28 Years Later: Should You Watch 28 Days Later & 28 Weeks Later Before?

Approximately two and a half decades since Danny Boyle revolutionized independent survival films with “28 Days Later,” a sequel titled “28 Years Later” is nearly ready for cinema release. Remarkably, Danny Boyle himself will be back in the director’s chair for this upcoming chapter.

It could be beneficial for fans of the series to watch both “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later”, two other films by Danny Boyle, prior to the release of the newest movie in the series. However, it’s not mandatory or essential to do so.

Do you have to watch 28 Days and Weeks Later before 28 Years Later?

In simpler terms, since the movie “28 Years Later” takes place nearly three decades after the initial film, it can’t be a prequel. The creators link the stories conceptually and story-wise, but the timeline clearly positions this one as occurring much later in time.

The filmmakers essentially consider the latest movie as a fresh start or relaunch of the series, given it’s set quite some time after the original films. This means that while there may be some similarities, the new movie largely stands alone and doesn’t follow closely in the footsteps of the prequels. There won’t be any grand storylines connecting the two films either.

Although some key aspects like themes, main locations, and specific story elements will be consistent, watching “28 Years Later” without seeing its sequels won’t diminish the enjoyment for first-time viewers.

28 Years Later will maintain some thematic and storyline resemblance with 28 Days Later. Yet, it won’t be tied to 28 Weeks Later as closely as before. It appears that the narrative of 28 Weeks Later won’t influence the upcoming sequel in any significant way.

It’s possible that the next installment in the series, titled “Perhaps 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” may incorporate aspects found in “28 Weeks Later” into its storyline. Yet, at this point, it remains unconfirmed.

28 Years Later will release in theatres on June 20, 2025.

2025-06-19 11:41

Do you have to watch 28 Days and Weeks Later before 28 Years Later?

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