Horror fans have a chilling opportunity to catch up with a recent franchise phenomenon before its highly anticipated sequel hits the big screen. The critically lauded film 28 Years Later is currently available to stream on NOW TV, serving as the perfect primer for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which arrives in UK cinemas on 14 January 2026.
A Long-Awaited Return to a Ravaged World
The release of 28 Years Later in 2024 marked a major cinematic event, coming 23 years after Danny Boyle's original 28 Days Later revolutionised the zombie genre and 18 years after the sequel 28 Weeks Later. The film, starring Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Jack O'Connell, continues the story nearly three decades after the initial rage virus outbreak.
The plot follows Spike (Alfie Williams), who lives in isolation on a remote island with his parents, Jamie (Taylor-Johnson) and Isla (Comer). Their fragile peace is shattered when journeys to the virus-ravaged mainland bring them into contact with both the infected—including a fearsome alpha named Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry)—and the enigmatic Dr. Ian Kelson (Fiennes). When Spike believes Kelson may hold a cure for his ailing mother, he embarks on a perilous quest that forms the heart of the story.
Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success
The film proved to be a substantial hit, both with audiences and critics. It earned an impressive $151 million (£111.9m) at the global box office against a $60 million (£44.4m) budget. Its critical reception was stellar, holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics were unanimous in their praise. Metro's five-star review hailed it as ‘phenomenal’, while the review aggregator's consensus described it as ‘a haunting and visceral thrill ride that defies expectations.’ The New York Times framed it as a coming-of-age story for the post-apocalypse, and Slate particularly highlighted Alfie Williams' performance, noting he ‘delivers a vivid performance’ alongside powerhouse co-stars.
Perri Nemiroff summarised the sentiment on YouTube, stating: ‘Not only is 28 Years Later well worth the wait, but the story benefits from the lengthy gap between instalments.’
Sequel and Future Franchise Plans
The upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, was shot back-to-back with the first film and continues the story directly. Williams, Fiennes, and O'Connell all return to their roles. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the sequel promises to expand and subvert the world established in the previous film.
The official synopsis teases a shift in threat: ‘In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival – the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.’ It details Dr. Kelson's shocking new relationship and Spike's nightmare encounter with Jimmy Crystal (O'Connell).
Thanks to the success of 28 Years Later, the planned trilogy appears to be moving full steam ahead. Industry publication Deadline reports that a third film is in development, with Alex Garland returning to write and original star Cillian Murphy in talks to reprise his role as Jim.
For those looking to dive into the entire saga, here is where to find the films:
- 28 Days Later – NOW TV and Sky
- 28 Weeks Later – Amazon Prime Video and Disney+
- 28 Years Later – NOW TV and Sky
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – In UK cinemas from 14 January 2026
28 Years Later is streaming now on NOW TV, offering a perfect, critically-adored horror experience before its sequel unleashes a new wave of terror in cinemas.
