10 Best Movies Like ’28 Days Later’ (Not Including the Sequels)

If you’re craving the heart-pounding chaos of a world turned upside down, ’28 Days Later’ (2002) set a high bar with its raw, fast-moving infected and eerie, empty streets. Its blend of gritty horror, human desperation, and post-apocalyptic survival hooked us, redefining the zombie genre for a new era.

We’ve rounded up 10 films that capture a similar vibe—pulse-racing thrills, societal collapse, and the fight to stay alive—without dipping into the ’28 Days Later’ sequels, which are a must-see. From desolate cities to relentless threats, these movies deliver the same intense survival energy.

10. The Crazies (2010)

A small Iowa town descends into madness when a toxin turns locals into violent killers. Sheriff David Dutton, played by Timothy Olyphant, leads a desperate group trying to escape the chaos and military lockdown.

This remake of George A. Romero’s 1973 film amps up the tension with fast-paced action and a chilling look at how quickly order unravels. Its focus on ordinary people facing a sudden, brutal outbreak echoes the raw survival stakes of ’28 Days Later’.

9. Carriers (2009)

Four friends navigate a ravaged America after a deadly virus wipes out most of the population. Chris Pine and Lou Taylor Pucci star as brothers grappling with tough choices to stay uninfected.

The film’s quiet, haunting road-trip vibe and moral dilemmas hit hard, much like the human struggles in ’28 Days Later’. It leans into the bleakness of a broken world, where trust is as scarce as safety.

8. Pontypool (2008)

In a small Canadian town, a radio DJ, played by Stephen McHattie, discovers a bizarre virus spreading through language itself. Trapped in a broadcast booth, he and his team fight to survive as words turn deadly.

This low-budget gem trades gore for psychological dread, offering a fresh twist on infection horror. Its claustrophobic setting and eerie atmosphere feel like cousins to ’28 Days Later’s intense survival tone.

7. The Signal (2007)

A mysterious signal drives people into murderous rage in this anthology-style horror. Three directors weave a chaotic tale of love, betrayal, and survival, starring AJ Bowen and Anessa Ramsey.

Its fragmented storytelling and visceral violence capture the disorienting panic of ’28 Days Later’. The film’s raw energy and focus on human breakdown make it a gripping, underseen pick.

6. Dead Snow (2009)

A group of Norwegian medical students face off against Nazi zombies in a snowy, isolated cabin. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, this horror-comedy balances gruesome thrills with dark humor.

While lighter in tone, its relentless undead and bloody chaos share the high-energy horror of ’28 Days Later’. The film’s tight budget and creative gore make it a cult favorite for zombie fans.

5. Children of Men (2006)

In a dystopian future where humanity can’t reproduce, Clive Owen’s Theo Faron protects a miraculously pregnant woman in a crumbling world. Alfonso Cuarón’s masterpiece is grim and gripping.

The film’s desolate visuals and desperate survival stakes mirror ’28 Days Later’s haunting emptiness. Its intense, long-take action scenes and emotional weight make it a standout.

4. I Am Legend (2007)

Will Smith stars as Robert Neville, a scientist alone in a deserted New York City, hunting for a cure while fending off nocturnal infected. Directed by Francis Lawrence, it’s a tense, emotional ride.

The abandoned cityscapes and constant threat of attack feel straight out of ’28 Days Later’. Its mix of solitude, action, and heartbreak keeps you glued to the screen.

3. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Zack Snyder’s remake follows survivors, including Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames, holed up in a mall as fast-moving zombies overrun the world. It’s a bloody, high-octane reimagining of Romero’s classic.

The film’s rapid infected and claustrophobic group dynamics echo ’28 Days Later’s relentless pace. Its blend of horror and human conflict makes it a modern zombie staple.

2. Train to Busan (2016)

A father and daughter, played by Gong Yoo and Kim Su-an, fight to survive a zombie outbreak on a speeding train in South Korea. Yeon Sang-ho’s film is a masterclass in emotional horror.

Its confined setting and breakneck infected chase the same raw intensity as ’28 Days Later’. The heart-wrenching family drama woven into the chaos elevates it to unforgettable.

1. World War Z (2013)

Brad Pitt’s Gerry Lane races across the globe to stop a fast-spreading zombie pandemic in this blockbuster directed by Marc Forster. It’s a sprawling, high-stakes survival thriller.

The film’s swift, swarming infected and focus on global collapse capture the frantic energy of ’28 Days Later’. Its mix of personal stakes and massive scale makes it a top pick.

Which post-apocalyptic thriller gets your adrenaline pumping, or did we miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!