28 Days Later Film Series Overview
The 28 Days Later series is a British post-apocalyptic horror franchise created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. The first film, 28 Days Later, was released in 2002 by Fox Searchlight Pictures and became a landmark in the zombie genre. The series follows a viral outbreak that turns humans into violent, infected creatures. The movies are known for their documentary-style cinematography, intense pacing, and social commentary. The franchise includes two main theatrical releases and a recent spin-off, with the latest film, 28 Years Later, announced for development by Sony Pictures and Chernin Entertainment. The series is ranked among the highest-grossing horror franchises, with the first film earning over $82 million worldwide on a $8 million budget according to Forbes.
The chronological order of the 28 Days Later movies is based on their release dates and narrative timeline. The original film, 28 Days Later, premiered in the United Kingdom on 1 November 2002. The sequel, 28 Weeks Later, followed in 2007. The third installment, 28 Years Later, is currently in development and has not yet been released. The series is produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Chernin Entertainment, with Danny Boyle directing the first film and Alex Garland writing the screenplays. The franchise has expanded into comics and novels, but the core movies remain the primary focus for fans tracking the story in order as listed on IMDb.
Detailed Chronological Breakdown of the Films
The first film, 28 Days Later, is set in a post-apocalyptic London after the Rage virus spreads. The movie stars Cillian Murphy as Jim, who wakes from a coma to find the city empty. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its realistic horror and social themes. It was distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures and grossed $82.7 million globally. The film's budget was $8 million, making it a high-return investment for the studio per Box Office Mojo data.
The second film, 28 Weeks Later, takes place six months after the events of the first movie. The story follows a group of survivors in a quarantined London as the virus resurfaces. The film stars Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, and Jeremy Renner. It was released in 2007 and grossed $64.2 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. The sequel was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and produced by Fox Atomic, a subsidiary of Fox Searchlight Pictures. The film is noted for its intense action sequences and darker tone per Rotten Tomatoes.
Future Installments and Franchise Status
The third main film, 28 Years Later, is currently in development with Danny Boyle attached as director and Alex Garland returning as writer. The project is a joint venture between Sony Pictures and Chernin Entertainment. The film is expected to continue the story decades after the previous outbreak, with a new cast and expanded world. No official release date has been announced, but the project is listed as active in development per Deadline.