28 Years Later breaks franchise records with an impressive debut on Rotten Tomatoes. Set to release on June 20, 2025, this thrilling third installment of the 28 Days Later trilogy takes place almost three decades after the original film where the Rage Virus wreaked havoc across Great Britain. Directed once again by Danny Boyle, who also helmed the first two films, 28 Years Later boasts a remarkable cast, featuring Jodie Comer as Isla, Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie. Notably, Cillian Murphy, who starred in the original, serves as an executive producer and is expected to appear in future sequels.
The film debuts with an impressive 95% approval rating from 73 critical reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the captivating performances of the cast and the film’s sophisticated approach to gore and horror. Many have noted the daring artistic choices made by Boyle, delivering a poignant representation of a post-apocalyptic existence. While the unconventional style struck a chord with most reviewers, a few expressed concerns that it undermined the narrative’s premise and plot.
What This Means For 28 Years Later
28 Years Later Applies Many Modern Updates
28 Years Later currently holds the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in the franchise, surpassing 28 Days Later’s 87% and 28 Weeks Later’s 72%. It’s worth noting that 28 Weeks Later‘s score is based on 196 reviews, while the original film had 236. This suggests that as more reviews are published following the theatrical release, the score is likely to fluctuate.
Film | Tomatometer | Popcornmeter |
28 Years Later | 95% | N/A |
28 Days Later | 87% | 85% |
28 Weeks Later | 72% | 66% |
The 2002 film was revered as a classic, merging British humor with the horror genre. Critics noted that the sequel, released in 2007, didn’t replicate the original’s formula but expanded the scope with high tension and rapid pacing. The early buzz surrounding 28 Years Later suggests it is set to elevate the franchise further, creatively exploring new depths while adhering to the visceral gore that fans have come to expect.
Our Take On 28 Years Later’s RT Score
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ScreenRant describes 28 Years Later as “more of a reboot” that integrates “the modern, grief-stricken landscape of contemporary horror movies” into the franchise. This strategic shift aims to cater to a new audience rather than purely satisfying longtime fans. Interestingly, the narrative may evoke comparisons to the acclaimed HBO series, The Last of Us, which deftly explores themes of personal loss amidst a virus-ridden world.
Fans looking forward to 28 Years Later can expect a mixture of excitement and fear, aligning it with the intensity of upcoming horror titles like Terrifier 3 and Final Destination Bloodlines. With the best projected opening box office in the franchise’s history, securing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes