Netflix has confirmed the highly anticipated runtime for the final episode of Stranger Things 5, and fans should prepare for a marathon viewing session. The show's conclusion is set to be a feature-length event when it premieres on 31 December 2025.
A Cinematic Conclusion to the Saga
The eighth and final episode, titled 'The Rightside Up', will run for 2 hours and 5 minutes (125 minutes). This makes it the longest instalment of the fifth and final season, offering a substantial conclusion to the battle against Vecna and the mysteries of the Upside Down.
While epic in scope, this finale will not quite surpass the series' previous record. That title is still held by the finale of Stranger Things 4, which clocked in at an even more mammoth 2 hours and 20 minutes. Nevertheless, viewers can expect the final chapter to be packed with the show's signature blend of dramatic twists, emotional reveals, and heart-pounding action.
Global Release Time and Cinema Screenings
The finale will be released on Netflix globally at the same moment: 5PM Pacific Time / 8PM Eastern Time on 31 December 2025. This timing means viewers on the US West and East coasts can complete the journey before ringing in the New Year.
For UK audiences, the episode will drop at 1AM GMT on 1 January 2026, setting the stage for a potential all-night viewing party. In a special treat for some fans, the finale will also receive a limited theatrical release in cinemas across the United States and Canada.
An Emotional Farewell for Cast and Crew
Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer have teased that the conclusion will be deeply emotional, not just for the characters of Hawkins, but for the actors who brought them to life. In a recent interview, they revealed that the final 35 to 40 minutes of the episode are dedicated to processing the end of the story.
"Particularly the last 35 minutes, 40 minutes, of that episode are us processing the end of the show and saying goodbye to these actors," Ross Duffer explained. He noted that editing these scenes was an emotional experience, as the cast's performances reflected their real-life farewells. Each actor filmed their final scene on their last day on set, ensuring authentic goodbyes were captured on camera.
With the final battle against a more powerful Vecna likely to spill into this extended episode, and poignant goodbyes promised, the Stranger Things finale is poised to be a major television event, marking the end of an era for one of Netflix's most beloved original series.
