The streaming world has a new ratings showdown. Two major horror and sci-fi series are going head-to-head on IMDb.

IT: Welcome to Derry and Stranger Things 5 are both captivating audiences. Their IMDb scores, however, tell a very different story about viewer reception and popularity right now.
By the Numbers: A Clear Ratings Leader Emerges
Data from IMDb shows a significant gap. The new series IT: Welcome to Derry has started strong with a 7.8 out of 10 rating.
This score is based on approximately 30,000 user votes. The show is also on about 130,000 IMDb watchlists, indicating solid early interest.
Stranger Things 5 operates on another level entirely. The hit Netflix series holds an impressive 8.6 rating.
That score is supported by a massive 1.5 million user votes. Furthermore, over 1.1 million users have added the final season to their watchlists.
The scale of engagement is not even close. According to the numbers, Stranger Things commands a much larger and more passionate audience.
This gives the sci-fi phenomenon a decisive advantage in this impromptu ratings battle.
What These Ratings Mean for Viewers and Streamers
High ratings often translate to longer viewer attention and cultural staying power. A score above 8.0 on IMDb is considered excellent.
Stranger Things has maintained this elite status across multiple seasons. Its final chapter is clearly meeting high fan expectations.
For IT: Welcome to Derry, a 7.8 is still a very respectable launch. It suggests the Stephen King prequel is finding its audience.
The show’s performance will be one to watch as more episodes are released. Its rating could shift significantly in the coming months.
This competition highlights the fierce battle for subscriber attention. Major platforms like Netflix and JioHotstar rely on tentpole series to drive sign-ups.
A highly-rated finale season is a powerful retention tool for Netflix. It keeps subscribers hooked until the very last episode.
The current IMDb ratings champion is clear. Stranger Things 5 holds a commanding lead over its new competitor, proving its enduring global appeal as it heads toward its conclusion.
Thought you’d like to know
Which show has a higher IMDb rating right now?
Stranger Things 5 currently has a higher rating. It holds an 8.6, while IT: Welcome to Derry has a 7.8 based on IMDb data.
Where can I watch these two series?
You can stream Stranger Things 5 exclusively on Netflix. IT: Welcome to Derry is available for streaming on JioHotstar.
How many people have voted on these ratings?
The difference is vast. Stranger Things 5 has about 1.5 million votes. IT: Welcome to Derry has around 30,000 votes so far.
When are new episodes coming out?
New episodes of Stranger Things 5 are scheduled for December 25, 2025. The next episode of IT: Welcome to Derry is set for December 15, 2025.
Could the ratings change?
Yes, ratings often evolve. As more viewers watch and vote on IMDb, the scores for both shows, especially the newer one, may shift.
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