‘Stranger Things 5’ Series Finale to Play in Movie Theaters

The highly anticipated two-hour series finale of “Stranger Things” is set to make its way to theaters in addition to its Netflix premiere. Titled “The Rightside Up,” the climactic episode will be available for viewing on Netflix and in over 350 movie theaters on December 31st, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, and running through January 1, 2026. This marks a groundbreaking move as it appears to be the first time an episode of a Netflix series will be shown theatrically.

Specific details regarding the theaters where the finale will be screened will be announced at a later date, as per a statement from Netflix.

The creators of “Stranger Things,” Matt and Ross Duffer, have previously expressed their desire to have the final episode premiere in theaters simultaneously with its streaming release on New Year’s Eve. In a recent cover story by Variety, the Duffer brothers highlighted the importance of fans experiencing the show’s sound and picture quality in a theater setting, as well as the communal aspect of watching it with other fans.

While Netflix has traditionally focused on streaming its original content, the company has occasionally chosen to showcase its feature films in theaters on a selective basis. Greta Gerwig, for example, secured an Imax release for her upcoming film with Netflix. Additionally, Netflix’s awards contenders often have a limited theatrical run before becoming available on the platform.

Initially, Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, was hesitant about the idea of a theatrical release for the “Stranger Things” finale. However, following a wave of enthusiasm from fans on social media after the Variety cover story was published, the decision was made to give fans the opportunity to experience the finale in theaters.

Overall, the decision to release “The Rightside Up” in theaters alongside its Netflix premiere has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to immerse themselves in the world of “Stranger Things” in a communal setting. This unique event promises to be a memorable experience for fans of the popular series.