Netflix’s most beloved sci-fi series, Stranger Things, is making history as it prepares to conclude its decade-long run with a grand finale release that combines streaming with limited theatrical screenings worldwide.
The final episode of Stranger Things Season 5, titled “The Rightside Up”, debuts December 31, 2025, on Netflix at the same time it hits the big screen in select cinemas, a first for the franchise and a rare event for television.
Netflix has confirmed that more than 500 theatres across the United States and Canada will screen the finale starting the evening of December 31 (Pacific Time), continuing into January 1, 2026, offering fans a cinematic experience alongside the streaming launch of an iconic series finale.
The series is more than just a series; it has been a cultural phenomenon since its 2016 debut. The final season has been released in three parts: Volume 1 premiered in late November, Volume 2 during Christmas, with the standalone concluding chapter serving as both the climax and a fan-event highlight.
In addition to the dual release strategy, demand has surged: over 1.1 million RSVPs have already been recorded for theatre screenings, and thousands of showtimes have quickly sold out.
Fans worldwide are tuning in at regional times as Netflix’s global rollout spans hours, with Stranger Things viewers in India set to stream the finale on January 1 at around 6:30 a.m. IST, reflecting Netflix’s worldwide release schedule.
As the series closes the Upside Down and Hawkins’ tale, it bids farewell to its beloved characters; this crossover release underscores the cultural impact of Stranger Things and Netflix’s experimental push to blend streaming with traditional theatrical experiences.
