UPDATE: Netflix’s highly anticipated Stranger Things finale has just raked in an impressive $25 million to $30 million in concession sales across 620 screenings in North America on New Year’s Eve. However, despite this success, the streaming giant remains hesitant about fully embracing the theatrical experience.
While the finale performed commendably for a one-day release, sources report that Netflix is not inclined to alter its theatrical strategy significantly. The earnings from concessions indicate that the episode surpassed KPop Demon Hunters as Netflix’s highest-grossing theatrical release for 2025. Notably, over half of the audience for the finale chose to watch it at AMC theaters, marking a significant win for the chain.
As Netflix sets its sights on potentially acquiring Warner Bros., which has enjoyed a robust theatrical presence this year, insiders claim the company is considering a mere 17-day theatrical window for its future film releases. This plan diverges sharply from the industry standard of 45 days followed by Warner Bros. and other studios, alarming exhibitors who are advocating for a return to traditional release schedules.
A potential 17-day window could “steamroll” the movie theater business, leading to further complications for exhibitors. The Stranger Things finale’s success was seen as an olive branch to theaters, yet Netflix’s reluctance to commit to longer theatrical runs raises concerns about the future of cinema.
As of now, Netflix has not revealed any specific plans regarding its acquisition of Warner Bros., maintaining its previous stance of continuing “business as usual.” However, industry analysts caution that significant changes are likely on the horizon.
The future of Netflix’s theatrical strategy remains uncertain, and the industry watches closely to see how this will impact both streaming and cinema going forward. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
