In a stunning reversal of strategy, Netflix is reportedly finalizing plans to screen the two-hour-long Stranger Things series finale in selective movie theaters across the US. According to industry reports, the highly anticipated Episode 8 of Season 5 will debut in major chains, including AMC Theatres, on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025)—the same day it becomes available on the streaming platform.
The move comes as a major victory for creators Matt and Ross Duffer, who had previously expressed a strong desire for the final chapter to be seen communally on the big screen. The news also contradicts earlier statements from Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, who had initially dismissed the idea, arguing that fans were satisfied watching the show exclusively on the streamer.
Sources confirm that the series finale, which the Duffer Brothers have described as “like a movie,” is approximately two hours long and includes a substantial epilogue. Screening the final, feature-length episode in cinemas positions the conclusion of the global phenomenon as a must-see New Year’s Eve event for fans eager to share the emotional final moments together.
While official confirmation from Netflix is still pending, the reported deal with chains like AMC signals a significant evolution in how the streamer handles its biggest IP. Fans should stay alert for formal announcements regarding ticket sales and the specific theaters where they can gather to say goodbye to the residents of Hawkins, Indiana.
