After much back and forth, Netflix has confirmed that the Stranger Things Season 5 finale will be airing in select theaters for fans who want to experience its farewell on the big screen – but the news has left viewers “torn”.
Stranger Things is one of Netflix’s biggest shows, and so it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of excitement for the fifth and final chapter. After a long three years, the wait is nearly over, with Season 5 Part 1 premiering on November 26, 2025.
This will be followed by Part 2 on Christmas Day 2025 and the finale on New Year’s Eve 2025. There’s been much talk about whether the last ever episode would get a theatrical release, with the creators and Netflix execs shutting down the idea earlier this month.
However, this has been turned Upside Down, as Netflix has since announced that cinema screenings of the final episode will be taking place at the same time as their streaming debut – but not everyone’s on board with the idea.
Netflix viewers “torn” over Stranger Things theatrical release
While some Stranger Things fans can’t wait to see the Season 5 finale in theaters, others think it’s a bad idea, as they don’t fancy paying more than their subscription or being distracted by other viewers – which may be more of an issue given it’s on New Year’s Eve.
Taking to Reddit, one wrote, “I personally do not get the appeal to watch it in theatres (plus on NY). I would rather watch it at home without anyone disturbing me like talking loudly or something.”
“I’m already paying $20 to watch at home. Why pay another $20 to watch it in theaters? Lol,” said another, while a third added, “I also like being able to rewind to rewatch a scene or pass for a bathroom break. I wouldn’t be able to do that in a theater.”
On the other side of the fence, one fan said they’re keen on seeing the finale in theaters thanks to the “giant screen and way better sound system than most home set ups.”
“I would easily choose theatre over a family celebration, and my theatres have only been an issue when it was a kids movie like the Minecraft movie,” they added.
And one who sits firmly in the middle stated, “I feel torn about if I’ll personally want to go to the movie theater or watch it at home. I kind of wish I could watch the finale at home first and then go to the theater the next day for a rewatch.
“It’s just that I’m not sure I want to be around random people when I watch it for the first time. I can only imagine some people might be there only for ships, or some people might yell or cry out if a character dies… and I’m so used to being able to watch it at home.
“I’ll really need to think it over. Especially because I know that I WILL have a huge reaction if any of my faves (El, Lucas, Robin, Erica, Mike) get seriously hurt or die.”
Another pointed out, “Yeah I’m with you. Movies are made specifically with audience reactions in mind, like pausing after big lines, or so on. The show assumes that you’re watching either alone or in a small group so it probably won’t be set up like that.
“The last thing I want is to be around people who are yelling over lines, crying or screaming or whatever. I’m definitely going to be seeing this, but I’ll be watching at home first.”
What to know about Season 5 finale cinema release
If you’re keen on the idea, here are the details: the finale will be playing in more than 350 theaters in the US and Canada starting on December 31, 2025 at 5pm PT – which is exactly when it lands on Netflix.
The screenings will run through to January 1, 2026, so technically you could watch it at home and then run to the cinema to rewatch it on the big screen. It’s just a question of whether you’ll have the energy to on New Year’s Eve.
Announcing the news, creators Matt and Ross Duffer said, “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.
“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 bitchin’ – way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”
It’s unclear which theaters will be hosting the finale, but the streaming service has promised additional information on how to attend, where to get tickets, and the locations will be revealed later.
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