‘28 Days’ and ‘Weeks Later’ Recap

For nearly 28 years now, the release of “28 Days Later” has significantly reshaped the zombie movie genre; it’s not exactly 28 years, but close. Now, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have brought us “28 Years Later,” a modern take on their classic horror series, set in 2025 with fresh characters and a novel narrative. The story revolves around a father (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and son (Alfie Williams), who venture out from the safety of their secluded island to revisit the mainland, where the zombie virus continues to pose a significant danger.

If it’s been nearly 28 years since you last watched “28 Days Later” and if you haven’t seen or can’t remember its first sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” which was released in 2007, we have a video recap for you. In this video, we will summarize both previous movies and provide you with all the essential information about the Rage Virus, characters like Jim, Selena, Don, Tammy, Andy, and more. You can watch our full “28 Days” and “Weeks Later” recap below:

If you enjoyed our video summarizing both films, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, before the upcoming release of 28 Years Later, don’t forget to explore more videos from us! You’ll find fascinating content such as how the pandemic of 2020 revolutionized horror movies, a list of the best horror sequels ever made, and an in-depth analysis of the series Sinners and its surprising ending. And there’s plenty more where that came from over on ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel! Make sure to subscribe so you won’t miss any future episodes. 28 Years Later hits theaters this Friday.

Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

36. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in one of the least crucial titles. Regrettably, Eternals never quite coalesced as intended. It generally stays true to Kirby’s core principles with a few minor yet disconcerting alterations—for instance, transforming the antagonistic Deviants into unremarkable creatures lacking purpose or intent. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the principal characters—Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris—grapple to convey their passionate relationship (spanning 6,000 years; they appear as though they’re on a disastrous first date). The script occasionally delves into intriguing concepts regarding the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to forsake them in favor of tedious battle sequences featuring dull adversaries. It is challenging to fathom a more mundane film about immortal extraterrestrial robots attempting to avert impending doomsday than this one.

35. The Incredible Hulk

The production of this film seems to have been hastily put together, as if Marvel was taken aback by the success of Iron Man and rushed it into production. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, who transforms into a large bony creature, is arguably one of Loki’s greatest misdeeds in the Marvel universe. (For more details, click here.)

34. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, we ended up with a movie that feels gloomy and follows a tedious pursuit of a mystical object known as the MacGuffin. This film features one of the least engaging villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it might be that this less-than-successful movie could have prevented Marvel from taking the risks they did with Thor: Ragnarok, leading to a more exciting and unconventional take on the character. (For further reading, check out the original article here.)

33. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the most disastrous – it surpasses three others on this list, after all – but it might be the most confusing and action-packed. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are haphazardly united to thwart a Kree warlord determined to cause havoc for questionable reasons. Although the actors share excellent chemistry, the plot – though mercifully concise – is chaotic and riddled with peculiar decisions that don’t make much sense.

32. Captain America: Brave New World

In another setting, the same cast could shine, but unfortunately, the script falls short. This sentiment applies particularly to “Captain America: Brave New World,” which provides Anthony Mackie’s captivating Sam Wilson with a solo film, only to burden him with a dull antagonist and a narrative riddled with unnecessary references to “The Incredible Hulk.” (Yes, we were all on the edge of our seats, waiting to find out about Betty Ross.)

31. Doctor Strange

Imaginative scenes are great, but “Doctor Strange” seems to be more like a revamped version of “Iron Man” (with magic added). The positive: The clever ending with Dormammu was well done. The negative: The odd cape worn by Strange could use some improvement. (For further reading, check out the full review here.)

30. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you may recall, it’s still not an exceptional performance. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can mask many flaws, but they don’t cover everything. If approximately 15 minutes of the initial setup for Avengers were removed, it could potentially be much more engaging. (You can read more here.)

29. Ant-Man

Ant-Man isn’t poor quality, but it’s challenging not to compare it to the larger-scale Edgar Wright film we could have had. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters within the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)

Ant-Man is decent enough, but it’s tough not to feel that we should have gotten a bigger version of Edgar Wright’s movie instead. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis shines among the non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (More information can be found here.)

28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the faceoff between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even the intimidating Jonathan Majors as Kang admits that Scott Lang is out of his depth. This seemingly impossible matchup symbolizes the film itself: The charming, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, known for its dry wit and lovable characters, can’t compete with the grand, multiversal spectacle of Marvel Phase 5 on the big screen. As a Marvel cinematic experience, it gets the job done. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man saga, it falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, if you were hoping to see Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis in this installment, you’re out of luck – he doesn’t appear at all.

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp

In my opinion, the strength of “Ant-Man and the Wasp” lies in its focus on the small and intimate moments. I found myself laughing along with Paul Rudd as he bantered with his fellow actors, and Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues struck a chord. The film also delves into a compelling, small-scale drama about a fractured family striving to mend their relationships. (Read more here.)

26. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers could be the most potent hero, but her movie seemed to fall short on emotional depth. However, it remained engaging due to two standout performers: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson (impressively brought to youthful life by special effects), playing a younger Nick Fury. (For further details, click here.)

25. Black Widow

2021 marked Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing, departing from her Avengers role. However, instead of leading the way as expected, she predominantly functioned as a straight character amidst the group of her sarcastic Russian superhero kin, including David Harbour’s self-centered Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow might not have been the fitting farewell for this character. Nevertheless, it remains a well-executed Marvel blockbuster, featuring remarkable stunt sequences, and an intriguing villain in the form of Taskmaster, who possesses the ability to replicate the combat skills of any adversary he encounters.

24. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Love and Thunder,” seems somewhat akin to watching a magician perform the same trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance left you spellbound. The repetition is still entertaining, but it lacks the initial surprise factor. Christian Bale delivers an eerie portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and highly emotional villain doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant wisecracking. Essentially, “Love and Thunder” retains all the elements of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together as smoothly this time around.

23. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this film, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman share an outstanding camaraderie that’s truly enjoyable. Their cameos are unexpected and sometimes startling. However, the narrative pushes the limits of how much background information it can cram in without becoming confusing. It seems like each character has an excessive number of tragic pasts – at least two in this film! If you can manage to not think too deeply about what’s happening on screen for a moment, you’ll have a reasonably enjoyable experience. Both actors effectively portray the reluctant partnership between Deadpool and Wolverine, working together to save the Fox X-Men universe. Admittedly, the writers (including Reynolds himself) could have been more consistent with their storytelling.

22. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

An alternate take on “Iron Man 2”: Less enjoyable than you might recall, yet still satisfactory. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy-thriller aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon significantly enriches the series, and Chris Evans maintains his trustworthy portrayal as Captain America. However, it remains frustrating that Nick Fury, the world’s most accomplished spy, was unaware that nearly every member of SHIELD was corrupt except for him and a couple others. Come on, Nick, wake up! (For more insights, check out this article.)

21. Avengers: Infinity War

This film is massive in scale and ambition, and its finale is truly epic, but there’s a sense that something essential is lacking. If you’re primarily seeking an action-packed Marvel movie with some witty quips, then it should suffice. However, if you appreciate the characters, camaraderie, and quieter, more intimate scenes amidst the battles, this film might not hit the spot for you. (Read more here.)

20. Iron Man 3

The film, while generally enjoyable, was slightly let down by its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie’s plot culminates in Tony Stark retiring as Iron Man and riding off, but this was followed by several more films. Although Guy Pearce’s portrayal of Killian was underwhelming, Robert Downey Jr.’s exchanges with a clever child were top-notch. (Read more here.)

The movie was good overall, but the fact that it’s part of the Marvel Universe made it slightly less enjoyable because Tony Stark retired as Iron Man but then there were more movies. Guy Pearce wasn’t great in his role, but Robert Downey Jr.’s scenes with a smart kid were excellent. (Read more here.)

19. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Initially: The climax, featuring dragons and monsters clashing within a thick gray fog, is a disorganized CGI spectacle. Apart from that, Shang-Chi could be Marvel’s top action film, boasting numerous thrilling and complex fight sequences. (The bus fight scene is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads a profoundly talented Marvel ensemble, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering nuanced supporting roles, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently provide comic relief. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, may not have been a fan-favorite Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has managed to transform him into an endearing secondary character.)

18. Thor

In an unexpected twist, the grand cosmic saga unfolds primarily in the tiniest town of New Mexico. Despite its flaws, “Thor” stands out among Marvel movies as a production where exceptional acting and captivating performances managed to overshadow structural and script problems – issues that later became a distinctive trait of the Marvel franchise. (For further reading, click here.)

17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler confronted a tremendously tough task with “Wakanda Forever”: Apart from creating a sequel that matched the greatness of the initial “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish this without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in the summer of 2020 as filming was about to commence. The movie excels when it incorporates Coogler and the cast’s feelings of grief for Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with its deceased king’s loss. Unfortunately, the remainder of the film can be a bit disorganized; a jumble of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an adversary, King Namor, who is somewhat unclear in his motivations.

16. Captain America: Civil War

The narrative in this film is questionable, with every scene seemingly leading up to the intense showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. And let me tell you, that airport battle is absolutely thrilling! (You can read more about it here.)

15. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share an issue of being overflowing with multiple villains. On the bright side, this production effectively portrays Peter Parker as a character who may stumble but never gives up on making things right in the future. It significantly expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe by introducing the concept of the multiverse in a substantial manner, making it a significant landmark in the ongoing storyline.

14. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years after leaving, director Sam Raimi re-entered the realm of Marvel superheroes with this exhilaratingly unconventional tale about a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man movies, Raimi cleverly incorporated his unique style and visuals – such as slapstick humor, maniacal zombies, and jumpscares – into the conventional Marvel template. (You can read more here.)

13. Thunderbolts (2025)

In many ways, the Marvel productions following “Endgame” seem like they were created by piecing together leftovers from various comic books, films, and lore, similar to a Frankenstein monster’s body. However, the upcoming film “Thunderbolts* ” stands out as a cohesive story with captivating characters. Florence Pugh, portraying the new Black Widow, is particularly intriguing. Much like many of us, her character finds her life meaningless and her job unsatisfying. She discovers purpose when she’s grouped with a band of disillusioned mercenaries, including Wyatt Russell as the cocky U.S. Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as the mystical Ghost. With engaging action sequences and a powerful message about overcoming despair and embracing camaraderie, “Thunderbolts* ” serves as a refreshing reminder of Marvel’s potential when they are at their creative best.

*Note: The title “Thunderbolts” has not been officially confirmed but is widely speculated based on casting and production information.

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must confess that I’m baffled by the intense criticism this movie has received. Granted, it may not have lived up to the extraordinary standards set by the first Avengers film, and the development of Wanda and Pietro left much to be desired. However, the climactic sequence where the Avengers unite to rescue every soul in Sokovia encapsulates the essence of Marvel at its finest. I stand by my belief that it’s worth revisiting this movie for that breathtaking finale alone.

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The film features an excessive number of post-credits scenes, at least four to be precise, which might be too lengthy for some viewers. Yet, it’s remarkable how Marvel managed to transform their most lighthearted franchise into a sequel with such a somber ending. It’s the only Marvel movie that has left me in tears and also contains humor revolving around alien deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend of emotions makes it an exceptional film. (Read more here.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I can confidently say that Marvel’s second Spider-Man film, starring the captivating Tom Holland as our friendly neighborhood Spiderman, is merely a slight dip from its stellar predecessor. It continues to deliver on romance, action, comedy, and emotion in spades. While the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” isn’t explicitly uttered, Far From Home elegantly embodies this concept just as firmly as any other Spider-Man tale.

In this installment, Holland’s Peter Parker finds himself caught between two compelling forces: his longing to pursue a romantic relationship with the charming and witty MJ (the hilariously dry Zendaya) and his obligations to heed the instructions of Nick Fury (a hilariously exasperated Samuel L. Jackson), who tasks him with stopping a menacing group of elemental villains.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn delivers a stellar finale for his Guardians trilogy, blending Marvel’s signature elements perfectly: Thrilling action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and characters that evoke strong emotions, making us deeply care about them. By the end of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary character in Marvel to one of their most captivating and tragic heroes. After a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly demonstrates his skill. It’s unfortunate he’s moving on to work with DC instead.

7. Avengers: Endgame

Taking a significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second greatest Marvel’s Avengers film, it is packed with massive action sequences, plenty of humor, and potentially more Easter eggs than any movie across all cinematic universes. (For further details, check out this article.)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s films, one that never fails to captivate me is the one brimming with compelling characters, thrilling web-slinging sequences, and an unforgettable moment when a street vendor requests a flip from Spider-Man, to which he graciously complies. Frankly, I can’t help but be enthralled! (For more details, check it out [here](your link here).)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

At approximately the middle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial “Guardians” film was instrumental in helping Marvel become less conventional and demonstrated that their brand could draw audiences to properties with limited mainstream appeal. Prior to James Gunn, the Guardians were practically an afterthought; however, he transformed them into a massive, unexpected success. It’s undeniable and indisputable: Rocket is the superior Guardian – this truth is self-evident, so there’s no need for debate, simply acknowledge it as fact. (You can learn more here.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite having some issues with its plot structure (compressing an entire war into a montage), the Captain America film starring Chris Evans stands out as one of the most successful adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie took a character that was often criticized for being too bland or old-fashioned, and transformed him into a dynamic, endearing, multi-layered individual embodying timeless human values. The perfect MCU film to watch when you need a boost of inspiration. [Read more here.]

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for intricate connections with a larger cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merits of a more self-contained narrative. Towards the end of the movie, when Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world (and its characters become available for future appearances), it’s intended as a joyous conclusion. However, if this means that any potential sequel will be less focused and filled with numerous guest appearances, it might not be such a happy ending after all. (Read more here.)

2. The Avengers

Despite the events in “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains a stunningly well-crafted masterpiece. Each character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue flows seamlessly, and the climactic Battle of New York stands as one of the most remarkable action sequences of the 21st century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

Reflecting on it now, I firmly believe that no film has surpassed the original, especially when considering its independence from a broader universe. This freedom allowed for a more focused and exceptional cinematic experience. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, first tests his armor and then takes flight for the very first time, perfectly encapsulated the exhilaration of superpowers in a way no other movie, be it from Marvel Studios or any other production house, has managed to achieve thus far. [Read more here.]

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2025-06-18 20:58