For the first time in the series’ history, the Stranger Things finale will be available to watch on the big screen, turning the end of the Hawkins saga into a massive communal event. Netflix has confirmed that the final episode of Season 5, titled “The Rightside Up,” will be screened in over 500 theaters across the United States and Canada. The screenings are scheduled for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, giving fans a chance to say goodbye to Eleven and the party in a true cinematic environment.
The timing is synchronized perfectly for a global moment. The finale will hit theaters at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET) on December 31, the exact same moment it becomes available to stream on Netflix. This “day-and-date” release strategy allows die-hard fans to choose between the comfort of their living rooms or the energy of a packed auditorium without worrying about spoilers. With a confirmed runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes, the episode is effectively a feature-length film, justifying the theatrical treatment.
Tickets for the event officially went on sale on December 2, but savvy moviegoers likely noticed something unusual at checkout. In a rare move, Netflix is not taking a cut of the box office revenue. Instead, many theater chains are selling “concession vouchers” rather than standard movie tickets. These vouchers, which have been spotted at prices like $11 (a clever nod to the character Eleven) or around $20 at chains like AMC and Cinemark, guarantee you a seat while giving you store credit for popcorn and drinks. This unique model ensures that the theater exhibitors keep the proceeds from the event.
Demand has been incredibly high, which has unfortunately attracted scalpers. Listings have already appeared on third-party resale sites with vouchers marked up significantly—some as high as $150. If you are looking to attend, it is highly recommended that you stick to official ticketing platforms like Fandango, Atom Tickets, or the theater chains’ websites directly to avoid overpaying. For those lucky enough to live near Netflix-owned venues like the Paris Theater in New York or the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, entry is being handled via a free RSVP system rather than paid vouchers.
This theatrical experiment marks a major shift for Netflix, which has historically been protective of its streaming exclusivity. However, the Duffer Brothers have long stated that the scale of the final season was designed with a cinematic scope in mind. By offering a theatrical option, the show bridges the gap between prestige TV and the blockbuster experience, ensuring the cultural phenomenon goes out with a bang.