Watching ‘Stranger Things’ Finale in a Theater: Biggest Fan Reactions
The highly anticipated series finale of “Stranger Things” has finally arrived after five seasons and nearly a decade of anticipation. Unlike the previous 41 episodes, the finale was not exclusive to the small screen. Netflix decided to make it a special event by releasing it in theaters on December 31st and January 1st across 500 theaters.
The earliest screenings took place at 5 p.m. PT, coinciding with the episode’s release on the streaming platform. While there was no formal red carpet premiere, one of the most exciting screenings occurred at Netflix’s Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Fans dressed in 1980s apparel from the show packed the historic theater, creating a nostalgic and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The audience was a mix of longtime fans who have been following the show since its debut in 2016 and younger fans who may not have been born when the series first premiered. The finale screening in theaters provided a unique and unforgettable experience for fans, akin to watching blockbuster movies like “Avengers: Endgame” or “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” on opening weekend.
From cheering at the start of the episode to singing along with the closing credits, the theater was filled with excitement and emotion. Here are 11 moments from the “Stranger Things” finale that received the biggest reactions from the audience:
11. Hopper Goes Back For Kali
Hopper’s act of heroism in rescuing both Eleven and Kali during a tense chase from the military garnered strong applause from the audience.
10. Eleven Pulls Lt. Akers’ Trigger
Eleven’s liberation of Hopper and Kali by forcing Lt. Robert Akers to turn his gun on himself was a cathartic moment that resonated with viewers.
9. Hopper Proposes To Joyce
The heartfelt scene where Hopper proposes to Joyce and asks her to spend the rest of her life with him was a highlight that elicited a big reaction from the audience.
8. Eleven Releases Hopper
A touching moment between Eleven and Hopper, where Eleven returns a hair tie that belonged to Hopper’s daughter, Sara, tugged at the heartstrings of viewers.
7. Eleven Says Goodbye To Mike
An emotional scene between Eleven and Mike as Eleven makes the decision to stay in the Upside Down, sharing tearful embraces over Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
6. Joyce Decapitates Vecna
Joyce’s epic moment of decapitating Vecna with an ax while declaring, “You fucked with the wrong family,” received a thunderous response from the audience.
5. Eleven Reenters the Abyss
Eleven’s superheroic moment of reentering the Abyss to take on the Mind Flayer and save her friends was met with a heroic ovation from viewers.
4. Derek Saves Holly
Derek’s humorous and heroic moment of saving Holly from Vecna’s clutches and delivering his signature line, “Suck my fat one,” delighted the crowd.
3. Hopper Shoots Eleven
A shocking moment where Hopper mistakenly shoots Eleven, leading to a tense and unexpected turn of events that left the audience in disbelief.
2. Jonathan Saves Steve
A suspenseful moment where Jonathan saves Steve from a perilous situation, testing the audience’s fears for the characters’ fates before ending with a triumphant outcome.
1. Will Becomes Vecna to Save Eleven
The climactic moment where Will embodies Vecna to save Eleven and turn the tide in the final battle against the villain was a satisfying and heroic conclusion that resonated with viewers.
The “Stranger Things” finale provided a memorable and emotional experience for fans, culminating in a satisfying conclusion to the series. The theatrical screening added an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia, making it a truly unforgettable event for fans of the beloved show.
