Stranger Things is no longer just a TV show; for its final act, it’s becoming a global cinematic event. As the 1987 Hawkins timeline reaches its breaking point, Netflix has finally pulled back the curtain on the runtimes and release strategy for Volume 3. From a two-hour-plus finale to a historic theatrical rollout, here is exactly how the final battle against Vecna will unfold.
The New Year’s Eve Global Launch Schedule
Netflix is turning the Stranger Things finale into a global countdown event. The final episode drops on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Because it releases at a single moment worldwide, many regions will actually ring in the new year with the show.
| Region | Release Date | Local Time |
| United States (PT) | Dec 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM |
| United States (ET) | Dec 31, 2025 | 8:00 PM |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | Jan 1, 2026 | 1:00 AM |
| India (IST) | Jan 1, 2026 | 6:30 AM |
“The Rightside Up” – A Feature-Length Series Finale
The final chapter, titled “Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up,” is officially the longest episode in the show’s history. With a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes, the Duffer Brothers are treating the finale as a standalone movie.
This massive block of time is designed to provide “inevitable” endings for every character. Matt Duffer noted that the goal wasn’t to shock fans with twists, but to deliver a satisfying, earned conclusion that matches the weight of the last nine years.
Historic Theatrical Release in North America
In a first for the series, Netflix is bringing Hawkins to the big screen. The finale will be screened in over 350 theaters across the US and Canada. Starting on the evening of December 31, fans can experience the emotional reunions and the final showdown in a communal setting before the show officially concludes the saga.
Complete Season 5 Finale Runtimes
For those planning a New Year’s marathon, the final four episodes represent over six hours of content. Here is the breakdown shared by the creators:
-
Episode 5: Shock Jock – 1h 08m
-
Episode 6: Escape from Camazotz – 1h 15m
-
Episode 7: The Bridge – 1h 06m
-
Episode 8: The Rightside Up – 2h 08m
Also, Read – The 10 Best “Stranger Things” Episodes (So Far)
Courtesy: Netflix Tudum
