much on isolation and strict routines as on physical force.
Spike’s journey connects the protected island community to the mainland and its unknown dangers. The principal cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Williams. Boyle directed the film, while Garland wrote the screenplay—the same creative partnership that helped define the original 28 Days Later.
Is The Bone Temple also on Netflix?
Yes, Netflix Tudum reported on March 31, 2026, that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was available to stream. It is the direct continuation of the first new film, rather than a separate remake or side story.
The sequel shifts the directing role from Boyle to Nia DaCosta. Garland remains the writer, and Boyle remains a producer. Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Williams continue key franchise roles. The story focuses on Dr. Ian Kelson, Spike, and Jimmy Crystal, whose violent group becomes central to the sequel’s conflict.
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For viewers watching the new storyline for the first time, the most straightforward order is 28 Years Later followed by The Bone Temple. Watching 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later first gives more franchise context, but the newer two films are the essential sequence for following Spike’s story.
Where else can you watch the films?
Netflix is the subscription-streaming answer for the relevant territories, but it is not the only home-viewing option.
- Digital purchase or rental: Sony lists major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Sony Pictures Core for The Bone Temple. The first 28 Years Later is also listed through digital retailers, including Prime Video.
- Physical media: Sony lists The Bone Temple on 4K UHD and Blu-ray, as well as digitally. Sony’s home-entertainment listings also identify physical-media availability for the first film.
- Permanent ownership: A 28 Years Later 4K Blu-ray is the more appropriate choice for viewers who want a copy that is not dependent on Netflix’s changing catalog. Check the package and retailer listing carefully, since edition, disc region, subtitles, and bonus features can vary.
For the sequel, collectors can look for The Bone Temple 4K UHD or its Blu-ray edition. Digital rental or purchase is also useful for viewers who want to watch 28 Years Later without adding a Netflix subscription, but it should not be confused with Netflix availability: buying or renting from a digital retailer is a separate transaction.
Is there a third 28 Years Later film?
A third film in the new storyline has been described as planned or in development, with Garland writing and Boyle expected to direct. However, no confirmed release date was identified in the official materials reviewed for this update.
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It is therefore more accurate to call the project a planned trilogy than to say that a completed trilogy has a scheduled final chapter. The Bone Temple is the fourth film in the wider 28 Days Later franchise and the second film in the new trilogy—not the conclusion of the entire series.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Netflix availability at a glance
| Title | Netflix status | Important date or qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Days Later | Licensed to Netflix U.S. around the first film’s 2025 arrival | Availability can vary by territory |
| 28 Years Later | Available to stream on Netflix in the relevant territories | Netflix U.S. date: September 20, 2025 |
| 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Available to stream on Netflix in the relevant territories | Netflix Tudum reported availability on March 31, 2026 |
Bottom line: If you are in the United States, 28 Years Later arrived on Netflix on September 20, 2025—well before The Bone Temple reached theaters on January 16, 2026. Both newer films are now identified as streamable by Netflix, but viewers elsewhere should verify the local catalog. Sony also offers digital, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD alternatives, while the planned third film still has no confirmed release date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did 28 Years Later come to Netflix?
In the United States, 28 Years Later began streaming on Netflix on September 20, 2025.
Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple on Netflix?
Yes. Netflix Tudum reported on March 31, 2026, that The Bone Temple was available to stream. Catalog availability can vary by country.
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What is the correct order to watch the 28 Days Later movies?
The recommended order for the new storyline is 28 Years Later followed by The Bone Temple. Watching 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later first adds background about the Rage Virus and the franchise’s earlier events.
Will there be a third 28 Years Later film?
A third film has been described as planned or in development, with Alex Garland writing and Danny Boyle expected to direct, but no confirmed release date was identified in the official sources reviewed.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: 28 Years Later premiered on Netflix U.S. on September 20, 2025, ahead of The Bone Temple’s January 16, 2026 theatrical release. Both newer films are now listed as streamable by Netflix in relevant territories, though availability varies internationally. The sequel is also available through digital retailers and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.
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