Stranger Things finale X (Twitter) review: Millie Bobby Brown’s sci-fi series leaves netizens divided over ‘emotional yet underwhelming’ ending

Netflix’s highly popular sci-fi series Stranger Things has finally bid goodbye with its grand finale on New Year’s Eve and left fans divided with the ending. While some called it an emotional ending as it hit nostalgic emotions, others were left disappointed as they found the awaited finale quite underwhelming. Netflix dropped the finale episode in India at 6:30 am IST, while it was dropped a bit earlier due to geographical differences. Titled Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up, the season finale marks the last episode of the sci-fi horror show, which ended after nearly a decade and five seasons.

Netizens react to Stranger Things 5 finale

Stranger Things 5 has finally concluded recently and fans are expressing their views on the same. While some praised the ending, others were left on a distressing note as their expectations were not met. Stranger Things’s fifth and final season concluded with a mixed reaction from netizens. While fans were happy that no characters were killed in the finale, some were puzzled that Vecna and Mind flayer were killed midway.

One fan wrote, “I was so unprepared for the ending of Stranger Things....

I hated it.

Such a sad ending to this story we've loved for 10 years.”

Another called it an underwhelming season with not much layers or twist. Sharing the same, a fan wrote, “It was okay, not as bad as I feared. Had some great moments. But overall rather underwhelming. Stranger Things deserved better.”

A fan called the finale perfect and said, “Had a lot of problems with the season as a whole, but I think the finale is about as perfect as you can ask for from a show like this.”

Some fans lauded Jamie Campbell’s performance as Vecna  and called it jaw dropping. “Jamie Campbell bower deserves all the praise and every single award for his performance in Stranger Things that man can ACT. jaw dropped at every single scene.”

ALSO READ: Stranger Things finale trailer: Hopper’s emotional speech to Eleven anchors the first look at the series’ gritty, high-stakes final stand

Check out more reactions below:

Stranger Things 5 cast and plot

Stranger Things 5 or fifth installment features one last ride in Hawkins as Eleven and her gang gear up to fight Vecna and the Mindflayer. The cast features Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink).

Stranger Things finale FAQs:

Q: Is Stranger Things finale released in India?

A: The final episode of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming in India. It was dropped at 6:30 AM IST on January 1, 2026.

Q: How many episodes are in Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 3?

A: Volume 3 consists of only one episode and serves as a series finale. Titled "Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up," has a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes.