Netizens are expressing their disappointment over the unavailability of 28 Days Later on streaming services ahead of the release of its sequel. The much anticipated 28 Years Later has recently dropped its trailer, and many fans wish to revisit the original classic before the sequel drops next year. However, fans cannot watch it online or purchase a digital print.
Here's everything we know about why 28 Days Later is unavailable on streaming.
Why can't you watch 28 Days Later on streaming?
Fans cannot stream 28 Days Later due to complications with ownership of rights. Currently, the movie is not available to watch online. Additionally, the physical media versions are also not in print anymore. Thus, fans who wish to jog their memory before the sequel's release are having difficulty doing so.
The popular 2002 zombie apocalyptic horror movie has had a complicated history with its rights. Originally, the rights to the movie belonged to 20th Century Fox, who distributed it during its release. However, Disney acquired Fox back in 2019, which shifted the ownership to the production giant. Despite the reacquisition of the rights, bringing the movie to streaming platforms remained difficult. The rights again moved hands when Andrew MacDonald, a movie producer, re-purchased them in 2024 and sold them to Sony. However, the movie has still yet to arrive in streaming.
Nevertheless, there is still a flicker of hope with the 28 Days Later's rights currently resting with Sony. They are planning on making the movie available for streaming in the near future. Sony Picture's official website now features a registration page that allows fans to send in their request for notification when the movie is made available for digital pre-order. However, Sony has yet to announce the date of its digital release. But, since the sequel 28 Years Later will arrive next year on June 20, 2025, many believe that the original's digital version will soon follow.