As the weekend of September 26, 2025, rolled around, streaming platforms across the United States and beyond unveiled a dazzling array of new films, sending movie buffs scrambling for their remotes. This week’s headliners—28 Years Later, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Ballerina—were joined by a medley of other notable releases, making it one of the most anticipated streaming weekends in recent memory. From horror sequels to superhero reboots and action-packed spin-offs, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Let’s start with the film that’s been generating the most chatter: 28 Years Later. According to USA TODAY, this long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s groundbreaking 28 Days Later has finally arrived on major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Directed once again by Boyle, the film picks up nearly three decades after the original’s harrowing outbreak of the Rage Virus. The world, as viewers quickly discover, has been irrevocably changed by the catastrophic events of the past. Society is fractured, and the remnants of humanity are forced to navigate a landscape where fear, violence, and mistrust are the new normal.
The story centers on a young boy, played by Alfie Williams, who embarks on a perilous quest to help his ailing mother. As USA TODAY notes, the film “works as a scary movie while also being a thoughtful exploration of family, tribalism, and remembering the dead.” The narrative delves deep into the psychological and sociopolitical ramifications of living in a world where trust is a luxury and survival often comes at a steep moral cost. Themes of survival, the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation, and the resilience of the human spirit are woven throughout.
Critics have been quick to highlight the film’s unique blend of horror and social commentary. As The Film Stage puts it, 28 Years Later is “definitely an ‘I’ve still got the moves’ gesture from Boyle,” with frenetic energy and a screenplay by returning writer Alex Garland that keeps viewers on their toes. The film’s unpredictability has been praised as a deep compliment, even if “that doesn’t necessarily result in a great film, per se.” Still, the consensus is that it’s a worthy and significant addition to the horror genre, offering both scares and substance in equal measure.
Of course, 28 Years Later isn’t the only major release making waves. Marvel fans have reason to celebrate with the debut of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a reboot that promises to breathe new life into the beloved superhero team. The film revisits the origin story of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing), focusing on how a scientific experiment gone wrong grants them extraordinary abilities. According to coverage compiled from multiple sources, this new iteration aims to capture the essence of the original comics while updating the story with modern visual effects and deeper character development.
What sets this reboot apart is its commitment to exploring the personal motivations and relationships of each character. The casting choices have sparked much discussion among fans, with established and rising stars bringing fresh perspectives to these iconic roles. The sibling rivalry between Johnny and Sue, for instance, is given a contemporary twist, and Sue Storm’s character is portrayed as an independent woman grappling with the complexities of her powers and identity. Marvel Studios’ reputation for cutting-edge CGI is on full display, with transformation sequences and action-packed confrontations that promise a visually stunning experience.
Not to be outdone, Ballerina steps into the spotlight as a spin-off from the ever-expanding John Wick universe. The film centers on a young female assassin driven by vengeance for her family’s murder—a storyline that echoes the central themes of revenge and redemption that have made the John Wick series a fan favorite. What’s unique here is the film’s choreography, which blends martial arts with ballet-inspired movements. The result is a mesmerizing blend of grace and brutality, crafted by renowned action directors who aim to elevate the genre and demonstrate that violence can indeed be an art form.
Ballerina also expands the John Wick universe, offering fans a deeper look into its intricate world of assassins and their strict code of conduct. Familiar elements such as the Continental Hotel and its enigmatic characters make appearances, providing continuity while allowing the new protagonist to carve out her own identity. The film’s connection to the broader franchise ensures that longtime fans will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers can appreciate its standalone narrative.
But the weekend’s streaming smorgasbord doesn’t end there. For those seeking lighter fare, The Lost Treasure offers a family-friendly adventure that follows a group of children on a quest for hidden riches. The film is packed with challenges and life lessons about friendship, teamwork, and bravery, making it a solid choice for viewers of all ages.
Meanwhile, Love in the Time of Algorithms takes a comedic look at modern romance, exploring how technology both helps and hinders the search for love. A quirky algorithm designed to find soulmates leads to unexpected connections and humorous mishaps, ultimately reminding viewers of the unpredictability of human relationships. The film cleverly critiques society’s reliance on technology while celebrating the joy of genuine connection.
For viewers craving suspense, Shadows of the Past delivers a dramatic thriller centered on a detective haunted by an unsolved case. As he delves into long-buried secrets, he must confront his own demons, leading to a tense and suspenseful climax that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Rounding out the list are other notable releases such as All of You, a romantic drama starring Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots, and M3GAN 2.0, the sequel to the meme-worthy killer robot flick. All of You explores the complexities of friendship and love, while M3GAN 2.0 ups the ante with more satirical action and a new rogue robot antagonist.
With so many options available, the only real challenge this weekend is deciding what to watch first. Whether you’re in the mood for horror, superhero spectacle, pulse-pounding action, or heartwarming family fare, streaming platforms have you covered. As always, check your preferred service—be it Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or another—for the latest lineup and get ready for a weekend of cinematic adventure.
For movie lovers, weekends like this don’t come around often. With fresh stories, familiar franchises, and bold new directions, the world of streaming continues to prove that there’s never been a better time to be a fan of film.
