In a historic first for television, Netflix has confirmed that the “Stranger Things” Season 5 finale will premiere both in theaters and on streaming simultaneously.
The highly anticipated final episode will hit over 350 theaters across the U.S. and Canada on December 31, 2025 at 5 PM PT, the exact same time it drops globally on Netflix.
‘Stranger Things’ Finale Theatrical and Streaming Release
This marks the first time a TV series finale will debut in theaters and on a streaming platform at the same moment.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: December 31, 2025
- Platforms: Netflix + 350+ theaters (U.S. & Canada)
- Runtime: Over 2 hours
- Historic First: First TV show finale with simultaneous theatrical and streaming release
- Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Sadie Sink
According to Deadline, the finale will run for more than two hours, giving fans a movie-like experience. Screenings will continue through January 1, 2026, allowing audiences to celebrate the New Year with Hawkins’ final battle.
Creators and Cast on the Big Screen Experience
Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer expressed their excitement: “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.”
The fight isn’t over yet. Get ready for the epic series finale of Stranger Things.
Volume 1: November 26, 5pm PT*
Volume 2: Christmas, 5pm PT*
The Finale: New Year's Eve, 5pm PT**releasing worldwide all at once, date may vary based on your local timezone #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/nBcx9Ast9x
— Netflix (@netflix) June 1, 2025
The finale will feature the full ensemble cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, and Sadie Sink. The story is set in the fall of 1987, with Hawkins under military quarantine and the group preparing for one last showdown with Vecna.
Why This Release Is Historic
While Netflix has experimented with limited theatrical runs for films, this is the first time a TV show finale has received such treatment.
The move mirrors the “day-and-date” strategy used in the film industry, blending cinematic spectacle with streaming convenience. With over 350 theaters participating, the finale is expected to draw massive crowds and generate viral fan reactions.
Stranger Things Finale FAQs
When is the Stranger Things finale releasing?
The Stranger Things Season 5 finale will release on December 31, 2025, at 5 PM PT. It will be available both in theaters and on Netflix at the same time.
Will the Stranger Things finale be in theaters?
Yes. The finale will screen in 350+ theaters across the U.S. and Canada, marking the first time a TV show finale has a simultaneous theatrical and streaming release.
How long is the Stranger Things finale?
The finale will run for over two hours, giving fans a movie-like experience on the big screen.
Which cast members are returning?
The finale features the full ensemble, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, and Sadie Sink.
For fans, this dual release offers the best of both worlds: the intimacy of streaming at home and the thrill of watching with a theater full of fellow fans. As the Duffers put it, it’s the “perfect way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”
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