Stranger things have indeed occurred between Netflix and theater owners, but who expected them to end 2025 as close allies?
The reason? The finale of Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, launched just as Netflix ventured to acquire the storied Warner Bros film studio.
On New Year’s Eve, Stranger Things: The Finale became available on Netflix and in around 600 theaters, with more than a third of those being AMC locations. The theaters offered encore showings on New Year’s Day. AMC reported that the finale generated $15 million from $20 food and drink vouchers sold.
Overall, the finale likely brought in $20 million to $25 million, a record for Netflix in terms of theatrical releases. For context, a special sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters pulled in $18 million last summer, showing Netflix’s growing presence in cinemas. Although Netflix tends not to release box office numbers, various sources have started to track this data.
The ticketing process for Stranger Things was unique. Fans purchased concession vouchers directly from theaters for their spots. AMC and Cinemark charged $20 plus fees, while Regal and others priced tickets at $11, a nod to the show’s lead character.
The buzz around the finale was significant. The Duffer Brothers revealed that 1.1 million vouchers had been sold. By New Year’s Day, admissions had reached 1.3 million, making it a major event for AMC, which was among the first to report these numbers.
AMC CEO Adam Aron tweeted about the excitement, noting that many screenings were sold out. His hints suggested that the 1.1 million figure could increase significantly as the event unfolded. “Day of showtime walk-up business will be lighter,” he mentioned, predicting that most seats were already filled.
This move marks a shift for Netflix. Initially, they stated the finale wouldn’t hit theaters. The Duffer Brothers expressed their joy about the opportunity to share the final episode on the big screen, stating it felt like “the perfect” way to end their adventure.
Since its arrival in 2016, Stranger Things has become one of Netflix’s crown jewels, with season four alone garnering over 140.7 million views worldwide. The show’s cultural impact continues to shape discussions in social media and beyond, as fans eagerly engaged with its updates, showcasing a growing trend of blending streaming services with theatrical experiences.
This fusion might indicate a changing landscape for entertainment, influencing not just viewers but also how studios consider theatrical releases in the future. With Netflix’s strategic moves and partnerships, the industry is likely in for more surprises in the years to come.
For more insights on the evolving relationship between streaming and traditional theaters, check reports from sources like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter.
Source link
box office,KPop Demon Hunters,Matt Duffer,Netflix,stranger things,Stranger Things 5
