‘Stranger Things’ Series Finale Breakdown: Ending Explained

This video reveals major spoilers from the end of Stranger Things. It’s ironic that a spoiler-free recap of a show finale could be made by simply blurring out all the visuals and censoring all the audio – resulting in a completely unwatchable, 25-minute video. That would definitely confuse YouTube’s system!

Welcome to 2026! It’s a lot like 2025, but even worse.

The final season of Stranger Things delivered a spectacular conclusion, resolving most of the major plot points and answering key questions. While wrapping things up, it also cleverly left the door open for a future spinoff series already planned for Netflix.

Curious about the new Stranger Things spinoff? Wondering how the show wrapped up its five seasons for all the main characters? Did you catch all the hidden details and Easter eggs? Our latest video has all the answers! Check it out below:

So, if you enjoyed my take on the Stranger Things finale and what it could mean for the new spin-off, I’ve got a bunch more videos you might like! I did deep dives into all the Easter eggs and hidden secrets from both parts of the final season. I also put together a massive recap covering everything that happened in Stranger Things from Seasons 1 to 4. And there’s a ton more content over on the ScreenCrush YouTube channel – definitely subscribe so you don’t miss anything! Just a heads-up, Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix, and you can actually binge the whole series if you’re up for a full trip back to Hawkins and the Upside Down.

Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look

1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

While the original The Rescuers from 1977 was a pleasant adventure, few were clamoring for a sequel. However, The Rescuers Down Under (1990) isn’t just a good follow-up – it’s a much better film. It tells the story of two mouse rescue agents who travel to the Australian Outback to save a boy kidnapped by a ruthless poacher. With stunning aerial sequences rivaling those in How to Train Your Dragon, beautiful depictions of the Australian wilderness, and vibrant animation, this often-overlooked film deserves more recognition. It unfortunately came out between two Disney classics, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, but remains a fondly remembered favorite for many who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 90s.

2. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s 2020 film, Onward, unfortunately suffered because of its release timing. It came out just as movie theaters were closing nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly hurt its chances of success in theaters. Many people were understandably focused on the pandemic at the time, and the film didn’t get the attention it deserved, though it did find an audience through streaming.

It’s a shame that Onward is often overlooked when people talk about the best recent Pixar films. It’s a truly touching and magical adventure with beautiful animation, endearing characters, and a powerful message about dealing with loss and moving forward.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002, Treasure Planet is a unique animated film that reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island in a futuristic, intergalactic setting. It came out during a time when CGI animation was becoming more popular thanks to films like Toy Story and Shrek, but it didn’t do well in theaters initially. However, over time, Treasure Planet has gained a dedicated following. People now appreciate its well-developed characters, beautiful blend of storybook and science fiction visuals, and moving story about finding your purpose, making it, as one character says, a film with the potential for greatness.

4. Dinosaur (2000)

Released in 2000, Disney’s Dinosaur was a visually innovative film that combined live-action with computer animation. It tells the story of a dinosaur who, after a devastating meteor strike, searches for a new home with his adopted family. Despite being the highest-grossing animated movie of its year, receiving good reviews, and even inspiring a theme park ride, the film has largely been forgotten. It seems to have been overshadowed by Disney’s shift away from its successful Renaissance period.

5. The Black Cauldron (1985)

1985’s The Black Cauldron is a somewhat divisive Disney film. It wasn’t a hit when it came out and is often called the movie that nearly ruined Disney due to its poor box office performance. Critics at the time felt it differed too much from the original books, was overly dark, and lacked strong character development. However, over the past 40 years, it’s gained a dedicated fan base who appreciate its distinctive dark fantasy setting, beautiful animation, and truly frightening villain.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Among Disney fans, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is likely the least forgotten film, with many passionately hoping for a live-action adaptation. However, it isn’t widely known by the general public and Disney rarely mentions it. This is probably because it came out right after Disney’s hugely successful Renaissance period and was very different from the popular Disney movies audiences expected.

The film is an exciting, action-filled adventure about a team of explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis and a powerful, ancient energy source. While not flawless, it’s a visually stunning and enjoyable movie with a unique style inspired by Jules Verne and memorable characters.

7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Released in 2007, Meet the Robinsons came out during a challenging period for Disney, after the studio’s successful Renaissance era. It struggled to compete with Pixar and didn’t perform well at the box office, ultimately leading to the cancellation of a potential sequel. However, the film – about a young orphan inventor who travels to the future to alter his destiny – has since gained a dedicated fanbase. People appreciate its surprisingly touching story, quirky characters, and visually appealing, retro-futuristic design.

8. Brother Bear (2003)

Disney’s Brother Bear, released in 2003, is a beautifully animated film that often gets overlooked. It came out around the same time as hugely popular movies like Lilo & Stitch, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles, which overshadowed it. However, Brother Bear tells a touching story about family and forgiveness that appeals to everyone. It also boasts stunning animation of the North American landscape, a memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins, and excellent voice performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez.

9. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Despite being a Pixar film, 1998’s A Bug’s Life often gets overlooked when people discuss the studio’s most important works. While some consider it a classic – and rightfully so – it’s largely seen as a less remembered film compared to Pixar’s bigger hits. The story centers on a good-hearted but awkward ant who tries to find help for his colony, only to stumble upon a quirky group of circus fleas. It’s a charming and visually appealing movie, filled with funny and memorable characters, and surprisingly tackles important themes like capitalism and the strength of working together.

10. Bolt (2008)

Released in 2008, Bolt was a fairly successful and well-received movie, but today it’s often overlooked. The film tells the story of a dog actor on a popular TV show who thinks he really has superpowers. After running away, he has to find his way home and learn what’s real. While it came out during a time when Pixar was dominating animation and between two very successful periods for Disney animation, Bolt didn’t quite reach the same level of critical or cultural success. However, it remains a sweet and enjoyable adventure with a talented voice cast and lively animation.

11. Frankenweenie (2012)

Despite being released in 2012, Tim Burton’s quirky horror-comedy Frankenweenie doesn’t often come up when people talk about Halloween movies, which is unfortunate. The film is a clever and artistic take on classic sci-fi horror, and it’s based on a short Burton made for Disney back in 1984. It tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life, but things get messy when his friends try to copy his experiment. With beautiful black-and-white stop-motion animation and lovable characters, this overlooked Burton film is surprisingly heartwarming, even with its spooky premise.

2026-01-05 17:57