Netflix Caves: Stranger Things Finale to Receive Theatrical Release in Over 350 Theaters

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In a surprising move, Netflix has revealed that the final episode of Stranger Things will be shown in movie theaters across the country. This is a first for any Netflix series, as it’s the first time an episode will be released theatrically.

The series will conclude with a two-hour finale, called The Rightside Up, which will be released on December 31, 2025. It will be available to watch on Netflix and in over 350 movie theaters nationwide at the same time. Showings will start at 5 p.m. Pacific Time / 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will continue into January 1, 2026.

Netflix confirmed that full details about participating theaters will be released at a later date.

From “Never” to “Now”: A Complete Turnaround

This news follows a recent in-depth article in Variety where the creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, shared that they had requested Netflix release the final, movie-length episode in cinemas, but their request was denied.

I remember when the idea of extending ‘Squid Game’ came up, Netflix’s head of content, Bela Bajaria, quickly shut it down. Her reasoning? The show was already a huge hit on the streaming platform, and she didn’t see a need to mess with a winning formula.

According to Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, Stranger Things has been incredibly popular – many, many people have watched it. She told Variety that the show hasn’t lost momentum despite lots of discussion and fan activity online, and that keeping it on Netflix is what viewers prefer.

The Duffers expressed a different view.

As a huge movie and TV fan, it really bothers me that most people don’t realize just how much work goes into perfecting the sound and visuals. And honestly, it’s frustrating knowing they’re often watching things at a lower quality than intended. But beyond that, what really matters to me – and I think to a lot of fans – is being able to share that experience with other people, all at the same time.

Ross Duffer said it would be fantastic if fans could watch the show together, creating a shared and unforgettable experience.

Fan Reaction Changed Everything

Following the publication of the Variety article in early October, social media users reacted quickly and strongly. A Variety Instagram post about the article received over 40,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many people asking Netflix to change its mind. Fans described the decision as a big mistake and believed a theatrical release would have boosted enthusiasm for live performances in the new year.

The initial excitement clearly caught the attention of key players in the entertainment industry. Shortly after, reports surfaced that Netflix and AMC Theatres were discussing a plan to release the final episodes of Stranger Things in theaters, as part of a larger collaboration – and those reports have now been confirmed.

Netflix’s Evolving Theatrical Strategy

For years, Netflix has focused on offering shows and movies only through streaming. However, the company is now starting to release some films in theaters. Next year, director Greta Gerwig’s new Chronicles of Narnia movie will be shown in IMAX theaters through Netflix. Other Netflix films, like Frankenstein, Jay Kelly, and A House of Dynamite, are getting brief theatrical releases to qualify for awards.

Earlier this year, Netflix experimented with a special event for its animated series KPop Demon Hunters. They held limited sing-along screenings in a few theaters around Halloween.

The conclusion of Stranger Things is unique because it premiered as a full-blown theatrical release alongside its streaming debut, creating a single, worldwide viewing event that blends television and cinema.

The Beginning of the End

The final episode, called The Rightside Up, will wrap up the story that started in 2016 and became Netflix’s biggest English-language hit globally. The fifth and final season reportedly cost between $50 and $60 million per episode, and the last installment is a two-hour cinematic event designed to bring nearly ten years of storytelling to a satisfying close.

This decision means fans can enjoy the final installment of the Hawkins, Indiana story together – in movie theaters, with a special midnight showing on New Year’s Eve.

Netflix has announced that the world of Stranger Things will have a final showing in movie theaters.

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2025-10-24 21:57