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McDonald’s and Netflix Join Forces for Stranger Things-Themed Happy Meal Launch
McDonald’s is tapping into 1980s nostalgia with a new collaboration alongside Netflix, celebrating the release of the animated Stranger Things spinoff series, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. All 10 episodes of the show are now streaming on Netflix.
Starting May 5, 2026, fans across the U.S. can enjoy a Stranger Things-inspired Happy Meal, complete with a collectible character toy. This partnership follows McDonald’s recent successful tie-ins with Disneyland Resort and Dr.
Seuss Enterprises. The Stranger Things Happy Meals will also roll out soon in countries including Brazil, Singapore, Norway, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Italy, and India.
What’s Inside the Stranger Things Happy Meal?
Themed to immerse fans in the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana, the Happy Meal boxes feature designs inspired by the iconic Upside Down vines from the series. Each meal includes:
- A custom Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85-themed Happy Meal box
- One of 12 collectible character toys
- A Stranger Things activity book
- A QR code linking to an interactive digital game where players can help save Hawkins – and McDonald’s – from monsters
Collectible Toy Lineup
Netflix revealed that two new collectible toys will be unveiled weekly. So far, 10 figures have been announced, including:
- Eleven at Hopper Cabin
- Dustin with Snack n’ Go
- Will holding a Happy Meal
- Max at the Arcade
- Lucas at Eugene’s
- Mike with the Weekly Watcher
- Nikki at the Iconic Restaurant
- Ground Horde from Hawkins Lab
- Snowshark at Hawkins School
- Creeping Vine at McDonald’s Restaurant
Fan Reactions
The announcement has generated buzz on social media, with snack review account Snackolator sharing photos of the collectibles. Many fans expressed excitement about the nostalgic throwback.
“I’m so excited!! I can’t wait to get this!!”
one user commented. Another added, “My little one and I will be collecting them all.
We love Stranger Things. No complaints here.”
However, some questioned whether the Stranger Things theme suits the traditional Happy Meal demographic. One commenter noted, “Aren’t Happy Meals for kids?
Not many little kids watch the show. They should have done an adult meal with collectible toys like previous promotions.”
Others echoed concerns about the appropriateness of the theme for younger children.
As Stranger Things continues to captivate audiences, this unique McDonald’s Happy Meal offering provides fans a fun way to engage with the series while indulging in a classic fast-food favorite.