Netflix is Showing No Signs of Reversing its Anti-Theater Stance Despite Success with Stranger Things Finale.
The blockbuster finale of the hit series Stranger Things, which recently played in theaters on New Year's Eve, would seem to indicate a change of heart from Netflix regarding the value of theatrical releases. However, despite generating $25 million-$30 million worth of concession cash through 620 screenings across North America, it appears that the streaming giant remains unmoved in its stance.
The success of Stranger Things in theaters is particularly noteworthy given that the show's cast members have contractual terms for residuals, which means box office numbers cannot be reported. However, according to reports from outlets like Deadline, the finale outperformed KPop Demon Hunters as Netflix's highest theatrical owner for 2025, with AMC also benefiting from a surge in Stranger Things fan viewership.
Despite this positive development, sources close to the matter claim that Netflix is considering a significantly shorter theatrical window of just 17 days for its potential films. This would be a drastic departure from the standard 45-day window adhered to by major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros., and would have far-reaching consequences for movie theaters and exhibitors.
The proposed 17-day window would effectively "steamroll" the movie theater business, leading to job losses and financial hardship for many independent operators. As a result, industry stakeholders are urging Netflix to reconsider its stance and adopt a more traditional release strategy that prioritizes theatrical runs.
While Netflix has yet to make any official announcements regarding its future plans, it is clear that the company's stance on theaters will likely change in the near future. Given its recent success with Stranger Things, it would seem reasonable for viewers to expect a significant shift away from anti-theater policies and towards a more collaborative approach that benefits both the streaming giant and the movie-going public.
The blockbuster finale of the hit series Stranger Things, which recently played in theaters on New Year's Eve, would seem to indicate a change of heart from Netflix regarding the value of theatrical releases. However, despite generating $25 million-$30 million worth of concession cash through 620 screenings across North America, it appears that the streaming giant remains unmoved in its stance.
The success of Stranger Things in theaters is particularly noteworthy given that the show's cast members have contractual terms for residuals, which means box office numbers cannot be reported. However, according to reports from outlets like Deadline, the finale outperformed KPop Demon Hunters as Netflix's highest theatrical owner for 2025, with AMC also benefiting from a surge in Stranger Things fan viewership.
Despite this positive development, sources close to the matter claim that Netflix is considering a significantly shorter theatrical window of just 17 days for its potential films. This would be a drastic departure from the standard 45-day window adhered to by major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros., and would have far-reaching consequences for movie theaters and exhibitors.
The proposed 17-day window would effectively "steamroll" the movie theater business, leading to job losses and financial hardship for many independent operators. As a result, industry stakeholders are urging Netflix to reconsider its stance and adopt a more traditional release strategy that prioritizes theatrical runs.
While Netflix has yet to make any official announcements regarding its future plans, it is clear that the company's stance on theaters will likely change in the near future. Given its recent success with Stranger Things, it would seem reasonable for viewers to expect a significant shift away from anti-theater policies and towards a more collaborative approach that benefits both the streaming giant and the movie-going public.
i mean, stranger things just made bank at the box office, and now they want to take away from the very thing that's been supporting those indie theater owners who put their livelihoods on the line. it's like, can't they see how this is gonna hurt people? 
anyway, if they do decide to change their ways, i'm all for it - more movies in theaters = more chances for us to experience them with a real audience and some popcorn-flavored excitement 
like what about all the small theaters that struggle 2 stay afloat? we gotta think bout more than just $$$ for the theater business 
maybe netflix shud listen 2 industry stakeholders & consider a longer theatrical run 
. It's like they think they can just swoop in and steal our attention without giving anything back to the people who actually own the theaters 
. I don't know what kind of magic Netflix is using but if Stranger Things can do it, why can't other shows? I'm all for making movies that are worth watching but come on, a 17-day window? That's just crazy talk 
. I hope they chill out and realize that theaters are still gonna be around even if Netflix decides to make more films for streaming 
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. I mean, they just made a bunch of cash with Stranger Things in theaters and still haven't changed their mind? It's like they're trying to hurt all the people who work at the movies 
Netflix is playing hardball with theaters 