After the explosive two-hour finale of Stranger Things dropped on New Year’s Eve, fans are grappling with the end of a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation of television. But as the gate to the Upside Down finally closes, there is no shortage of stories ready to fill the supernatural void.
From time-traveling teens to psychic girls in hiding, the following films and television series echo the themes, tone, or time-bending aesthetic of Stranger Things.
TV Series
Twin Peaks
An FBI agent investigates the death of a homecoming queen in a small town filled with bizarre characters and supernatural intrigue.
David Lynch’s iconic series is a mood-heavy precursor to the surreal tone of Stranger Things and the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
Safe
Michael C. Hall stars in this Netflix thriller about a father searching for his missing daughter in a gated community.
The secrets and twists hidden beneath a suburban façade echo Stranger Things‘ themes of hidden danger, missing children and parental fear.
One of Us Is Lying
A brain, an athlete, a criminal, and a princess—each becomes a suspect in a classmate’s death.
Like Stranger Things, this show blends teen drama and loveable high school tropes with mystery and unexpected turns.
The Umbrella Academy
Dysfunctional super-powered siblings raised by a mysterious billionaire reunite to prevent an apocalypse.
Fans of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her gifted friends will find familiar themes of supernatural power, trauma, destiny and world-ending stakes.
Paper Girls
Four 1980s newspaper delivery girls become entangled in a time-travel war, with future versions of themselves playing key roles.
If you loved the retro vibes and emotional beats of Stranger Things, this is a must-watch.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Greek gods, monsters and a 12-year-old demigod with supernatural powers—Percy’s quest through mythological danger channels the same coming-of-age adventure energy that drove Stranger Things.
The X-Files
FBI agents Mulder and Scully investigate the unexplained—from aliens to shadowy government experiments.
Fans who enjoyed the mystery and conspiracy threads in Stranger Things will find familiar terrain here.
The Haunting of Hill House
Told across two timelines, this horror series focuses on a family traumatized by their time in a haunted house.
Its emotional storytelling and supernatural tension mirror Stranger Things‘ balance of scares and sentiment.
Dark
In a small German town, children go missing and a time-travel conspiracy spanning generations emerges.
The moody visuals and interwoven timelines will appeal to fans of the show’s deeper sci-fi elements.
Fringe
Part X-Files, part Stranger Things, this procedural sci-fi thriller dives into parallel universes, fringe science, and government secrets.
Ideal for viewers looking for more mind-bending narratives.
Locke & Key
Three siblings move into a mysterious house filled with magical keys—each unlocking supernatural abilities or dangerous threats.
Stranger Things fans will enjoy the fantasy-horror hybrid and strong young leads.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) juggles high school and hellmouth demons in this cult classic.
Much like Eleven, she is a reluctant hero learning to control her powers and protect her friends from supernatural evil.
Cobra Kai
Set decades after The Karate Kid, this revival captures the spirit of redemption, rivalry, and teenage identity.
While not supernatural, the nostalgic energy resonates with Stranger Things‘ tone.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
This interactive movie offers a story about a young game developer in the 1980s unraveling under the weight of free will and control.
Psychological horror and time loops make it a fitting follow-up.
Doctor Who
A regenerating alien travels through time and space, often solving paranormal mysteries with ordinary, likable human companions.
Doctor Who has the same mix of wonder, adventure and terror that makes Stranger Things compelling.
Films
The Goonies
A direct influence on Stranger Things, this 1985 film follows a group of misfit kids uncovering pirate treasure and dodging criminals.
It is all heart, danger, and friendship, with a great ’80s soundtrack.
The Lost Boys
Stylish and packed with attitude, this story of teen vampires in a California beach town shares Stranger Things‘ love of youth rebellion and supernatural menace.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A boy befriends a stranded alien while hiding him from the government.
Spielberg’s classic directly inspired Stranger Things’ early seasons, with certain scenes being mirrored in the Netflix hit.
Super 8
A secret military experiment escapes during a small-town train crash, and a group of teens must uncover the truth.
It (2017)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, It features a close-knit group of friends facing an ancient evil.
With creepy sewers and 1980s kids on bikes, the influence on Stranger Things is undeniable and it even features Finn Wolfhard who played Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things.
Ready Player One
Virtual reality, pop culture references, and dystopian danger—all wrapped in Spielberg’s digital playground.
Stranger Things fans will appreciate the layered world-building, sci-fi elements and action.
The Breakfast Club
Five high school students from different cliques spend a Saturday in detention and realize they have more in common than they thought.
While it is not supernatural, its exploration of identity, alienation, and teen dynamics in the ’80s reflects the emotional foundation of Stranger Things.
Totally Killer
This horror-comedy follows a teen who accidentally time-travels to the 1980s to stop a masked killer.
With slasher thrills, retro callbacks, and teen banter, it is a fun ride for fans missing Stranger Things‘ blend of suspense and throwback flair.
So whether you are craving retro horror, alternate realities, or psychic-powered teens taking on the world, the story doesn’t end in Hawkins. These picks offer new portals to dive into—no Demogorgons required.
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