AceShowbiz - 28 Years Later is among the titles recently restricted on Netflix’s ad-supported tier, marking a significant limitation for subscribers using the lower-cost option. This move reflects a broader trend where Netflix has reduced the number of titles behind its paywall since launching the ad-supported service in 2022. Four years ago, about 5% of Netflix’s library was restricted, but that figure has now dropped to less than 2%.

The primary reason for these restrictions is tied to licensing agreements, particularly with Sony. Although Netflix holds a first-run deal with Sony, it cannot offer Sony movies on its ad-supported tier. Consequently, numerous Sony titles, including 28 Years Later, are unavailable to users on this plan. In total, around 140 titles are restricted this month, with Sony’s catalog making up the majority of them.

The 2025 film 28 Years Later was a reboot of a beloved franchise, reuniting the acclaimed writer-director duo Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, known for hits like Sunshine and 28 Days Later. The movie grossed over $150 million worldwide, a respectable box office performance but not the breakout success Sony had hoped for. This created uncertainty around the film’s immediate sequel, which had already been filmed and scheduled for release shortly afterward.

Despite the initial concerns, Sony remained optimistic about the sequel. They held early screenings for critics, who responded positively, and even approved a rumored third installment. However, the sequel, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and directed by Nia DaCosta, failed to perform well at the box office. Though it achieved an even higher Rotten Tomatoes score of 92% compared to the original’s 88%, it was unable to recoup its reported $63 million budget. The fate of the planned follow-up remains unclear.

28 Years Later earned critical acclaim upon release, capturing contemporary anxieties with its intense, visceral storytelling. The film centers on a young boy’s coming of age amid a zombie apocalypse, starring newcomers Alfie Williams alongside established actors Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. It currently holds a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its “ferocious urgency” and “haunting thrill ride.”

Netflix’s decision to restrict 28 Years Later on its ad-supported tier means that subscribers opting for the more affordable plan will miss out on one of the most acclaimed horror-thrillers of 2025. This limitation highlights the impact of licensing restrictions on streaming service content availability, especially concerning major studio deals.

As Netflix continues to expand its ad-supported offering, the number of titles accessible to all subscribers is changing. While the overall percentage of restricted content has decreased, key films like 28 Years Later remain exclusive to premium subscribers due to Sony’s licensing constraints.

Subscribers interested in watching 28 Years Later should consider accessing it through Netflix’s premium tiers or other rental and purchase options, as the movie remains unavailable on the ad-supported plan. For more updates on streaming availability and film industry news, stay tuned to Collider.