Stranger Things: The Movies That Shaped Its Unique World
Hello, fellow movie buffs and Stranger Things enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the nostalgic and spooky world of Netflix's hit series, Stranger Things, and exploring the movies that inspired its creation. So, grab your Eggos and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movies that inspired stranger things.
A Love Letter to '80s Cinema
Before we jump into the specific movies that inspired Stranger Things, it's essential to understand that the entire series is a love letter to '80s cinema. The Duffers, the show's creators, wanted to capture the essence of that decade's films, which were often darker and more mature than those made today. So, let's set the stage with some iconic '80s movies that laid the foundation for Stranger Things.
The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is a quintessential '80s adventure film that follows a group of kids on a treasure hunt. This movie is a significant inspiration for Stranger Things, as it features a group of friends embarking on a thrilling quest, filled with danger and mystery. The camaraderie between the kids, the sense of adventure, and the coming-of-age themes are all present in Stranger Things.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
E.T. is a heartwarming story about friendship and acceptance, which has left an indelible mark on Stranger Things. The bond between Eleven and Mike is reminiscent of the friendship between Elliott and E.T. Moreover, the themes of otherworldly creatures and government conspiracies are prevalent in both films.
Alien (1979)
Alien is a classic horror film that introduced the world to the terrifying Xenomorph. The creature design and the eerie atmosphere of the U.S.S. Nostromo have inspired the Demogorgon and the Upside Down in Stranger Things. The series' monster designs and the chilling tension created by the Demogorgon's presence are heavily influenced by this iconic film.
The '80s Slasher Flicks
Stranger Things doesn't shy away from the horror genre, and its creators drew inspiration from the '80s slasher films to create a sense of dread and suspense. Here are a few movies that inspired the horror elements in Stranger Things.
Halloween (1978)
Halloween is a seminal slasher film that introduced the world to Michael Myers. The eerie score, the POV shots, and the relentless pursuit of the killer are all echoed in Stranger Things, particularly in the scenes involving the Demogorgon.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, a dream-stalking killer with a penchant for sharp objects. The concept of a monster that can invade the dream world is a significant inspiration for the Mind Flayer and the Upside Down in Stranger Things.
The Thing (1982)
The Thing is a classic horror film about an alien creature that can mimic any life form it assimilates. This movie inspired the concept of the Mind Flayer, a shapeshifting entity that can control and possess its victims.
The '80s Sci-Fi Flicks
Stranger Things is as much a science fiction series as it is a horror one. The show's creators drew inspiration from the '80s sci-fi movies to create a world where the supernatural and the scientific collide.
The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys is a unique blend of horror, comedy, and adventure that follows a group of vampire-hunting kids. This movie inspired the idea of a group of kids battling supernatural forces in Stranger Things.
The Fly (1986)
The Fly is a science fiction horror film about a scientist who accidentally swaps DNA with a fly, leading to horrifying consequences. This movie inspired the concept of Eleven's powers and the experiments conducted on her at Hawkins National Laboratory.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic science fiction film about an alien visitor who comes to Earth with a warning about the dangers of nuclear war. While not a direct inspiration, this film's themes of otherworldly visitors and government conspiracies are present in Stranger Things.
The '80s Coming-of-Age Dramas
Stranger Things is not just a horror series; it's also a coming-of-age story. The show's creators drew inspiration from the '80s coming-of-age dramas to create a world where the kids are the heroes.
Stand by Me (1986)
Stand by Me is a coming-of-age film about a group of friends who embark on a thrilling adventure to find a dead body. This movie inspired the idea of a group of kids going on a quest together, as seen in Stranger Things.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is a classic coming-of-age film about a group of high school kids from different cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. This movie inspired the idea of a diverse group of kids coming together to face a common enemy in Stranger Things.
Explorers (1985)
Explorers is a science fiction film about a group of kids who build a spaceship and travel to another planet. This movie inspired the idea of kids using their imagination and scientific knowledge to explore the unknown in Stranger Things.
The '80s Action Flicks
Stranger Things also draws inspiration from the '80s action films, particularly in its depiction of the adults and the government agents.
Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard is an iconic action film about a lone cop who takes on a group of terrorists in a high-rise building. This movie inspired the character of Jim Hopper, who often finds himself outmatched and outgunned but never gives up.
Predator (1987)
Predator is an action-horror film about a group of commandos who are hunted by an alien creature in the jungle. This movie inspired the concept of the Demogorgon as a relentless, unstoppable force that hunts its prey.
Commando (1985)
Commando is an action film about a retired special forces soldier who must rescue his daughter from a group of mercenaries. This movie inspired the character of Joyce Byers, who will stop at nothing to rescue her son from the Upside Down.
The '80s Anime
While Stranger Things is primarily inspired by '80s American cinema, it also draws inspiration from '80s anime. Here's one movie that had a significant impact on the series.
Akira (1988)
Akira is a seminal anime film about a biker gang member who gains psychokinetic powers and goes on a rampage. This movie inspired the concept of Eleven's powers and the experiments conducted on her at Hawkins National Laboratory.
Conclusion
Stranger Things is a love letter to '80s cinema, drawing inspiration from a wide range of movies to create a unique and captivating world. From the coming-of-age dramas to the horror and sci-fi flicks, the show's creators have expertly woven together the threads of these movies to create a rich and engaging tapestry.
So, the next time you're watching Stranger Things, keep an eye out for these influences. You might just spot something you hadn't noticed before. Until next time, guys! Stay curious, and remember: Mork from Ork out!