All the Pop Culture References in STRANGER THINGS 5, Volume 1

From the very beginning, Stranger Things has been filled with nods to classic movies and stories. Season five continues that tradition. While the creators, the Duffer Brothers, usually draw inspiration from 80s and 90s films, they’ve broadened their scope this season. Here’s a rundown of the pop culture references we spotted in the first four episodes of Stranger Things 5: “The Crawl,” “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler,” “The Turnbow Trap,” and “The Sorcerer.”

All the Pop Culture References in Stranger Things 5, Volume 1

Red Dawn (1984)

I’ll never forget watching Red Dawn back in ’84 – the idea of a small town suddenly under attack by Soviet forces was just so gripping, and those high school kids becoming heroes was inspiring! It really reminded me of what’s happening in the upcoming fifth season of Stranger Things. But here’s the twist: instead of Russians invading Hawkins, it’s actually the American military causing the trouble. It’s a really interesting flip on the original Red Dawn concept, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Carrie (1976)

Dustin discovers a hateful message – “Burn in Hell” written in what appears to be blood – at Eddie’s grave. It’s clear the Hawkins High bullies still believe Eddie was responsible for the town’s troubles. This scene in Stranger Things 5 strongly echoes the ending of Carrie, where Carrie White’s grave is similarly defaced with the message “Carrie White Burns in Hell” after her tragic rampage.

“Upside Down” by Diana Ross

In the first episode of Stranger Things 5, Robin plays Diana Ross’ classic 1980s song “Upside Down” on the radio. This isn’t just a musical choice—it’s a secret signal for her friends to start their journey into the Upside Down. It’s surprising that Stranger Things didn’t include this popular song until the fifth and final season, but they managed to work it in just in time.

The Shining (1980)

When Holly Wheeler begins communicating with an imaginary friend who seems surprisingly real, the creators of Stranger Things initially lead viewers to believe this is similar to the character Danny Torrance’s experiences in The Shining. Holly’s friend is named “Mr. Whatsit,” but this is a deliberate deception. Unlike the supportive “Tony” in The Shining, “Mr. Whatsit” in Stranger Things 5 is far from a helpful presence.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

The character ‘Mr. Whatsit’ in Stranger Things 5 is a nod to ‘Ms. Whatsit’ from Madeleine L’Engle’s classic 1962 science fiction novel, A Wrinkle in Time. Just as Holly’s brother uses Dungeons & Dragons terms to explain the creatures from the Upside Down, Holly connects to her favorite book to make sense of things. She specifically compares Vecna’s mind realm within the Upside Down to Camazotz, a different dimension from the book. Vecna has built this reality using Holly’s memories, as well as his own.

Back to the Future (1985)

Volume 1 of Stranger Things 5 includes several references to Back to the Future, leading many to believe these nods foreshadow how the series will end. In episode two, Robin cleverly uses details from the film – like Doc Brown’s flux capacitor and his famous phrase “Great Scott” – to trick Joyce Byers. Additionally, the 88dB reading on a sensor in Steve’s van is a clear reference to the 88 miles per hour needed for time travel in the movie. These connections suggest that time travel, as portrayed in Back to the Future, will be a key element in resolving the story of Stranger Things.

Spies Like Us (1985)

Murray goes by the fake name “Austin Milbarge,” a reference to a character played by Dan Aykroyd in the classic 1980s comedy film, Spies Like Us.

Aliens (1986)

The organic, fleshy walls of the Upside Down in Stranger Things are reminiscent of the hives built by the Xenomorphs in the Alien movies, where they incubate their eggs. The creatures hunting the kids – the Demogorgons – and the larger-scale attacks by multiple Demogorgons on the military, strongly echo the scenes of the Xenomorphs attacking the Colonial Marines in Aliens. Even a specific moment in Stranger Things 5 – Karen Wheeler’s desperate cry to protect her daughter – feels like a direct nod to Ripley’s iconic line defending Newt from the Xenomorph Queen.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

The massive wall in the Upside Down in Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, strongly resembles the Wall from Game of Thrones. Similarly, Vecna’s resurrection of his injured Demogorgons echoes the Night King raising the White Walkers in Hardhome. These moments clearly draw inspiration from the style of George R.R. Martin’s writing.

Poltergeist (1982)

The second episode of Stranger Things 5 features a terrifying scene where Demogorgons break into Holly Wheeler’s bedroom and create a disturbing, organic portal, attempting to pull her inside. This moment clearly echoes a famous scene from the 1982 horror film Poltergeist, where spirits abduct the young Carol Anne through a similar portal.

An American Tail (1986)

Holly owns a poster for the movie An American Tail, which was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Don Bluth. The film tells the story of Fievel, a little mouse who gets lost and tries to reunite with his family. This connection to the movie hints at what will happen to Holly in the fifth season of Stranger Things.

The Goonies (1985)

As a huge fan of both Stranger Things and The Goonies, I’ve noticed all the nods to the classic movie since the very beginning! But something in season five really stood out to me – Eleven was training in an outfit that was a total throwback to what Josh Brolin wore in The Goonies – you know, those short shorts over sweatpants! It was such a fun detail.

The Matrix (1999)

Holly Wheeler is connected to a strange, organic structure that seems to be draining her energy, controlled by a sinister power. However, she believes she’s in a perfect, peaceful world, designed to keep her from realizing what’s really happening – similar to the reality experienced by people in The Matrix. Meanwhile, Will’s powerful moment in the fourth episode is reminiscent of Neo discovering his abilities at the end of The Matrix.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

The scene of the characters plotting against Vecna in the radio station is a playful nod to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Like Buffy and her friends using the Sunnydale High library as a secret base to fight each season’s villain, Stranger Things also features a conveniently hidden headquarters right in town.

Fans have noted similarities between Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s fourth season and Stranger Things 5. In Buffy, a military group called the Initiative investigates the supernatural activity beneath Sunnydale, led by the strict Professor Maggie Walsh. Stranger Things features Dr. Kay, played by Linda Hamilton, who shares traits with Dr. Walsh, and a base within the Upside Down that echoes the Initiative. Both groups are hiding a major secret within their facilities.

“I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany

Okay, so Vecna really tries to manipulate Holly by appealing to her nostalgia. He gifts her a cassette tape from Tiffany, the ’80s pop star – remember ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’? That song was huge back in ’87, which is when this whole season is set, and it’s a really clever (and creepy) way for Vecna to try and gain her trust.

The Lost Boys (1987)

Peanut Butter Boppers are a snack that Steve Harrington enjoys in Stranger Things, but their history goes further back than the show. Originally sold in stores from 1985 to 1989, these treats actually made an appearance in the 1987 film The Lost Boys – a movie that, like this season of Stranger Things, features teenagers who are the only ones noticing strange events happening in their town. So, the snack isn’t just a fun nod to the 80s in the series; it has roots in another popular supernatural story from that era.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Yello’s song “Oh Yeah” is strongly associated with the classic John Hughes film featuring Matthew Broderick. It was famously used in both Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Stranger Things during scenes that emphasize or celebrate a car.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

The movie Pretty in Pink features another memorable song on the soundtrack: “Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs. This song is also the title track of the popular 1980s film produced by John Hughes.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

Derek Turnbow, a spoiled and unpleasant character, has a poster for Tim Burton’s early film featuring Pee-wee Herman, which is a clever detail. It’s a fitting parallel because Derek reminds us of the film’s bratty villain, Francis Buxton. This pop culture nod in Stranger Things 5 is a great touch.

’80s Toys Galore

In the fourth episode of Stranger Things 5, Derek’s bedroom is packed with toys and decorations from the 1980s. You can spot G.I. Joe posters, a Masters of the Universe blanket, and Garbage Pail Kids cards decorating the walls. A Transformers pillowcase is also visible, and Derek is playing the 1985 Nintendo game Ghosts n’ Goblins.

Home Alone (1990)

The scene where the characters rig the Turnbow house with traps to stop the Demogorgons is like a much more frightening take on the clever defenses Kevin McCallister sets in Home Alone. It also reminds us of another scary movie, which leads us to our next point:

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

As a big horror fan, watching this movie reminded me a lot of the classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. The way the group sets up all those traps in the Turnbow house to catch the creature? That’s totally similar to how Nancy Thompson prepared her house to stop Freddy Krueger. And the idea of these teens banding together and actually going into the monster’s world to fight it felt a lot like what happened in Dream Warriors, the third Elm Street movie. It’s cool to see those kinds of influences!

Evil Dead 2 (1987)

The attack on the Turnbow house also includes a nod to Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2. When the kids search for weapons, Steve Harrington stares at a chainsaw, mirroring a scene in Evil Dead 2 where Ash (Bruce Campbell) excitedly examines his own chainsaw and attaches it to his arm. Interestingly, Evil Dead 2 was originally released in 1987 – the same year Stranger Things 5 is set.

The Great Escape (1963)

While planning the rescue of the kidnapped children from the military, Robin brings up the classic 1963 Steve McQueen film, The Great Escape. The movie, a popular dramatization of a real story, follows Allied prisoners of war attempting to break out of a Nazi camp. In a neat touch, the film’s iconic music plays as Robin discusses the plan, offering another fun pop-culture reference in Stranger Things 5.

Star Trek (1966-1969)

In the fourth episode, Dustin says “Fascinating” after carefully considering a problem. This is a clear nod to the iconic catchphrase of Mr. Spock, famously played by Leonard Nimoy in the original Star Trek series.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

The fourth episode, “The Sorcerer,” opens with a scene from the Disney movie The Sword in the Stone playing on television. It features Merlin performing magic, which hints at the upcoming transformation of Will, who gains magical abilities during the episode’s exciting conclusion.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

While Stranger Things mostly draws inspiration from 20th-century films, a recent scene with Vecna felt strikingly similar to Darth Vader’s powerful entrance in Rogue One. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have confirmed this was an intentional nod to the iconic Star Wars villain. And honestly, we’re happy to see these more recent pop culture references included in the upcoming fifth season.

Fans can anticipate even more nods to earlier seasons in the final four episodes of Stranger Things, which will be released on Netflix December 25th and 31st.

2025-12-03 22:36