Stranger Things concludes with a season 5 capstone on December 31, 2025. Netflix will debut a two-hour final episode titled The Rightside Up at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET, with a simultaneous rollout in more than 350 movie theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Screenings continue through January 1, 2026. Fans can stream at home or join packed auditoriums for a shared sendoff on New Year’s Eve.
The creators framed the big-screen plan as the culmination of a long-running wish. In a statement, The Duffer Brothers 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,” adding that they’re “so grateful to Ted, Bela and everyone at Netflix for making it happen.”
For the theatrical presentation, the episode will play nationwide starting at the exact moment it drops on Netflix, ensuring a true day-and-date event across formats. The strategy invites viewers to choose between couch comfort and large-format spectacle without missing a beat.
What’s confirmed for the finale titled The Rightside Up
- Title: The Rightside Up
- Length: Approximately two hours
- Premiere date and time: December 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Netflix (streaming) and more than 350 theaters across the U.S. and Canada
- Theatrical window: Showings continue through January 1, 2026
Positioning a TV finale in cinemas is unusual, and this rollout underscores just how large the audience for Stranger Things has become in its final stretch.
Creators & executives named in the announcement
- The Duffer Brothers (creators)
- Netflix (distributor; the team thanked “Ted” and “Bela” in their statement)
As the statement put it, the theatrical premiere is a “way to celebrate the end of this adventure,” matching the show’s heightened scale with a communal, big-screen sendoff.
View this post on Instagram
Why this dual debut matters for Stranger Things season 5
This is a synchronized finale that lets fans experience the same shocks and cheers at the same time. Theaters begin at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET, precisely when Netflix activates the stream, minimizing spoilers and maximizing shared anticipation on a holiday night.
The move mirrors how blockbuster films create event viewing. It also acknowledges how the series blends horror, adventure, and character drama that benefit from theatrical sound and scale. Expect New Year’s Eve crowds to treat the finale like a concert or a championship game—loud, collective, and celebratory.
View this post on Instagram
How to plan your watch
- Streaming at home: Press play at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET on December 31, 2025.
- Theaters: Check local listings for participating venues; showings are scheduled through January 1, 2026.
- Runtime: Block out two hours and consider credits time if your theater schedules back-to-back showings.
Stranger Things season 5: the finish line
Stranger Things season 5 closes with The Rightside Up on December 31, 2025, in a two-hour finale that premieres both on Netflix and in more than 350 theaters at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. With screenings running through January 1, 2026, the series gets a curtain call scaled to its cultural impact—and a final chance for fans to say goodbye together.
With a collective experience in film analysis and entertainment journalism, our team, comprised of avid movie buffs, has always been on the frontline of exploring cinematic universes, from the enchanting realms of Disney to the action-packed scenes of the MCU.
Our passion has led us to exclusive interviews with notable figures, early access, and active participation in the industry.
Recognized by the press, we dive deep into various genres, including drama, cartoons, comedy, and foreign films, always eager to bring fresh insights to our readers.
Connect with us or explore our journey to learn more about our adventures in unraveling the magic of the big screen.
