Released in 2002, Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later redefined the zombie horror genre with its innovative approach. The film shows Jim, played by Cillian Murphy, trying to survive in a deserted London that’s 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 made over $82 million worldwide. It won the 2003 Saturn Award for Best Horror Film. The movie also earned an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its iconic status and a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, the movie remains surprisingly difficult to find.
The movie isn’t available anywhere because of rights issues that have plagued it for years. Disney lost these rights in 2002, and Sony never allowed it to be streamed or sold on DVDs. Even hard copies are out of production, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of access to this genre-defining film.
28 Days Later isn’t available to watch anywhere
Even though the movie 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 the distribution rights to 28 Days Later shortly after its release, and Sony, which got those rights later, didn’t make deals with other streaming services. But Searchlight Pictures, which is part of Fox, kept control of 28 Weeks Later. When Disney bought Fox in 2019, they got the sequel but not the first movie, which made it hard for fans to watch the complete story.
The issue extends beyond streaming, as even physical copies are out of reach. Disney stopped making the DVDs of the movie because of rights issues, leaving fans with only one option, hunting for second-hand copies.
These rare DVDs often cost $150–$200 on websites like eBay and Amazon, which isn’t affordable for many viewers. This scarcity has turned the movie into a collector’s item rather than a widely accessible piece of cinema history.
The unavailability of 28 Days Later in both digital and physical formats stands in sharp contrast to its critical acclaim and cultural significance. The unavailability of 28 Days Later in both digital and physical formats stands in sharp contrast to its critical acclaim and cultural significance.
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 developments suggest this situation may finally change.
Sony has regained the rights for 28 Days Later
There’s new hope for fans of 28 Days Later. On December 10, 2024, Sony announced that it now owns the rights to the original movie. This happened during the release of the trailer for 28 Years Later. Producer Andrew MacDonald had bought the rights back earlier in 2024 and then sold them to Sony. This move was part of the plan to release the third movie in the franchise in June 2025.
Sony intends to make the first movie accessible digitally before the release of 28 Years Later in theaters. The announcement provided a link for fans to register and receive updates about the film’s availability. Although exact details remain unclear, the website hints at pre-order options, which suggests the movie will be released for digital purchase or rent this Wednesday.
Sony’s involvement could mean a wider distribution strategy, including availability on major streaming platforms. This development marks a long-overdue victory for fans, ensuring that 28 Days Later can be enjoyed by a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
Keep reading to know more updates from the entertainment industry all across the world.
Edited by Bharath S
