Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Stranger Things Finale Earns $25M+ in Theaters
The final episode of the popular Netflix show Stranger Things was shown in movie theaters on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Over 1.1 million seats were sold, and theaters earned more than $25 million from selling food and drinks.
Netflix didn't charge for tickets but instead gave vouchers for concessions.
This was a way for Netflix to try out showing their shows in theaters.
Netflix's boss said they will keep showing movies in theaters the usual way, but there's a disagreement about how long movies should stay in theaters before they can be watched at home.
Theaters want a longer time, while Netflix wants a shorter time.
Stranger Things finale generated over $25M in concession sales in theaters.
Over 1.1 million seats were sold across 620+ locations.
Theaters used concession vouchers instead of ticket sales due to contractual terms.
Netflix is experimenting with theatrical releases and has committed to industry-standard windows for Warner Bros. films.
There is a disagreement between Netflix and theaters about the length of the theatrical window.
- Who
- Netflix and movie theaters
- What
- Stranger Things finale screened in theaters
- When
- New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
- Where
- Over 620 locations in movie theaters
- Why
- To experiment with theatrical releases and generate concession revenue
Netflix
Theaters
Theatrical Window Length
Netflix
Prefers a 17-day theatrical window
Theaters
Prefers a 45-day theatrical window
- Event
- Stranger Things finale theatrical screening
- Revenue
- $25M+ (concession sales)
- Locations
- 620+ theaters
- Seats Sold
- 1.1 million
- Screening Dates
- New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
- Concession Voucher Cost
- $20 per seat (AMC)
- Netflix's Stance
- 100% committed to theatrical releases with industry-standard windows
- Potential Theatrical Window
- 17 days (Netflix) vs. 45 days (AMC)
Sources
‘Stranger Things’ Finale Delivers $25M+ To Movie Theaters After New Year’s Play – Box Office
Stranger Things Finale Storms Cinemas, Earns Over $25 Million In New Year’s Box Office
Stranger Things 5 Finale Turns Box Office Upside Down With $25 Million Collection; Surpasses Avatar 3 To Ring In New Year
Stranger Things Season 5 Finale beats Avatar: Fire and Ash box office on New Year’s Eve, grosses nearly $30 mn
