The final season of “Stranger Things” on Netflix is breaking records for the streaming giant and could boost fourth-quarter financial results. The final episode is set to boost movie theater stocks like AMC Entertainment Holdings and Cinemark Holdings Inc, marking a rare win for both movie theaters and streaming.
Netflix split the final season into three parts, releasing episodes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and the upcoming New Year’s Eve. The final episode will be available for Netflix subscribers and also play in select theaters with over 3,500 showtimes across more than 620 theaters.
Over 1.1 million people have reserved seats for showings of the “Stranger Things” finale, with a reservation fee that turns into a concession voucher. For AMC, this $20 reservation could provide a significant boost to fourth-quarter food and beverage totals and per-person averages.
The release of “Stranger Things” in theaters could benefit movie theaters enjoying a strong slate of films to close out 2025. Recent hits like “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Wicked: For Good,” and “Zootopia 2” have already seen success at the box office.
AMC reported that 5.5 million people watched movies on their screens during the week of Christmas, making it the second busiest week of the year worldwide. The company anticipates a strong boost from the fourth quarter with several high-grossing films released and the potential impact of “Stranger Things.”
Netflix is expected to benefit from the release of “Stranger Things” in the fourth quarter, alongside other hit shows and live NFL games on Christmas Day. The company projects fourth-quarter revenue to be $11.96 billion, up 16.7% year-over-year, with growth from higher membership figures, pricing, and advertising revenue.
Netflix is on track to double its advertising revenue in 2025 and is guiding for fourth-quarter earnings per share of $5.45. The company’s partnership with AMC for theatrical releases could provide a significant boost to both companies’ stocks.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: ‘Stranger Things’ Finale Could Boost Both Netflix, AMC Stocks: Here’s How