Stranger Things Finale Earns $25M+ at Box Office on Netflix

Netflix’s Stranger Things finale draws huge crowds to movie theaters

Netflix achieved something rare over the New Year holiday. Its hit series Stranger Things stepped off the streaming screen and into movie theaters — and audiences showed up in big numbers.

According to sources cited by Variety, cinemas earned between $25 million and $28 million by screening the show’s two-hour series finale. Pinning down an exact figure is difficult because ticket pricing varied widely across theater chains.

Image: Netflix

Some exhibitors took a creative approach. AMC and Cinemark bundled tickets with $20 concession vouchers, while Regal Cinemas priced admission at $11 — a subtle reference to Eleven, the fan-favorite character played by Millie Bobby Brown.

Netflix has not publicly commented on the box office results. However, earlier this week, creators Duffer Brothers revealed on social media that 1.1 million vouchers were sold nationwide. AMC alone reported generating $15 million from more than 753,000 customers who purchased food and beverage credits. The chain accounted for just over one-third of participating theaters.

Image: Netflix

A welcome boost for movie theaters

The strong turnout comes at a crucial time for exhibitors. While the holiday season has been encouraging, the overall year was challenging. Domestic box office revenue reached roughly $8.9 billion, only a slight increase from 2024 and still well below the pre-pandemic highs of around $11 billion.

That said, 2025 did deliver some bright spots, including films like Avatar: Fire and Ash, The Housemaid, and Marty Supreme. The success of Stranger Things in theaters adds another unexpected win for the industry.

Stranger Things finale grossed over $25M at the box office.

• Theaters kept 100% of the revenue

• Netflix earned nothing due to the lack of guild clearances

(via: Deadline)

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— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) January 2, 2026

Netflix and theaters: a shifting relationship

Since its debut, Stranger Things has been one of Netflix’s most successful shows, blending ’80s-style adventure with supernatural drama. The series wrapped up its five-season run with a feature-length finale released on New Year’s Eve.

Netflix’s relationship with movie theaters has long been complicated. Some exhibitors have resisted showing the streamer’s films due to its shorter theatrical windows. There are also ongoing concerns within the industry about Netflix’s reported interest in acquiring Warner Bros., which could further reshape release strategies.

Still, the success of the Stranger Things finale suggests a possible shift. AMC CEO Adam Aron expressed optimism, saying the company is open to bringing more Netflix content to the big screen. According to Aron, discussions between Netflix and AMC Theatres are already underway for future theatrical collaborations.

What it means going forward

Image: Netflix

For theaters, the turnout proves that audiences are still willing to leave home for the right event. For Netflix, it shows that select streaming titles can succeed beyond the living room. And for fans, it was a rare chance to say goodbye to the Upside Down — together, on the biggest screen possible.