Surprise: Stranger Things’ Two-Hour Series Finale Will Play in 350+ Theaters — Streaming on Netflix Dec. 31
Netflix will release the two-hour series finale of Stranger Things in more than 350 movie theaters across the U.S. and Canada at the same time it drops on the streamer, the company announced Thursday.
Theatrical release details
The climactic episode of Stranger Things season 5, titled “The Rightside Up,” will debut on Netflix on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. PST / 8 p.m. EST, and will also play in theaters in the U.S. and Canada. According to Netflix, the theatrical run will be short: screenings will take place through Jan. 1, 2026. Details about which specific theaters will show the finale will be announced later, Netflix said.
Release schedule and episode info
Season 5 opens with Vol. 1 on Nov. 26, which will contain four episodes. Then, the finale — a two-hour episode — arrives on Dec. 31 both on Netflix and in cinemas. In short, fans get the full season starting in November, and a one-night (plus a little over) theatrical opportunity for the final episode at the end of the year.
What was said
Netflix’s move represents an about-face after comments last week from Netflix chief creative officer Bela Bajaria. In an interview with Variety, she said, “A lot of people […] have watched Stranger Things on Netflix. It has not suffered from lack of conversation or community or sharing or fandom. I think releasing it on Netflix is giving the fans what they want.”
The show’s creators, Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, reacted positively to the theatrical plan. They said, “We’re beyond excited that fans will have the chance to experience the final episode of Stranger Things in theaters — it’s something we’ve dreamed about for years, and we’re so grateful to Ted, Bela and everyone at Netflix for making it happen,” The Duffer Brothers said in a statement. “Getting to see it on the big screen, with incredible sound, picture, and a room full of fans, feels like the perfect — dare we say bitchin’ — way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”
Context and related notes
Netflix framed the decision as a way to give fans more options. Meanwhile, the streamer has recently had success bringing animated features to cinemas; for example, the animated musical-action-comedy KPop Demon Hunters had a strong theatrical run and is getting an encore sing-along run for Halloween.
Quick facts
– Finale title: “The Rightside Up”
– Theatrical footprint: more than 350 movie theaters in U.S. and Canada
– Netflix premiere: Dec. 31, 5 p.m. PST / 8 p.m. EST
– Theatrical window: through Jan. 1, 2026
– Season 5 Vol. 1: Nov. 26 (four episodes)
