Stranger Things Season 5 has marked the end of one of Netflix’s biggest events, but reactions are mixed. Some viewers enjoy the emotional moments and the nostalgic return to Hawkins. On the other hand, many fans feel let down. In this Stranger Things Season 5 finale review, we’ll discuss why the ending disappointed some, highlight key Stranger Things finale plot issues, and look at the overall Stranger Things finale backlash.
Over the past decade, the Duffer Brothers’ sci-fi fantasy has been praised for its 1980s references, strong characters, and supernatural elements. Still, the series finale has led to mixed reviews, heated debates, and sharp critiques. Here’s a closer look at why the Stranger Things finale ending didn’t work for many fans.
The Build-Up: Expectations for a Legendary Finale
Since its launch in 2016, Stranger Things has reshaped streaming TV storytelling. Its blend of horror, emotion, and character development made the Hawkins gang icons worldwide. As Season 5 neared its conclusion, fans had huge expectations for a fitting finale. The final episode, “The Rightside Up,” hit Netflix on December 31, 2025. It concluded a story that spanned years and countless hours.
Despite key moments like the fight with Vecna and the Upside Down’s end, many viewers felt the episode lacked the series’ usual brilliance. The reasons for the Stranger Things Season 5 finale not working revolve around pacing, resolution, character focus, and narrative clarity.
Stranger Things Finale Ending Explained (Quick Overview)
Before diving into criticism, here’s a brief recap of the Stranger Things finale ending.
- The Hawkins crew mounts a final assault against Vecna and the Mind Flayer.
- Joyce and Hopper help destroy the Upside Down.
- Eleven appears to sacrifice herself in the process.
- An epilogue, set 18 months later, shows the surviving characters’ lives — with Mike suggesting that Eleven might still be alive.
- The finale leaves her fate ambiguous rather than definitively answering whether she died.
This approach blends victory with uncertainty. It seeks to celebrate the characters’ emotional journeys. However, for many fans, that ambiguity fell flat, especially after waiting so long.
Why Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Didn’t Work for Some Fans
1. Pacing and Plot Issues Still Present
A key point in the Stranger Things finale criticism is its pacing. The finale aimed to balance action and emotion, but many viewers found it slow or disappointing. Instead of a thrilling battle, the climactic scenes felt anticlimactic and aimless to those expecting high stakes. (The Sun)
Volume 2, featuring “The Bridge,” also had mixed reactions. Some critics felt that key character developments were rushed and not well-explained.
For a deeper look at the major reveals leading into the finale, read our full Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 explained breakdown covering plot twists, Upside Down secrets, and the ending setup.
2. Ambiguous Ending Left Viewers Unsatisfied
Leaving Eleven’s fate open for interpretation was one of the most debated parts of the Stranger Things finale ending explained. It gave the finale a deeper emotional and philosophical feel. However, many fans hoped for a clearer resolution after nine years of following her story. This lack of clarity made some viewers feel the emotional payoff didn’t quite meet their expectations. (New York Post)
3. Character Focus and Narrative Choices
Part of the Stranger Things finale plot issues comes from how storylines were shared. Instead of focusing mainly on core characters like Eleven, Mike, and Hopper, the finale also tried to tie up several secondary arcs. Reactions on social media show that this broad focus lessened the emotional impact for some viewers. Many wanted clearer endings for specific relationships and character arcs.
4. Fan Backlash and Mixed Reviews Online
Almost right after the finale aired, Stranger Things faced heavy criticism from fans. Many began comparing it to other controversial endings, like Game of Thrones. This highlighted how divided opinions had become. A show once loved by many now struggled with mixed reviews for Season 5. Some fans praised its emotional moments, but others pointed out gaps in the storytelling.
Platforms like Reddit show a range of viewer reactions. Some are disappointed with the fight choreography. Others feel frustrated by the tone and structure of the epilogue. Some users defend the finale’s emotional goals. However, many describe it as boring or underwhelming. This highlights the mixed feelings within the fandom. (Reddit)
Why the Stranger Things Final Episode Feels Underwhelming
Unresolved Lore and Ambiguous World-Building
One of the hallmark strengths of Stranger Things has been its rich mythology. Yet the finale was criticized for choosing emotional closure over a rigorous explanation of lingering mysteries — like the full nature of the Upside Down or the complete origins and connections of Vecna and the Mind Flayer. While some argue this preserves mystery, others see it as a plot oversight that leaves key questions unanswered.
Production Challenges and Narrative Scope
Balancing an emotional farewell with complex sci-fi elements is tough. This challenge grows with the weight of billions of fans’ expectations. While there are many critiques, strong arguments exist that the episode achieved thematic closure. It may not have answered every plot question, but this tension lies at the heart of the Stranger Things finale criticism.
The Cultural Impact of the Finale Backlash
Even with its issues, the Stranger Things Season 5 finale has sparked global conversation. It’s seen as a cultural milestone and a topic of debate in the streaming age. Fans are discussing why they hated the final episode. Technical problems, like crashes on Netflix’s servers, show how passionate audiences are about storytelling today.
Whether loved or reviled, the finale has solidified Stranger Things as one of the most impactful genre phenomena of the 21st century.
FAQ: Stranger Things Season 5 Finale
Q. What is the Stranger Things Season 5 finale review consensus?
The critical response is mixed: some applaud its emotional depth, while others criticize pacing, unresolved plot threads, and ambiguous character conclusions.
Q. Why did the Stranger Things finale ending feel underwhelming to some viewers? Many fans were expecting clearer resolutions for major character arcs and a more explosive climax, rather than an emotionally open, ambiguous ending.
Q. What are the main Stranger Things finale plot issues?
Critics point to uneven pacing, a crowded narrative focus, and the finale’s choice to prioritize emotional closure over detailed answers about the Upside Down.
Q. Did fans hate the Stranger Things final episode?
Reactions were mixed: while some praised the emotional and nostalgic closure, others felt disappointed with the storytelling choices, pacing, and ambiguous outcomes.
Q. Is the backlash representative of all viewers?
No — while negative feedback has been highly visible, many viewers and reviewers have also defended the finale for its emotional resonance and thematic focus.