‘Stranger Things’ Finale Heads to the Big Screen with Massive 350-Theater Release – Here’s When

Netflix has changed its mind about the Stranger Things finale, and fans couldn’t be happier. The streamer has confirmed that the final episode of the hit sci-fi show will be released in theaters after all, despite earlier reports suggesting it wouldn’t happen.

The feature-length finale will play in over 350 theaters across the U.S. and Canada starting December 31 at 5 p.m. PT, the same time it premieres globally on Netflix. Screenings will continue through January 1, 2026.

The Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators, shared their excitement about the big-screen release. “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, and we’re so grateful to Ted, Bela and everyone at Netflix for making it happen,” they said in a statement.

“Getting to see it on the big screen, with incredible sound, picture and a room full of fans, feels like the perfect — dare we say bi****— way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”

This move comes as a surprise since Netflix’s top creative officer, Bela Bajaria, and Matt Duffer had both told Variety earlier this month that there were no plans for a theatrical release.

Bajaria had said, “A lot of people — a lot, a lot, a lot of people — have watched Stranger Things on Netflix. It has not suffered from lack of conversation or community or sharing or fandom. I think releasing it on Netflix is giving the fans what they want.”

Matt Duffer also mentioned at the time that he wished fans could better experience the show’s technical details on a big screen. “People don’t get to experience how much time and effort is spent on sound and picture, and they’re seeing it at reduced quality. More than that, [a theatrical release is] about experiencing it at the same time with fans.”

Shortly after those comments, Puck reported that the finale would indeed be heading to theaters and explained that the earlier interview had been done weeks before publication. According to a Netflix source quoted by the outlet, the theatrical plan “has been in the works for some time, contrary to any speculation that would suggest otherwise.”

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!