Stranger Things Finale Gives Theaters a Boost

Theaters got a big surprise when the "Stranger Things" finale hit screens. It brought in about $25 million, which was great news for movie theaters struggling to attract audiences. The show aired on Netflix and in around 600 theaters on New Year's Eve, with extra showings on New Year's Day. Fans couldn't pay for tickets directly. Instead, they had to buy food and drink vouchers. AMC and Cinemark charged $20 for these vouchers, while Regal Cinemas went with $11, a nod to the show's main character, Eleven. AMC, the biggest theater chain in the world, showed the finale in 231 of its theaters. That's a third of all theaters that played it. Over two days, more than 753, 000 people watched it at AMC theaters, bringing in over $15 million.This was a rare bright spot for theaters. In 2025, box office revenue in the U. S. and Canada is expected to be $8. 87 billion. That's only a small improvement from 2024 and just 20% higher than before the pandemic. The excitement was high. AMC's CEO tweeted about it, asking how many tickets they would sell. Theaters were packed, with many sold-out shows but still some seats left. This event shows how popular shows can bring people back to theaters. It's a good sign for the future of movie-watching experiences.