Every 28 Days Later Movie Ranked (Including The Bone Temple)

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The 28 Days Later series is something of an unexpected success story in the horror genre. When the first film came out in 2003, zombie movies were largely considered a thing of the past. But 28 Days Later revitalized the subgenre with its fast-paced, terrifying take on the undead, quickly making zombies popular again. For a long time, it seemed like a standalone story, but over twenty years later, the franchise has grown to include four films – with a fifth on the way – and even some comic books, thanks to the recent release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Okay, so when we talk about horror franchises, it’s easy to fall into ranking them from worst to best. But this one? This isn’t that. We’re talking about a series where every movie is genuinely great, even approaching masterpiece territory. It’s a remarkably consistent run, and it firmly establishes this as one of the strongest horror franchises ever made. With a third 28 Years Later film officially happening – and the groundwork laid in The Bone Temple – I’m really curious to see if this incredible quality can continue. But if past performance is anything to go by, we could be looking at a rare horror series with at least five truly good movies – a pretty amazing feat!

4) 28 Weeks Later

Despite having a completely new cast and different filmmakers than the original, 28 Weeks Later manages to be an enjoyable sequel. The film stands out from typical zombie movies because of two key ideas: its realistic portrayal of how nations would respond to a widespread outbreak, and the introduction of an immune character. These concepts provide compelling storylines for much of the film, though it eventually leans more heavily into action, finishing with an ending that feels like it’s setting up another sequel.

As a horror fan, I think the strongest part of 28 Weeks Later is definitely how it starts. Seeing a father desperately leave his family as the outbreak begins is really powerful. But honestly, it feels a little too familiar. It basically rehashes the same intense style and scares as the first movie, and they even use the same incredible track, “In the House – In a Heartbeat.” It’s a bit of a letdown, because the film’s highlights just end up reminding you of everything you already loved about the original.

3) 28 Years Later

Danny Boyle hadn’t directed a horror film in years, but he quickly reminded everyone of his talent with this movie. His energetic filmmaking style is a perfect fit for 28 Years Later, and proves he still has a unique voice in the genre. Packed with frightening and exciting scenes, and a bleak vision of the world that feels relevant today, 28 Years Later is a standout horror film – a rare blockbuster of its kind in today’s Hollywood.

While 28 Years Later is a great film, two minor issues prevent it from reaching the level of its predecessors. First, the zombie and post-apocalyptic genre has become much more crowded since the original 28 Days Later, meaning some of its ideas have already been explored elsewhere. Second, despite Jodie Comer’s excellent performance, Aaron Taylor-Johnson doesn’t quite carry the film as strongly. Even so, it’s a hugely entertaining movie with a unique perspective and some genuinely surprising moments – particularly involving the character of Samson.

2) 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Picking up right after the last film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple boldly ventures into new territory with its story. The movie centers on two very different, yet connected, narratives exploring how people deal with massive, world-altering events. It examines the ways individuals cope with change, the impact of their choices on others, and the lengths those in power will go to in order to stay there. But it’s not all bleak; The Bone Temple is surprisingly heartwarming, showing how kindness can be a powerful force for healing. And for those who like a bit of the extreme, there’s even a memorable scene where Samson… well, let’s just say it involves brains. It really manages to cover a lot of ground.

1) 28 Days Later

There’s no question that Danny Boyle’s original film is a landmark achievement. It didn’t just revitalize the horror genre, it did so with a raw, energetic filmmaking style. From the very beginning, it’s genuinely frightening, and features unforgettable music. Remarkably, it creates a sense of a deserted city far more effectively than many much more expensive movies.

What makes 28 Days Later so effective – a quality its sequels maintained and many subsequent zombie films missed – is its focus on the characters. We connect with Jim, Selena, and Frank not just because they face incredible challenges, but because they feel like real, complex people simply trying to survive. We see ourselves in them, which makes the film’s tragic events and frightening moments truly impactful. This is achieved through strong acting and smart writing; Garland builds a story that expands the world while also honing in on the emotional core, culminating in a powerful ending.

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2026-01-16 18:43