The complex series “Stranger Things” on Netflix connects with viewers on many different levels. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up in the 1980s, deftly incorporating traditional horror tropes from that time. This sci-fi horror drama provides a glimpse into the memorable 1980s, even for those who didn’t live through it firsthand. Below we had provided a list of TV shows like Stranger Things.
When “Stranger Things” made its premiere in 2016, it captured audiences with its alluring retro charm and drew in admirers of all ages. A close-knit group of captivating and extraordinary children going on heart-pounding adventures, the skillful use of retro-style cinematography, a captivating musical score, attention-grabbing special effects, and most notably, the outstanding performances given by its young ensemble are what distinguish this show from others.
Twin Peaks
It’s critical to note right away that “Twin Peaks” has become a cult classic in addition to being a beloved mystery-horror series. In some ways, “Stranger Things” is similar to “Twin Peaks” in that regard.
The events of the Mark Frost and David Lynch production “Twin Peaks” take place in the spooky and sleepy town of Twin Peaks, where FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper and the town’s sheriff, Harry S. Truman, launch a puzzling investigation into the killing of a young local girl. The initial season debuted in 1990 and ended in 1991. The show’s creators brought it back in 2017 for its third season following a 25-year sabbatical.
I Am Not Okay With This
If you like Eleven from “Stranger Things,” you’ll probably love Sydney Novak from “I Am Not Okay With This,” played by Sophia Lillis. But there is a big difference between the two series.
“I Am Not Okay With This” is fundamentally a coming-of-age black comedy. This Netflix original series is a fun and engaging examination of a juvenile girl who unintentionally discovers she possesses telekinetic abilities. She struggles with her newly discovered powers while juggling the complex demands of high school life, adolescent emotions, sexuality concerns, and adjusting to the recent suicide of her father. It is essentially a thorough exploration of the many facets of growing up.
Locke & Key
The animated film “Locke & Key” explores the magical adventures of the Locke family and is based on the Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez comic book series. Rendell Locke, the family patriarch, is tragically killed, and his wife decides to move to their ancestral home, Keyhouse, in Matheson, Massachusetts, with their three children.
The kids discover a collection of mysterious keys concealed inside the house as the tale progresses. The kids are forced to embark on a mission to prevent the evil plans of the demonic entity that hides in the shadows because they urgently need to learn the secrets of these keys.
Zone Blanche (Black Spot)
Picture the eerie world of the Upside Down from “Stranger Things,” but taken to an even more chilling level. Intrigued? Well, enter the realm of this French-Belgian thriller known as “Black Spot,” or “Zone Blanche” in French. Set in an isolated small town, much like Hawkins, this series uses the town’s solitude as the backdrop for its gripping narrative.
The story of “Black Spot” revolves around a prosecutor who arrives in the town in response to a sudden surge in murder cases, raising alarm bells. As the prosecutor delves deeper into the investigation, they, along with the viewers, unravel the disturbing truth that the dense forests encircling the town harbor sinister secrets. Strangely, all roads seem to lead back to the local police chief, who was abducted and imprisoned within those very same ominous woods.
Dark
Look no further than “Dark” if you’re looking for a European thriller series that provides an experience similar to “Stranger Things,” but with a darker and more complex twist. This mysterious series begins with the puzzling disappearance of a young child in a tiny village, and soon after, a number of more disappearances occur.
What distinguishes “Dark” is its narrative, which spans multiple families over various historical periods and is linked together by common experiences. As a result, the show offers viewers a challenging problem to solve.
The OA
The young girl in “The OA” has a shadowy past, making comparisons to Eleven in “Stranger Things.” The story revolves around Prairie Johnson, played by Brit Marling, a young woman who mysteriously disappears for seven years before reappearing suddenly and out of the blue. She was blind as a child, which further adds to the mystery; nonetheless, her return is signaled by a newly acquired ability to see.
She takes on the moniker the Original Angel, or OA, and has strange scars on her back that make others nervous. Prairie claims to be able to open portals to other realms, which only serves to make things more intriguing. It’s a premise that is eerily similar to another one.
The Twilight Zone
The moniker “The Twilight Zone” immediately comes to mind when discussing science fiction and fantasy. This renowned supernatural drama series is one of the most well-known and important works of its genre, paving the way for all succeeding works that follow in a similar vein. The anthology series was created by Rod Serling in 1959, and it ran for five seasons before coming to an end in 1964.
The refusal of “The Twilight Zone” to be restricted to a single premise is what makes it unique. Instead, each episode takes the audience on a unique journey while exploring a wide range of genres, such as fantasy, science fiction, dystopian fiction, suspense, horror, supernatural aspects, black humor, psychological thriller, and occasionally a mix of these genres.
Wrapping it up!
In the complex world of “Stranger Things,” Netflix has created a show that connects with viewers on various levels. For those who grew up in the 1980s, it’s an engrossing trip down memory lane that deftly incorporates vintage horror tropes from that decade. It provides a doorway into the unforgettable ’80s for those who weren’t there in person. With its tempting nostalgic charm, “Stranger Things” has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages since its 2016 premiere.
