Stranger Things is heading to the big screen. With just over a month left until Volume 1 of the final season premieres, the highly anticipated Stranger Things Season 5 finale will officially debut in theaters marking a first for the blockbuster Netflix series.
According to Puck, the two-hour series finale will screen in AMC and other theater chains on New Year’s Eve, the same day it becomes available to stream on Netflix. The outlet reports, “Now I can report that the two-hour Stranger Things series finale will debut in AMC and other theater chains on New Year’s Eve, the same day it drops on Netflix.”
Netflix has yet to confirm the news publicly, but the development signals the streamer’s growing interest in theatrical collaborations. The move also follows a Variety profile last week featuring the Duffer Brothers, members of the cast, and Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bejaria, which stated that a theatrical release had been ruled out. However, Puck clarified that the Variety interview was conducted “weeks ago,” and the situation has since evolved.
The outlet further noted that recent discussions between Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and AMC CEO Adam Aron have advanced, paving the way for the limited theatrical run. “The deals still aren’t signed, I’m told, but it’s happening,” Puck added.
While details regarding international rollout and screen counts remain undisclosed, the finale described by the Duffer Brothers as “like a movie” is expected to run approximately two hours.
This move reflects Netflix’s broader strategy of embracing theatrical releases for select projects. The streamer has previously tested limited cinema runs for major films, from day-and-date releases to special event screenings. Recent examples include KPop Demon Hunters, which is returning to theaters for a third engagement this Halloween, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, set for a 2026 IMAX rollout a month before its Netflix debut.
Trailer Release Expected Soon
The theatrical announcement comes as fans eagerly await the Stranger Things Season 5 trailer. Netflix’s TUDUM rewatch event will wrap up its Season 4 viewing this weekend, leading many to believe the trailer is imminent.
Adding to the speculation, Ross Duffer posted a photo from the mix stage earlier this week, showing what appeared to be the trailer in progress with the words “This November” visible on-screen. While some believe the trailer will arrive next week the week of October 27, others expect it to drop on Stranger Things Day, celebrated annually on November 6.
With its final season on the horizon, Stranger Things is set to close out with cinematic flair — both on Netflix and in theaters.
Source: What’s on Netflix
