Movies
Although it revitalized the zombie genre in cinema, today it is impossible to watch this movie legally
The trailer for ’28 Years Later' has sparked a surge of interest in the saga, but there’s a big problem: ’28 Days Later', the first movie, is not available on either streaming or physical formats.
The announcement and the spectacular trailer for ’28 Years Later' have significantly increased interest in this horror saga from Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. However, fans and newcomers to the franchise, which began with the release of ’28 Days Later' in 2002, have encountered a major stumbling block: this first film is not available on streaming platforms or in physical format, as the latest DVD and Blu-ray releases are not recent. This difficulty of access has reignited the physical vs. digital debate in the world of movies and TV series.
28 Days Later' not available in either physical or streaming format, despite its relevance to horror cinema
Last December 10, the trailer for 28 Days Later, one of the most anticipated films of 2025, was released. As a result, it has caused a surge of interest in the franchise, as many fans want to “do their homework” and watch the previous films before the release of the third installment of the saga to better understand it when it hits theaters next June 20. However, there is one big problem: as JustWatch reveals, ’28 Days Later' is not currently available for streaming. Its sequel, ’28 Weeks Later', on the other hand, is available.
To make matters worse, ‘28 Days Later’ is not available in any physical format in stores, as the last printings of the film in home formats such as VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray are more than a decade old. This forces all those interested in seeing the movie legally to venture into the jungle of second-hand markets and apps, where this movie has begun to see a spike in prices due to the renewed interest. However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel, as Sony Pictures intends to re-release the film in digital format soon.
The case of ’28 Days Later' reminds us of the importance of the physical format
In a world increasingly dominated by streaming platforms, the physical format continues to demonstrate its relevance as a means of preserving access to cultural works such as films and series. A clear example of this is ’28 Days Later‘, a critically acclaimed film and a mainstay of the post-apocalyptic horror genre. Despite its enormous relevance, it is currently impossible to enjoy it legally because it is not available on any streaming platform. This void underscores how an over-reliance on video-on-demand platforms effectively limits access to culture through their rotating catalogs.