Stranger Things Animated Spin-Off Gets One-Day Cinema Preview

The first two episodes will screen at select AMC theaters before Netflix debut.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:26am

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The first two episodes of the new Stranger Things animated spin-off series, "Stranger Things: Tales from '85", will be shown in a one-day cinema preview at 34 AMC locations across the United States on Friday, April 18th, twelve days before the series launches on Netflix. Additional screenings will also be held at the Paris Theater in New York and Netflix House Philadelphia.

Why it matters

This special one-day cinema preview is an opportunity for Stranger Things fans to get an early look at the new animated spin-off series and experience it on the big screen before it premieres on Netflix. It also highlights the continued popularity and expansion of the Stranger Things franchise.

The details

The Stranger Things animated spin-off series, "Stranger Things: Tales from '85", will feature the first two episodes screening at the one-day cinema preview. Showings will begin at 12pm and 3pm local time at the 34 participating AMC locations across the US. Additional special preview screenings will also be held at the Paris Theater in New York and Netflix House Philadelphia.

  • The one-day cinema preview will take place on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Stranger Things animated spin-off series "Stranger Things: Tales from '85" will debut on Netflix 12 days after the cinema preview, on April 30, 2026.

The players

AMC

A major movie theater chain that will be hosting the one-day cinema preview screenings of the Stranger Things animated spin-off in 34 of its locations across the United States.

Netflix

The streaming platform that will be debuting the full Stranger Things: Tales from '85 animated spin-off series 12 days after the one-day cinema preview.

Paris Theater

A historic movie theater in New York City that will also be hosting a special preview screening of the Stranger Things animated spin-off.

Netflix House Philadelphia

A Netflix-branded event space in Philadelphia that will be hosting an additional preview screening of the Stranger Things animated spin-off.

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What’s next

Fans will be able to watch the full Stranger Things: Tales from '85 animated spin-off series when it debuts on Netflix on April 30, 2026, 12 days after the one-day cinema preview.

The takeaway

This one-day cinema preview of the new Stranger Things animated spin-off series is an exciting opportunity for fans to get an early look at the new content and experience it on the big screen before it premieres on Netflix. It demonstrates the continued popularity and expansion of the Stranger Things franchise.