For one last time, Stranger Things returns to your screen this year after nearly a decade of Demogorgons, dark dimensions, and character journeys filled with loss, growth, and resilience. The hit Netflix series is set to conclude with its fifth and final season. This season will be the show’s longest and most ambitious yet, ending with a movie-length finale estimated to span approximately two hours. The episode will officially close out the beloved series that has captivated audiences since 2016.
The series finale, titled “The Rightside Up,” will be released simultaneously on Netflix and in over 350 movie theaters on December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. The two-hour finale will play in theaters through January 1, 2026. This release marks a major milestone, becoming the first Netflix episode to debut in theaters and on streaming at the same time.
Here’s what to expect before the finale arrives: season five will unfold in three parts, starting with Volume one coming out next week, November 26; Volume two being released on December 25; and the season finale on December 31. Each release will be available to stream on Netflix at 5 p.m. PT.
As excitement builds, many younger fans are re-watching previous seasons to prepare for the final chapter. Calliandra Strickland (’29) is among many fans from the younger generation who are anticipating the show.
“I’m so excited, you don’t even know. I’m rewatching season four and I forgot how good it was—OMG,” she said.
Viewers are expecting an emotional conclusion to the show’s long-running story. Reflecting on the intensity of past episodes, Isobel Santiago (’26) said, “In the last episode, everyone was almost dead, and I was tearing up. But, I’m happy it’s coming out and what they’ve been working on for so many years.”
For some fans, the emotional weight comes not just from the story itself but from the time they’ve spent with characters.
“I’m so excited, but super sad that it’s coming to an end,” Santiago added. “I didn’t even start watching this show when it first came out, I started in 2020, but I have an emotional attachment and it’s hard to let go. I guess all things must come to an end, as they always say.”
Beyond thrilling monsters and plot twists, Stranger Things has also created a huge cultural impact. The show brought back ’80s aesthetics, inspired fashion trends, and even helped older music return to the charts. Over the years, it became more than just a show—people made friendships through the fandom, dressed up for Halloween, bought merch, and followed the cast as they grew onscreen.
No matter how the story concludes, the finale promises nostalgia, high stakes, and a landmark conclusion to one of the most influential shows in Netflix history.
Get a sneak peak from the trailer and see what the final season has in store for fans.
