Released in 2002, Danny Boyle 28 days later redefined the zombie horror genre with its innovative approach. The film sees Jim, played by Cillian Murphy, trying to survive in a deserted London that has been taken over by the Rage virus. This virus turns people into terrifyingly fast zombies.
The post-apocalyptic film became a modern classic, earning critical acclaim and influencing countless films. 28 days later It earned more than $82 million worldwide. It won the Saturn Award in 2003 for best horror film. The film also earned a score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its iconic status and a sequel, 28 weeks laterthe film remains surprisingly difficult to find.
The film is not available anywhere due to rights issues that have plagued it for years. Disney lost these rights in 2002 and Sony never allowed it to be broadcast or sold on DVD. Even print copies are out of production, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of access to this genre-defining film.
28 days later not available to watch anywhere
Although the film has earned its place as one of the most influential zombie films of all time, finding a way to watch it remains a daunting task. Fans have been confused about this for a long time, but the answer lies in a complicated web of rights issues.
Disney lost distribution rights to 28 days later shortly after its release, and Sony, which obtained those rights later, did not make deals with other streaming services. But Searchlight Pictures, which is part of Fox, maintained control of 28 weeks later. When Disney bought Fox in 2019, they got the sequel but not the first movie, making it difficult for fans to see the full story.
The problem extends beyond streaming, as even physical copies are out of reach. Disney stopped producing DVDs of the film due to rights issues, leaving fans with only one option: search for second-hand copies.
These rare DVDs typically cost between $150 and $200 on websites like eBay and Amazon, which is not affordable for many viewers. This scarcity has turned the film into a collector’s item rather than a widely accessible piece of film history.
The unavailability of 28 days later in both digital and physical formats stands in stark contrast to its critical acclaim and cultural importance. The unavailability of 28 days later in both digital and physical formats stands in stark contrast to its critical acclaim and cultural importance.
For fans eager to revisit the film or newcomers hoping to experience it for the first time, this has been a long-standing disappointment. However, recent events suggest that this situation may finally change.
Sony has recovered the rights to 28 days later
There is new hope for fans of 28 days later. On December 10, 2024, Sony announced that it now owns the rights to the original film. This happened during the trailer launch of 28 years later. Producer Andrew MacDonald had bought back the rights in early 2024 and then sold them to Sony. This move was part of the plan to release the third film in the franchise in June 2025.
Sony intends to make the first film. digitally accessible prior to the release of 28 years later in cinemas. The announcement provided a link for fans to sign up and receive updates on the film’s availability. Although exact details are still unclear, the website hints at pre-order options, suggesting the film will be released for digital purchase or rental this Wednesday.
Sony’s involvement could mean a broader distribution strategy, including availability on major streaming platforms. This event marks a long-awaited victory for fans, ensuring that 28 days later It can be enjoyed by a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
Continue reading for more updates from the entertainment industry around the world.
Edited by Bharat S.