Reading time 2 minutes
The Stranger Things finale hit theaters on New Year’s Eve. Yet despite doing pretty good with that one-day release, it seems Netflix still isn’t a fan of the theatrical experience when it doesn’t need to be.
Because of the cast’s contractual terms for residuals, there aren’t box office numbers to report for screenings, but Deadline and other outlets reported the finale made $25 million-$30 million worth of concession cash in its 620 screenings across North America. That concession money technically means the episode beat out KPop Demon Hunters as Netflix’s highest theatrical owner for 2025. The finale is also a particular win for AMC, which didn’t screen KPop during that movie’s time(s) in theaters, but reported more than half of all Stranger Things fans watched it at an AMC theater.
You’d think this would be good news as the streamer’s looking to snatch up Warner Bros.—which had a pretty strong big screen run in 2025—and honor that studio’s policy of putting its movies in theaters, but sources speaking to Deadline claim Netflix is considering a 17-day window for any of its potential films. That’s less than half of the 45-day standard adhered to by WB and other Hollywood studios, and AMC and other theatrical chains would very much prefer that standard maintained. Exhibitors would also love for more theatrical runs from Netflix, with the Stranger finale working as a possible “olive branch” to help get that ball rolling.
But if that alleged 17-day window happens, it’d “steamroll” the movie theater business and be bad for everyone in general. At time of writing, Netflix hasn’t disclosed any moves it aims to make should it get to acquire WB, instead keeping to its stance in December that things will currently be business as usual. But common sense and the streamer’s own past will tell you that things will be anything but, and eventually, that other shoe will drop.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Explore more on these topics
Share this story
Subscribe and interact with our community, get up to date with our customised Newsletters and much more.
Gadgets gifts are the best gifts to get friends and family.
'Dungeons &Dragons' was the obvious reference, but Peter Jackson's fantasy trilogy also played a hand in how the Netflix series wrapped up its final episode.
‘The Rightside Up’ brought the Netflix blockbuster to its end with a blend of action and agony—plus an epilogue stuffed with hazy happiness.
One mysterious thread from the finale will provide an inroad for the future of 'Stranger Things'.
The new year is always a wild time for Lego releases, and 2026 is certainly no exception.
What happened in the Abyss—and how are Hawkins' heroes and villains faring in the aftermath of their greatest battle?
©2025 GIZMODO USA LLC.
All rights reserved.
Source: Gizmodo