Stranger Things Boosts Box Office With Final Episode
The series finale of Stranger Things proved that streaming content can successfully bring audiences back to movie theaters. Following the show’s conclusion over the New Year’s holiday, U.S. cinemas generated an estimated $25 million to $28 million in box office revenue, according to Variety.
Fans across the country gathered in theaters to watch the two-hour final episode and say goodbye to the Upside Down. While ticket pricing varied by chain, demand was strong nationwide. AMC Theatres and Cinemark offered $20 concession vouchers, while Regal Cinemas and other exhibitors charged $11 per ticket—a nod to Eleven, the character portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown.
Although Netflix declined to comment on the final box office totals, creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer revealed that approximately 1.1 million tickets were sold nationwide. AMC alone—accounting for roughly one-third of participating theaters—reported $15 million in revenue from more than 753,000 attendees.
The strong turnout came as welcome news for exhibitors after a challenging year. Domestic box office revenue reached about $8.9 billion, only slightly higher than in 2024 and still well below pre-pandemic levels. However, late-year releases such as Ash and Avatar: Fire helped improve momentum heading into 2026.
First released in 2016, Stranger Things concluded its five-season run on New Year’s Eve, marking a rare and successful collaboration between Netflix and major theater chains. AMC CEO Adam Aron praised the partnership, calling it “easy, creative, and seamless,” and hinted that discussions are underway to bring more Netflix content to the big screen.
The success of the Stranger Things theatrical finale highlights a growing opportunity for hybrid releases that bridge streaming and cinema—potentially reshaping the future of movie exhibition.
