‘Stranger Things’ finale coming to movie theaters in the latest Netflix cinema experiment

by

Netflix announced that the last episode of the popular show “Stranger Things” will be available to watch in some cinemas and on Netflix simultaneously on New Year’s Eve.

So, I’ve noticed Netflix is trying something new – they’re actually putting some of their big movies in theaters! It’s the latest way they’re testing out how to get these films seen on the big screen, which is pretty interesting to me as a movie fan.

As a huge fan, I’m really excited about the two-hour finale that will wrap up this sci-fi horror series! It’s been amazing watching it since it first hit Netflix back in 2016, and it’s incredible to think how it launched the careers of actors like Millie Bobby Brown. I was thrilled to hear the creators, the Duffer brothers, were so happy about getting it shown in movie theaters – it feels like the perfect way to say goodbye.

The Duffer brothers said experiencing the show on a large screen with amazing sound and visuals, surrounded by enthusiastic fans, felt like the ideal way to mark the conclusion of their work on it – a truly awesome experience.

The last season of “Stranger Things” starts November 26th on Netflix, with the first four episodes available immediately. The next two episodes will be released on December 25th, and the final episodes will premiere on December 31st, both on Netflix and in select theaters.

Netflix said the fourth season generated more than 140.7 million views.

Hollywood Inc.

Netflix announced its third-quarter revenue increased by 17% to $11.5 billion, largely thanks to the success of its popular animated movie, “KPop Demon Hunters.”

The screenings will be in more than 350 theaters in U.S. and Canada on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Netflix recently had a hit with “KPop Demon Hunters,” which played in movie theaters after first becoming popular on the streaming service in June.

As a film buff, I found it really interesting to hear Netflix’s Ted Sarandos talk about how their platform actually helped a recent movie succeed. He explained that because the film was on Netflix, dedicated fans could watch it over and over, and that buzz actually made more people want to see it on the big screen too. It’s a cool example of how streaming and theatrical releases aren’t necessarily at odds with each other.

I think ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ did well because it premiered on Netflix, according to Sarandos. He seems to think that initial release on the platform really helped it gain traction.

Hollywood Inc.

While many people think of Netflix as a TV show provider, the company is also heavily investing in movies, like the new release “Frankenstein” directed by Guillermo del Toro. This is all part of a larger plan for the streaming service.

The Duffer brothers, creators of the popular series, have signed a new deal with Paramount Pictures. Starting in April 2026, after their current contract with Netflix ends, they’ll be creating TV shows, streaming content, and films exclusively for Paramount over the next four years. While they weren’t actively seeking to leave Netflix, the Duffer brothers decided they wanted to create a movie for theatrical release.

Matt Duffer explained to Variety that creating this project was a long-held dream. He added that they hadn’t previously had the chance to work on something like it.

Read More

2025-10-23 21:32