“Stranger Things” is making its way to the big screen as the series finale is set to be screened in select theaters alongside its Netflix premiere. Netflix announced on October 23 that the highly anticipated episode will be showcased in over 350 venues across the U.S. and Canada, starting at 5 p.m. PT on December 31, coinciding with the episode’s release on the streaming platform. The special screenings will continue through January 1.
Creators Matt and Ross Duffer expressed their excitement for fans to experience the last episode in a theater environment, marking a long-held dream for them. The final season, which has generated significant anticipation after a more than three-year hiatus, will debut in three volumes, rolling out across various holidays. The first four episodes will be available on November 26, just before Thanksgiving. Following that, three additional episodes will drop on Christmas Day, while the climactic finale, titled “The Rightside Up,” will premiere on New Year’s Eve.
The decision for a theatrical release comes on the heels of discussions around enhancing audience experience, as Matt Duffer noted how the components of sound and visual quality are best appreciated in theaters. Previously, there were mixed opinions on this idea, with Netflix’s chief creative officer Bela Bajaria emphasizing the show’s success on its streaming platform. Yet, the Duffer brothers remain enthusiastic about creating a shared experience among fans during the finale.
Netflix has generally preferred limited theatrical releases for its content, primarily for award eligibility, which has occasionally led to friction within the industry. Nevertheless, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos mentioned the company’s commitment to providing exclusive premieres on their platform while also exploring theatrical opportunities for selected projects.
In a notable shift, Netflix has plans for a significant IMAX release of a “Chronicles of Narnia” film in 2026, and it recently celebrated its first successful theatrical venture with a rerelease of “KPop Demon Hunters,” indicating the company’s growing interest in combining both streaming and theatrical experiences.
Fans can look forward to a unique “Stranger Things” viewing experience this upcoming New Year’s Eve, providing a festive conclusion to the series that has captivated audiences for years. This combination of theater and streaming illustrates a potential evolution in how major streaming platforms engage with their audiences, offering a glimmer of hope for more cinematic experiences in the future.