When the credits rolled on 28 Years Later during its theatrical run in June 2025, few could have predicted just how swiftly the film would find a second life on the world’s biggest streaming stage. Yet, in a year marked by fierce competition from both established franchises and fresh streaming originals, this third installment in the post-apocalyptic horror saga has carved out a surprising—and impressive—niche for itself. According to Netflix’s official global chart, as reported for the week of September 22 through September 28, 28 Years Later soared to No. 8 among the platform’s most-watched English-language movies. Debuting on Netflix on September 20, the film quickly amassed 3.2 million viewers and racked up a formidable 6.2 million viewing hours in just one week.
The film’s streaming triumph comes after a solid, if not record-shattering, theatrical run. Released on June 20, 2025, 28 Years Later grossed $151.2 million worldwide, securing its place as the 21st highest-grossing release of the year and the fifth most successful horror film of 2025. Only tentpole titles like Weapons, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Sinners, and The Conjuring: Last Rites managed to outpace it at the box office. However, with a reported production budget of $60 million, industry analysts estimate that the film’s break-even point could hover around $150 million, factoring in marketing and distribution costs. This means that the streaming boost couldn’t have come at a better time, potentially pushing the project fully into the black and securing its legacy as a bona fide horror hit.
Central to the film’s allure is the creative reunion of director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland, whose work on 2002’s 28 Days Later set a new standard for the modern zombie genre. This time around, they’re joined by a cast that’s as eclectic as it is accomplished: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, and Alfie Williams all bring their own flair to a story set decades after the original Rage virus outbreak that devastated the British Isles. The film’s narrative, steeped in dread and gritty survivalism, has clearly struck a chord with audiences around the world—especially in the United States, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, where it broke into Netflix’s Top 10 in each country.
But it’s not just the script or the scares that have people talking. At the London premiere in June, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s transformation into a rugged apocalypse survivor made waves in both film and fashion circles. As GQ.co.uk noted in an October 5, 2025 article, Taylor-Johnson, now 35, debuted a look that was “something new”—brunette curls grown out to a uniform length and a full, gruff beard. The effect was less “Kick-Ass redux” and more “man who’s genuinely spent two months in apocalypse mode.” The magazine quipped, “It’s what every man wishes he looked like if he neglected the barbershop chair and clippers.”
Of course, achieving that kind of tousled perfection isn’t as effortless as it appears. According to GQ, “Curls and scruff this good do require a little maintenance and styling.” The secret? Hydration and definition. Taylor-Johnson’s look demands a moisture-packing shampoo to keep curls from turning dry and frizzy, plus a styling product—mousse or pomade—applied while the hair is damp to keep things defined rather than disheveled. As the article playfully put it, “Will you look like Aaron Taylor-Johnson at the end of it, emerging from an apocalyptic zombie commune to shoot a Calvin Klein commercial? No idea! Worth a shot, though, right?”
While Taylor-Johnson’s hair may be grabbing headlines, it’s the film’s broader cultural impact that’s keeping audiences and producers alike on the edge of their seats. The movie’s streaming success, especially during the Halloween season—a time when horror titles traditionally see a spike in viewership—could very well create a domino effect for the franchise’s future. As Screen Rant observed, “The strong streaming performance of 28 Years Later could lead to a domino effect that helps boost the theatrical profits of The Bone Temple in early 2026.”
That’s right: the fourth installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is already on the horizon. Set to debut in theaters on January 16, 2026, the next chapter brings a fresh perspective with director Nia DaCosta at the helm, working from another new screenplay by Alex Garland. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the anticipation is palpable—and not just among die-hard horror fans. If the current film’s streaming numbers continue to climb, there’s a strong chance this momentum will carry over, potentially boosting the franchise’s box office returns and all but guaranteeing a green light for a possible third movie in what’s now being referred to as the “Years trilogy.”
It’s not lost on industry watchers that 28 Years Later is competing in a crowded field. Netflix’s Top 10 during the week in question included juggernauts like KPop Demon Hunters (No. 1) and The Wrong Paris (No. 3), as well as the streamer’s headline-grabbing new documentary aka Charlie Sheen (No. 10). Yet, the horror sequel managed to outperform some of these buzzy titles, signaling that the appetite for well-crafted, nerve-jangling stories remains as strong as ever.
Financially, the film’s journey is a compelling case study in the evolving economics of modern cinema. With theaters still recovering from the disruptions of recent years, streaming platforms like Netflix are increasingly vital to a movie’s long-term profitability. For a film like 28 Years Later, which needed to clear a high break-even threshold, the global reach and sustained interest provided by streaming can make all the difference. As Halloween approaches and viewers seek out scares from the comfort of their couches, the film’s numbers are expected to climb even higher.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on The Bone Temple and the possibility of a trilogy-capping third installment. For now, though, 28 Years Later stands as a testament to the enduring power of smart storytelling, compelling performances, and—let’s be honest—one heck of a good hair day. Whether you’re in it for the chills, the thrills, or just to see how apocalypse chic is done, this is one horror franchise that’s showing no signs of slowing down.