Even ‘Stranger Things’ Hasn’t Changed Netflix’s Mind on Theaters

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.

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