Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:20pm

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Netflix has restricted access to the critically acclaimed 2025 post-apocalyptic horror film “28 Years Later” for subscribers on its ad-supported tier. The film, a reboot of the “28 Days Later” franchise, was a box office success and received an 88% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, due to licensing restrictions, it is now unavailable to a segment of Netflix’s subscriber base.

Why it matters

This move highlights the challenges streaming services face in maintaining a comprehensive library of content as they introduce ad-supported tiers. While the ad-supported model allows for more affordable subscription options, it can also result in certain titles being restricted or removed from the platform entirely due to licensing agreements.

The details

Netflix has significantly reduced the number of titles restricted on its ad-supported tier, down from around 5% four years ago to less than 2% this month. The majority of restricted titles come from the Sony studio, with which Netflix has a first-run deal but cannot monetize certain shows and films with ads. “28 Years Later,” a critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic horror film that served as a franchise reboot, is among the 140 titles Netflix has restricted in March.

“28 Years Later” was released in 2025.The sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” was released in 2026.
The players

Alex Garland

The writer-director behind the film, known for cult classics such as “Sunshine” and “28 Days Later.”

Danny Boyle

The director who collaborated with Garland on the original “28 Days Later” and served as a producer on the reboot.

Alfie Williams

The newcomer who starred in the lead role of the 2025 film.

Jodie Comer

The acclaimed actress who also starred in the 2025 film.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

The actor who appeared in the 2025 film.

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What’s next

The status of a rumored third installment in the “28 Years Later” franchise remains uncertain following the poor box office performance of the 2026 sequel.

The takeaway

This case highlights the trade-offs streaming services face as they introduce ad-supported tiers, with certain high-profile titles becoming unavailable to a segment of their subscriber base due to licensing restrictions. It underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining a comprehensive content library across different subscription models.