Streaming Wars Heat Up With 28 Years Later And The Menu

As the streaming wars heat up this fall, movie lovers are in for a treat with a slate of highly anticipated new releases and cult favorites making their way to digital platforms. From the chilling return of a legendary zombie franchise to the continued rise of a darkly comedic culinary thriller, and a host of notable performances from some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, there’s no shortage of reasons to stay glued to your screen in the coming weeks.

Leading the pack is 28 Years Later, the long-awaited third installment in the iconic zombie series that began with Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later back in 2002. According to MobileSyrup and Collider, the film arrived in theaters on June 20, 2025, and is set to make its streaming debut on both Crave and Netflix in early October. This marks a significant moment for fans, as the franchise had lain dormant since the release of 28 Weeks Later in 2007.

Directed by Boyle and written by Alex Garland—who also penned the original—the new chapter takes the series in a bold new direction. Set decades into the apocalypse, 28 Years Later follows a young boy who leaves his isolated island community on a quest that exposes him to horrors both expected and unforeseen. The film’s cast boasts an impressive lineup, including Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, the latter of whom has been riding a wave of critical acclaim from recent projects.

What truly sets 28 Years Later apart, though, is its groundbreaking production technique. The entire film was shot on an iPhone 15 Pro (or Pro Max, depending on the source), a decision that has already sparked conversation about the future of filmmaking. As Netflix notes, the visuals are nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating that smartphone technology can deliver cinematic quality capable of rivaling traditional cameras. This bold move could very well change how future movies are made, especially as filmmakers look for innovative ways to tell their stories.

Critics have praised Boyle and Garland for evolving the franchise’s themes. While the first two films were defined by their frantic, survivalist energy, 28 Years Later takes a more reflective approach. According to Netflix, the story explores the long-term effects of the Rage Virus on British society, raising thorny ethical questions about isolation, survival, and the world’s willingness to leave an entire population to fend for itself. The film’s coming-of-age narrative, set against the backdrop of a society that has adapted to the everlasting threat of infection, offers a fresh lens on the zombie genre—one that’s as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying.

Fans of the franchise have even more to look forward to: The Bone Temple, the second film in this new trilogy, is already scheduled for a theatrical release in January 2026. The rapid succession of these releases suggests that the creative team is eager to capitalize on the renewed interest in the series, and with the critical and commercial buzz already building, the gamble appears to be paying off.

Ralph Fiennes, one of the stars of 28 Years Later, is enjoying a particularly fruitful period in his career. Fresh off an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Conclave (2024), Fiennes continues to demonstrate his versatility. Just a few years ago, he delivered a hauntingly memorable turn as the enigmatic chef in The Menu, a film that has quietly become a contemporary cult classic since its 2022 release.

Directed by Mark Mylod—best known for his work on HBO’s Succession and the upcoming Harry Potter series—The Menu stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult alongside Fiennes. The story follows a young couple who visit an exclusive, mysterious restaurant, only to find themselves drawn into a darkly comedic and suspenseful game orchestrated by Fiennes’ character. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to gross around $80 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, a remarkable feat considering it was released during a period when theaters were still reeling from the pandemic. As Collider reports, The Menu holds a certified fresh 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes as of September 28, 2025, with critics praising its sharp social commentary and black comedy.

Now, The Menu is set to reach an even wider audience as it joins the Paramount+ streaming catalog on October 1. This move comes at a time when the film’s stars are enjoying considerable success. Anya Taylor-Joy recently headlined George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and starred in Apple’s hit The Gorge, while Nicholas Hoult has taken on the iconic role of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman and will reprise the character in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow.

As streaming platforms battle for subscribers, each service is leveraging exclusive content to attract and retain viewers. Crave, for example, offers multiple subscription tiers ranging from $11.99 to $22 per month, with premium options providing ad-free viewing. Netflix, despite facing increased competition, still boasts over 300 million paid subscribers and continues to expand its diverse library, including the recent addition of 28 Years Later. Paramount+, meanwhile, is banking on the enduring appeal of films like The Menu to bolster its catalog.

For audiences, the abundance of choice can be overwhelming—but also exhilarating. Whether you’re in the mood for the pulse-pounding suspense of a zombie apocalypse, the darkly comic delights of a culinary thriller, or simply want to catch some of Hollywood’s top talent at the height of their powers, this fall’s streaming lineup has something for everyone.

With new technological frontiers being crossed, beloved franchises returning, and stars shining brighter than ever, the digital entertainment landscape is as dynamic as it’s ever been. As October unfolds, viewers will have plenty of reasons to stay in, press play, and see what surprises the next chapter of streaming has in store.