28 Days Later

28 Days Later (2002)★ 7.5/10

R · GB,US · 113 min · October 16, 2002

  • Drama
  • Horror
  • Sci-Fi

Directed by: Danny Boyle

Written by: Alex Garland

Twenty-eight days after a deadly virus spreads across the UK, Jim wakes from a coma to find London deserted—until he learns the infected aren't the only threat.

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Awards · 1 wins, 2 nominations

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Reviews

KK AugustAugust 15, 2025
This is as near-perfect a zombie-horror film as you will get to see, and it was my introduction to Danny Boyle's particular cinematic talent (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire and Shallow Grave came later). There might be some disagreement about how fast the undead move in this film, or the wisdom over camping out in the open with the above-mentioned around, but to see London basically shut down as a lone figure (Cillian Murphy as our protagonist, Jim) learns just what he missed while unconscious is still disturbing and raw. Also, who doesn't love seeing Brendan Gleeson and Naomie Harris kick ass as they survive round after round of attacks (or maybe not survive it all?). And I have see the alternate endings - my DVD rests in a position of importance on my shelves - and prefer the optimism here.
See it and let the sequels be damned.
VVicente_RichJuly 25, 2024
The film is rather scary and oppressive, not from gore but from the terror of isolation and the constant fear of people turning into monsters. It reflects on humanity’s darkest aspects, showing how when humans lose control, evilness and selfishness emerge, leading to an explosion of fight for dominance and power.
HHarry_ColemanJuly 25, 2024
The director's grand ambition to merge arthouse film with the horror genre resulted in a disjointed film with abrupt plot changes. The exploration of humanity’s darker side is overdone and lacks novelty. The shaky camera, weak script, and poorly-developed characters are also lame. However, the protagonist’s transformation into a courageous man provides a surprising twist.
AAlishia_GuadalupeMay 24, 2024
This movie is a bit confusing. The director seems to have aimed for an artsy film and a thriller simultaneously, but it doesn't quite work as intended, and the plot twists occur without clear reasons. There have been too many films lately that delve into the dark side of human nature, and this movie's theme doesn't particularly stand out. The shaky camera shots appear meaningless, the script is hard to grasp, and the characters are poorly developed. Cillian Murphy is still charming in this film, but his character is kinda flat. Meh.
TTerry_RobinsonMay 24, 2024
I'm not entirely sure where this movie stands among other apocalypse-themed films, but in my opinion, it's truly remarkable as it captures the complexity of human nature. The significance of staying alive in an apocalyptic world becomes paramount. Moreover, the score and cinematography perfectly align with my aesthetic preferences. I enjoy the feeling of solitude, but I doubt that will remain the case amidst the sufferings of an apocalypse.
BBill_TannerApril 5, 2024
Humanity's struggle at the apocalypse is depicted with Danny Boyle's signature fluid storytelling and unique visual style. To enhance the post-apocalyptic atmosphere, the film boldly reduces the quality of its visuals; its carefully crafted compositions, lighting, and editing choices, including numerous shots with canted angles, greatly contribute to the immersive experience. The eerily deserted London is particularly striking, making for a lasting impression.
AAlisha_FossApril 5, 2024
Contrary to expectations, it's not a typical horror thriller; it unfolds as an art film, presenting a post-apocalypse more desolate than any high-budget special effects could convey. The film excels in almost every aspect, despite its somewhat raw cinematography, which ironically adds to its palpable sense of reality and dread.
Rredjohn42January 26, 2024
One of the greatest zombie movies of all time (and yes, they are zombies, not just ¨infected¨, okay?)
DDeteiiiderMarch 24, 2021

A realistic approach to epidemics

Led by Cillian Murphy, part of the impact of this zombie movie is due to its realistic approach to the epidemic and the shocking shots of a deserted and devastated London.
PPe23RoSMarch 24, 2021

Each version is a new experience

With a terrifying story about zombies and loneliness, "28 Days Later..." stands out from any other zombie movie thanks to the three different endings that it has. Each version is a new experience.
LLice Frigin ToledoNovember 17, 2025
Los seres humanos infectados por este tipo de virus es un tema que me preocupa y a pesar de haberlo visto solo en Intercine, no me asustó ni siquiera con el ruido extraño afuera. Empecé a verla pensando que sería otra película aburrida con zombies, pero las escenas son interesantes, hermosas imágenes de una ciudad completamente vacía donde de repente aparecen zombies, dándole espacio al comportamiento del zombie atrapado enfocándose en él muriendo por atraparte es impresionante. Me gustó tener una solución final, a veces tiene que haber una, mucha gente no la tiene, entonces ¿por qué pensar que es innecesaria? Es genial ver la película, tal vez porque está ambientada en Inglaterra, no lo sé, sé que vale la pena.
MMargor MarinhoNovember 14, 2025
La infección de humanos por este tipo de virus es un problema preocupante. Empecé a verla pensando que sería otra película de zombis cutre, pero las escenas son interesantes, con bellas imágenes de una ciudad completamente vacía donde aparecen zombis de repente. El enfoque en el comportamiento del zombi atrapado, mostrando su desesperación por atraparte, es impresionante.

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