Stranger Things: All the movies that inspired the hit series
There are SO many
Any fan of the huge Netflix series Stranger Things will know the show pays homage to a number of iconic movies throughout seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 — and most likely the new 5th series too. But did you know the Duffer Brothers, famed for bringing the hit TV show to our screens, once spilt the tea on exactly which ones and why, in an interview with Wired?
Speaking to the technology website, the brothers revealed there are more than two dozen sci-fi, fantasy, horror and 1980s action films referenced in Stranger Things. Think the likes of Jaws, The Thing, Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back and E.T.
Some of the references are more obvious than others, with Stranger Things series 2 showing Dustin, Mike, Lucas and Will rocking up to school dressed as Ghostbusters for Halloween, and The Thing poster getting pride of place in Mike's basement, since episode one.
But other nods are a little more obscure. Take Eleven wearing a blonde wig in season 1, as a reference to E.T., and a Jaws reference in season 3. When Hopper leaves a restaurant drunk he says: "I can do anything I want. I’m the chief of police", echoing the same words spoken by Roy Scheider's Chief Martin Brody in the 1975 film.
Check out all the films acknowledged in Stranger Things:
Ghostbusters
In memorable scenes from series 2, the boys dressed up as Ghostbusters for Halloween, but it caused conflict when both Mike and Lucas turned up at school dressed as Peter Venkman. Meanwhile Dustin dressed as Ray Stantz and Will went as Egon Spengler from the 1984 movie.
Jurassic Park
Although themes from Jurassic Park are dotted throughout series 1 to 4, the most memorable is perhaps when Argyle drives the group around in his yellow pizza van during season 4, quoting a famous line from 1993 movie. Jonathan's pal calls "hang on to your butts", just like Samuel L Jackson's character, Ray Arnold.
Jaws
Stranger Things pays homage to Jaws a few times — with a movie poster hung above Will's bed and also with the iconic line: "I can do anything I want. I'm the chief of police" said by Jim Hopper in series 3. Fans of 1975 film Jaws will know those are the same words spoken by Roy Scheider's Chief Martin Brody.
Mad Max
A more obvious reference, in series 2, new girl Max plays an arcade game, using the code name 'Mad Max'. The boys, irritated by the fact their high score is being beaten, set out to find the mystery player behind the 1979 movie reference. It was, of course, Max Mayfield — who became a main character as the series progressed.
Gremlins
Blink and you'll miss it, but in season 3, a stuffed Gremlin hung at the fairground amid the prize pile. But it's not the only reference in the movie to the 1984 film. The Duffer brothers reportedly revealed Dustin's wild pet, Dart, in series 2, was a nod to the movie's mischievous creatures.
Star Wars
Star Wars is referenced numerous times throughout the show, with a few of the lads quoting direct lines from the movies. In series 1, Mike compares Eleven to Yoda, while Dustin uses Lando Calrissian as an example when trying to decide if he can trust Hopper. In series 4, Dustin repeats the famous Hans Solo line: "Never tell me the odds" and Murray Bauman is heard saying: "I have a bad feeling about this", a classic line used throughout the Star Wars saga.
As well as numerous Star Wars toys popping up throughout the series, we also hear the movie get a mention during Steve's job interview at the video store. Despite saying it's his favourite movie, he describes Return of the Jedi as "the one with the teddy bears".
We also see Dustin and Steve engage in a playful, impromptu lightsaber duel during season 3.
Frankenstein
The Duffer brothers revealed it's no coincidence the 1931 movie Frankenstein is playing on Eleven's TV in series 2. The visual reference shows viewers the young girl identifies with the isolation the movie portrays, also suggesting to viewers that she feels very different to her friends, like the monster himself .
Cujo
Eagle-eyed fans may have spotted the state guard who is reading the Stephen King book Cujo, while Jim Hopper goes to examine the fake body of 'Will Byers', found at the lake . Attempting to distract him, Jim told him: "Good book. That's one nasty mutt." The book was of course made into the 1983 horror film of the same name, which became a major influence for Stranger Things creators.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
There's a number of parallels which connect Stranger Things with Steven Spielberg's 1977 film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind — one obvious one being the use of light as a method of communication. Everyone remembers season 1, when Joyce speaks to missing Will through the Christmas lights, later adding an alphabet so he can spell out what he's trying to say to her. The mother-son dynamic also bears resemblance to the nostalgic movie.
E.T.
Another Spielberg classic which heavily influenced the Stranger Things creators, E.T. is referenced a number of times throughout the series. Twice Eleven is dressed up like E.T. himself, once in a blonde wig and dress (series 1), and the second time in a ghost costume (series 2). We also see a bike chase, which is similar to the iconic scene in the 1982 film - and let's not forget how Mike hid El away in his basement when they first find her.
Risky Business
1983 movie Risky Business is largely considered Tom Cruise's breakout role, and it's no surprise Steve is often trying to channel the actor's charm and charisma in the film. Mentioning it by name at least once, when suggesting to take Nancy to the movies, Steve's love for Risky Business also comes through when the pair arrive at a Halloween party dressed as the lead characters, Joel and Lana.
Alien
Aside from the obvious alien-like creatures that appear throughout Stranger Things, there are other nods to the blockbuster film franchise, Alien (1979-1997). Most noably, perhaps, is the introduction of Dr Sam Owens in season 2, played by actor Paul Reiser who was Carter Burke in Aliens.
Altered States
Stranger Things gives a nod to the 1980s horror film, Altered States, whenever Eleven enters a sensory deprivation tank. Used as a way to enter an altered state of consciousness, just like movie's lead character, William Hurt, the tank is filled with water. Throughout the series, we see the characters get inventive to find ways for El to enter this alternative state, at one point using a pizza freezer!
The Thing
We know Mike loves the 1982 movie The Thing, because there's a poster up on the wall in his basement where the lads hang out to play Dungeons and Dragons. But it seems the Duffer brothers loved it too, appearing to take inspiration from the shapeshifting creatures in the movie for the Mind-Flayer and his Flayed in series 3.
The film is also mentioned directly in the same series, when Lucas called John Carpenter's The Thing "a classic".
Carrie
We know Eleven bears great resemblance to 1976 film Carrie's title character; socially isolated and gifted with telekinetic powers. But it's this humiliating moment in series 4 at the Rink-O-Mania roller-skating rink when poor El is covered in milkshake by her school tormentors that we saw the clear reference to the moment at Carrie's prom, when she's doused in pig's blood.
The Exorcist
Noah Schnapp was so keen to nail the scenes in which he's possessed by the Mind Flayer in series 2 that he's said to have studied 1973 horror movie, The Exorcist. In moments which mimic the iconic film, we also see Will tied down to the bed, as they try to expel the dark force from within him.
The Evil Dead
As well as having a The Evil Dead poster up on his bedroom wall, Jonathan Byers' house evokes a similar atmosphere to that from the 1981 cult classic. Set in a secluded cabin bordering the woods, the front of the house is adorned by a pretty creepy porch swing, much like the one in The Evil Dead.
Indiana Jones
Local police chief, Jim Hopper gives off a very Indiana Jones vibe throughout the first season. So it's no surprise fans have spotted nods to the movie franchise throughout Stranger Things. After becoming very attached to his Fedora, Jim is seen at one point scrambling through tunnels to retrieve his much-loved hat — which fans of the adventure movie will know is similar to scenes which often played out in Indiana Jones.
Super 8
A group of youngsters banding together to fight a Government cover-up in a nostalgic setting — now where have we heard that before? The Duffer brothers are reported to have revealed the 2011 movie, Super 8, by J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg was a great inspiration for Stranger Things.
Stand By Me
Dustin, Lucas, Mike and Will's friendship dynamic in Stranger Things is similar to that of Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern's in Stand by Me. And in this scene in Season 1, we see the kids head off on a mission, walking along the train tracks — an obvious visual representation of the 1986 film.
IT
Fans of 2019 movie It: Chapter Two, based on the book by Stephen King, will have recognised the actor behind Mike Wheeler as that of Finn Wolfhard — who plays a young Richie Tozier in It. But the coming-of-age horror also has other nods throughout Stranger Things, particularly the way the 'Losers Club' in It are not unlike the Hellfire Club lads we've grown to love in Stranger Things.
Escape From New York
1981 John Carpenter film, Escape From New York, has a direct tribute in series 2, when 'The Bank Robbery' music plays during Eleven's scenes with her sister, Kali. The song also plays in the dystopian action film.
Firestarter
Another movie the Duffer brothers pay tribute to throughout Stranger Things, 1984's Firestarter is centred around a young girl who develops special powers as a result of Government experimentation. Both girls are physically exhausted after using their powers, which they're still learning to understand — and are both supported by a loving father figure.
The NeverEnding Story
The Duffer brothers pay tribute to 80s favourite, The NeverEnding Story, when Dustin and new girlfriend Suzie sing a duet of the theme song over the radio in season 3. It happens during a life-or-death moment, when Joyce and Hopper are trying to crack the code to the Russian machine — making it all the more funny. After singing her favourite song, Suzie rewards Dustin with the answer to the equation they were trying to solve.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
A Nightmare on Elm Street is referenced numerous times throughout Stranger Things. There's many similarities to characters such as Nancy Wheeler and Nancy Thompson (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and villains Vecna and Freddy Krueger. But most notably, in season 4, Robert Englund is cast as Vecna's father, Victor Creel. Robert famously played Freddy himself, in the 1984 horror film.
Stranger Things is now available to stream on Netflix.
Now read:
Stranger Things: Everything you want to know about the series
Everything you need to know about the Stranger Things soundtrack
Stranger Things: A recap of the first four seasons