Runtime & Theater Locations Revealed for Massive “Stranger Things” Series Finale
With Vol. 1 of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things now streaming on Netflix, the big finish, the epic finale, is within grasp—and now we know just how epic it will be, and where you can see it on the big screen.
Fans will, of course, be able to enjoy the series finale in the comfort of their homes, but for those who want to take in the Duffer Brothers’ most ambitious episode yet on the big screen, there are more than 500 theater options available. And the final episode will be a movie unto itself, at least in length, clocking in at two hours and five minutes.
The finale will stream on Netflix and hit theaters on December 31, starting at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET, and will run through January 1, 2026. For theater locations, check out www.ST5Finale.com for the full list of participating cities.
When the Duffer Brothers announced the theatrical release, it was a joyful surprise for Stranger Things fans hoping to see the show in a theater. “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 [Sarandos], Bela [Bajaria] and everyone at Netflix for making it happen,” they said at the time in a statement. “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.”
Matt Duffer further explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the theatrical release was born of an idea Netflix had for approaching the finale in a new way.
“Initially, that wasn’t the plan at all,” told THR. “Originally, the finale season was just going to be split into two volumes: Volume 1 and Volume 2. Then, after we were done filming, Netflix approached us with the idea of putting the finale on its own day, which we thought was cool because it would allow us to pitch our movie theater idea. So we pitched them, and the reason we’ve never pitched it before [is] because it just never really made sense given how the show is released. What’s fun about seeing something in the theater, we think, is that everyone is experiencing it for the first time together. What we liked about this particular release pattern is that it allows that opportunity for a group of fans to sit and watch this unfold together.”
For more on Stranger Things, check out these stories:
“Stranger Things” Unleashes Kinetic Final Trailer for Season 5, Vol. 1
“Stranger Things” Seasons 1-3 Summary: What You Need to Know Ahead of Season 5
“Stranger Things” Season 4 Recap: Getting Upside Down From Eddie’s Guitar Solo to Vecna’s Revenge
Featured image: STRANGER THINGS: SEASON 5. Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in STRANGER THINGS: SEASON 5. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
