The television series titled “Stranger Things” is an American horror-scifi production that has been streaming on Netflix since July 15, 2016. Created by the Duffer brothers (Matt and Ross), it draws inspiration from iconic ’80s fantasy and sci-fi films, incorporating elements from authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, John Hughes, and Stephen King. As you eagerly anticipate fresh episodes, here’s a curated list of 30 series and movies that Stranger Things fans will enjoy. We’ve divided the recommendations into two distinct categories: television shows (15 titles) and films (15 titles).
1. It
Original Run: November 18 – November 20, 1990
Episodes: 2
To start off, a young girl named Laurie Anne (played by Chelan Simmons) is joyfully pedaling her tricycle. Her mother notices a looming storm approaching and urges her to seek shelter indoors. Just as she’s about to obey, the sound of children laughing and a clown catches her attention. She turns back and spots the clown who tries to befriend her. As the story unfolds, her mother searches for her in panic only to discover that Laurie Anne has tragically passed away.
In the story, Mike Hanlon contacts his old friends from childhood because he believes the menacing figure has returned. This was a promise they made: if ‘It’ ever came back, they would reunite as well. As the miniseries progresses, Mike and his companions experience recurring memories of their past.
2. Dark
Original Run: December 1, 2017 – June 27, 2020
Episodes: 36
2019 found police officer Ulrich Nielsen frantically looking for his lost 12-year-old son, Mikkel. Tragically, his younger brother Mads had vanished under equally enigmatic circumstances thirty-three years prior, in 1986. The town of Winden has been haunted by these disappearances, with four families struggling to unravel the secrets shrouding their area.
Jonas Kahnwald is significantly impacted by this affair, along with his father’s suicide. He becomes determined to uncover more details. Police investigations and some town residents start to expose a tale that repeats itself every thirty-three years. The events happening in 1953, 1986, and 2019 are intricately connected. As the investigation proceeds to identify the perpetrator behind these disappearances, it progressively unveils the secrets hidden within this tranquil town.
3. I Am Not Okay with This
Original Run: February 26, 2020
Episodes: 7
A teen’s journey as she navigates complexities in her friendships at school, along with the peculiarities of her family life. She simultaneously grapples with understanding her emerging sexuality and uncovers hidden abilities that lie within herself.
4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Original Run: March 10, 1997 – May 20, 2003
Episodes: 144
Buffy Summers, the energetic Vampire Slayer, has recently relocated to Sunnydale along with her mom, where she encounters her new supervisor, Rupert Giles, who happens to be the school librarian. This educational institution is situated over the Hellmouth, a place that draws an array of evil creatures such as vampires, werewolves, demons like Moloch, a menacing puppet, ogres, psychopaths, ancient mummies from the Inca civilization, reptile-demon hybrids, bogeymen, aquatic monsters, ghostly students, hellhounds, and more, as well as numerous supernatural occurrences.
Buffy makes friends with Willow Rosenberg and Alexander Harris, two other students at her school, and they join forces to combat the ancient and powerful vampire known as the Master. The Master aims to open the Hellmouth, and the group receives aid from the enigmatic Angel, who is eventually revealed to be a vampire with a conscience. Eventually, Buffy manages to defeat the Master, although she temporarily dies for a few moments in the process.
5. Eerie, Indiana
Original Run: September 15, 1991 – April 12, 1992
Episodes: 19
In this storyline, the Teller family, led by Marshall Teller who’s 15 years old, relocate from New Jersey to the quaint town of Eerie, Indiana. This place is peculiar as odd occurrences like missing items and talking dogs are common. The cast includes Marshall’s mother, Marilyn, her father Edgar, a part-time inventor; his older sister Syndi and her companion Simon Holmes.
Several episodes bore the distinguished mark of Joe Dante. Despite having only a few episodes, each brief, the series managed to garner a substantial fan base in the United States. Intriguingly, this show even spawned a sequel in 1998 titled “Eerie, Indiana: The Other Dimension,” but it did not replicate the initial success.
6. Russian Doll
Original Run: February 1, 2019 – present
Episodes: 15
On Nadia’s 36th birthday, she encounters a man and invites him home. Afterward, they spend time together, but soon after, she sends him away and rushes out in search of her lost cat. As she crosses the road, she is struck by a car. However, each time this occurs, Nadia wakes up back at the party, leaving her puzzled about the mysterious events unfolding around her.
7. Black Mirror
Original Run: December 4, 2011 – present
Episodes: 22
In every installment, there’s no need for prior knowledge as each one stands alone. The recurring theme is the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, their allure, potential pitfalls, and consequences. Various scenarios from contemporary or futuristic societies are devised and portrayed where a groundbreaking technology or an intriguing yet plausible concept has disrupted social harmony and human emotions somehow.
8. Misfits
Original Run: November 12, 2009 – December 11, 2013
Episodes: 37
Five young individuals named Nathan Young, Simon Bellamy, Kelly Bailey, Curtis Donovan, and Alisha Daniels have been assigned to complete community service (TIG) due to different circumstances. On their inaugural day of service, they manage to annoy Tony Morecombe, their supervisor, in some way. As they carry out their tasks, an unexpected storm suddenly erupts. In the midst of this tempest, they are all hit by lightning.
In a flash, they’ll come to understand that they’ve acquired extraordinary abilities. Yet, they’ll also discover that they aren’t the sole individuals who have undergone transformation. However, Tony, driven entirely by madness, will attempt to eliminate them. Faced with imminent peril, they’ll be compelled to act preemptively and take his life. This lethal encounter, which they choose not to disclose, triggers a chain of unfortunate events.
Five youths must now work together to conceal their wrongdoing, shifting the corpse as needed during police investigations, employing the victim’s missing credit card to trick his family into thinking he merely vanished on his own. Simultaneously, they will need to cultivate mutual trust among themselves.
9. Castle Rock
Original Run: July 25, 2018 – December 11, 2019
Episodes: 20
In the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, an individual is discovered imprisoned within the long-abandoned section of Shawshank Penitentiary. This part of the prison has been shut down for years, and the man appears puzzled, repeatedly citing the name of Henry Deaver – a legal representative for death row inmates.
In the spirit of the novel “Misery,” Season 2 of the series unfolds with the appearance of a budding psychopath named Annie Wilkes and her daughter in Castle Rock. As two rival factions clash, and preparations for the 400th anniversary celebration of this small town are underway, tension is palpable. A young nurse, met with chilly receptions from the locals, stands firm against any intimidation.
10. Yellowjackets
Original Run: November 14, 2021 – present
Episodes: 10
In the year 1996, a band of female soccer players from New Jersey embarked on a journey to Seattle for a national competition. During their flight across Canada, tragedy struck as their plane crashed in an isolated location. The ensuing story follows these players as they battle against the odds to survive for almost two years. The series also delves into their lives and experiences in the year 2021.
11. Gravity Falls
Original Run: June 15, 2012 – February 15, 2016
Episodes: 40
The series follows the escapades of the Pines twins, Dipper (brother) and Mabel (sister), who reside in Piedmont, California. Their laid-back summer is turned upside down when their folks ship them off to Gravity Falls, a quaint town located in Oregon, to stay with their eccentric great-uncle, Stan. Once there, Uncle Stan takes the twins on a tour of the enigmatic “Mystery Shack”.
His place resides both as his home and office, but it’s an expensive tourist attraction that leaves visitors feeling swindled; a peculiar museum filled with oddities, charging exorbitant prices for admission. However, Dipper and Mabel stumble upon a journal revealing the town’s enigmatic secrets. As they delve deeper, they uncover Gravity Falls’ hidden mysteries and join forces with their new companions to unravel the truth about this peculiar place.
Arriving at their summer abode, the perplexed twins strive to acclimate themselves to their peculiar environment, particularly their Uncle Stan, who has an insatiable craving for wealth and consistently transforms every situation into a profitable venture. While Dipper laments the monotonous labor that looms over him at Uncle Stan’s establishment, his ever-optimistic twin sister seizes the opportunity for a romantic adventure that could only happen once in a lifetime during their summer stay.
12. The Society
Original Run: May 10, 2019
Episodes: 10
Because of an overpowering stench in the small town of West Ham, high school students are temporarily relocated. Upon their return later that day, they discover that everyone – parents, siblings, and other townspeople – appear to have vanished without a trace.
Communication functions strictly within urban boundaries, as if enclosed by vast, unending woodlands. This realization comes swiftly that youths must establish fresh guidelines for cohabitation to ensure survival.
13. Riverdale
Original Run: January 26, 2017 – present
Episodes: 110
In the quaint town of Riverdale, students are resuming their studies after the sad demise of Jason Blossom. This fresh academic term marks a new chapter in Archie Andrews’ life as he embarks on a musical career, even though his clandestine romance with his music mentor teacher has ended and his bond with Jughead Jones remains delicate.
On Betty Cooper’s end, she finds herself confronting her overly protective mother who medicates her secretly, as Betty harbors feelings for Archie. However, everything shifts for her when she encounters Veronica Lodge, a wealthy newcomer to town whose family has been embroiled in a scandalous situation. Yet, this is just a small slice of the numerous tales and enigmas that lurk within Riverdale, a seemingly idyllic and tranquil town that masks a plethora of perils and a very sinister underbelly.
14. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Original Run: October 26, 2018 – December 31, 2020
Episodes: 36
As a cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: I’m just another teenager, growing up in the quaint town of Greendale, except for one tiny detail – my parents were a wizard and a mortal. This unique heritage makes me a hybrid. My aunts Hilda and Zelda raised me, and I attend high school among some rather intense teenagers.
On the verge of her 16th birthday, she stands at a crossroads: either embrace baptism to join the sinister Church of Night and gain limited powers, or persist in living among humans. She will encounter malevolent forces intent on harming her family and the human realm as Madam Satan, a wicked character lurking in the shadows, is eager to aid the Devil in recruiting the young girl for his sinister purposes.
15. The Real Ghostbusters
Original Release: September 13, 1986 – October 5, 1991
Episodes: 140
In this tale, we follow the escapades of three parapsychologists: Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spengler. They establish a business specializing in the elimination of ghosts, known as Ghostbusters. During their journey, they enlist Winston Zeddemore, an experienced ghost hunter, and Janine Melnitz, the company’s secretary. This series represents an animated extension of the initial film.
16. Ghostbusters
Original Release: June 8, 1984
Running Time: 105 minutes
As an ardent admirer, I’d like to share the captivating tale of three remarkable individuals: Peter Venkman, Raymond “Ray” Stantz, and Egon Spengler. These brilliant minds were researchers at Columbia University in New York, focusing on the enigmatic field of parapsychology. However, their unorthodox research methods led to accusations of peculiarity from the university dean, resulting in their dismissal.
Undeterred by this setback, they chose to channel their passion for the unknown into a unique endeavor: a paranormal investigation company named “Ghostbusters”. This daring decision paved the way for their extraordinary adventures, capturing the hearts and imaginations of countless spectators.
Using their remaining resources, they purchase a dilapidated fire station in New York, previously abandoned, and transform it into a base for their endeavor. This base serves as their starting point for investigating paranormal occurrences throughout the city, traveling in their vehicle – a white Cadillac, customized with their company logo, often referred to as “Ecto 1”.
Leveraging the surge of ectoplasmic manifestations that have been happening in New York City, these three friends quickly gain popularity as they hunt for ghosts. Their exploits are frequently reported by media outlets, making them local celebrities within the paranormal community.
Meanwhile, these individuals have managed to catch the eye of regulatory bodies, specifically Walter Peck from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He disapproves of their actions and is determined to create hurdles in their path. Simultaneously, a New York cellist named Dana Barrett encounters unusual supernatural occurrences within her apartment on Central Park West. Frightened, she seeks assistance from the Ghostbusters team, having chanced upon their company’s advertisement while watching TV.
As a cinephile, I find myself drawn to this captivating young professional, taking control of my affairs while subtly attempting to win her heart. Accompanied by our fourth teammate, Winston Zeddemore, we, the Ghostbusters, become New York City’s last line of defense as the ominous figure of Gozer, an ancient and malevolent Sumerian deity, threatens to breach our world through a portal stationed on top of a towering skyscraper. Coincidentally, this metropolis (where Dana Barrett and her neighbor, accountant Louis Tully reside) was designed according to blueprints loyal to Gozer, orchestrated by an architect with sinister intentions.
17. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Original Release: May 26, 1982
Running Time: 120 minutes
Extraterrestrial beings arrive at a woodland area close to Los Angeles and gather vegetation specimens. As a contingent of authorities unexpectedly emerges, the aliens scramble to depart, unintentionally leaving one of their comrades behind, who had ventured deeper. The stranded alien finds refuge in a neighboring suburb’s garden shed, where it is eventually discovered by ten-year-old Elliott, residing there with his mother and brothers and sisters.
A strong bond rapidly forms between him and the young stranger. They’re both solitary figures: Elliott is longing for his father who has recently departed, while E.T. yearns for those he left behind 3 million light years away on Earth. E.T., much like a child learning, starts picking up human language, and the duo embark on experiences that oscillate between amusing and heart-wrenching as E.T.’s homesickness manifests in his desire to “communicate with home”.
To prove to the kids that he’s an alien from beyond our world, E.T. exhibits psychic powers: he can move objects without touching them and even bring dead plants back to life. Using toys and small items found around, he constructs a makeshift radio transmitter with Elliott’s assistance, placing it in the woods to broadcast a message to his spaceship.
18. It
Original Release: September 5, 2017
Running Time: 135 minutes
In Derry, Maine, seven outcast teenagers band together to create the “Misfits’ Guild.” Ostracized by their peers and bullied by the school’s tough crowd, they find solace in each other. They share a unique bond—all have faced their deepest fears at the hands of a terrifying, shape-shifting clown known as “It.
Since Derry has a recurring issue every 27 years, where a sewer-originating creature feeds on children’s fears, the Losers are determined to stand together and break this cycle. This cycle started on a rainy day when a young boy encountered a menacing clown named Pennywise while chasing his paper boat.
19. Stand by Me
Original Release: August 8, 1986
Running Time: 89 minutes
12-year-old friends Gordon “Gordie” Lachance, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio reside in the quaint town of Castle Rock, Oregon. Upon learning about Chris’s passing from a newspaper article, Gordie reminisces on an epic event that transpired during the summer of 1959, as they were preparing to migrate to the gymnasium.
One day, while searching for some buried money, Vern inadvertently listens to a discussion between his brother Billy and a companion. This encounter reveals that these two individuals had stolen a car for an out-of-town drive, but during their journey, they unintentionally discovered the body of a boy. Unfortunately, instead of informing the authorities about this tragic find, they chose not to due to the recent theft they had committed.
Vern sprints off to inform his buddies about what appears to be Ray Brower’s corpse, a boy missing for three days following his excursion to gather blueberries near Castle Rock. Motivated by varying aspirations – wanting to make amends and gain recognition as heroes – the quartet choose to search for the body and venture along the railroad tracks. This journey will provide them with an opportunity to face their internal struggles and mature.
After surmounting numerous challenges along the way, they ultimately discovered the corpse. At this juncture, they encountered the older boys, among them Ace Merrill, who had initially found the body. Thanks to their bravery, the four companions were able to subdue them and force them to retreat. However, as a result of their experiences during their journey, they grew up considerably and decided that making an anonymous call to the authorities would be the most appropriate course of action to handle the situation.
The story goes back to the start of the movie, where Gordie, now grown up with kids, chooses to pen down a fresh book, recounting his youthful adventure to find Ray Brower’s remains.
20. Halloween
Original Release: October 25, 1978
Running Time: 91 minutes
On All Hallows’ Eve in Haddonfield, Illinois, a six-year-old named Michael Myers brutally slaughters his sister using a kitchen knife. He is confined until he reaches adulthood for legal proceedings. Yet, at the age of twenty-one, during his transfer for trial, he breaks free and heads back to his hometown. A string of grisly murders follows in his wake. His psychologist, Dr. Samuel Loomis, embarks on a chase to catch him.
21. The Goonies
Original Release: June 7, 1985
Running Time: 114 minutes
1985 Autumn, Astoria. Amidst the chaos of the Fratelli’s daring prison break, my friends and I – Mikey, Brand, Chunk, and Mouth – stumbled upon an ancient treasure map in a forgotten attic. The map led us to the legendary pirate, “One-Eyed Willy”. Our beloved neighborhood was under threat, set to be bulldozed by developer Elgin Perkins for a golf course. Determined not to lose our homes, we embarked on an adventure to find the treasure and save our community.
The Goonies – Mikey’s brother, Brand, along with Steph and Andy – were quickly joined as they followed their map. They unexpectedly reached an old restaurant by the sea, not realizing it was inhabited by the Fratellis, who were on the run. Their exciting journey continued deep underground where they discovered One-Eyed Willy’s pirate ship and its legendary treasure.
22. Weird Science
Original Release: August 2, 1985
Running Time: 94 minutes
As a clumsy teenager, particularly around girls, I found myself often the target of mockery from my peers Ian and Max. But one fateful day, after watching a Frankenstein movie on TV, my friend Wyatt and I had an unconventional idea – to create our ideal woman using his computer. To our surprise, Lisa emerged; she was not only stunningly beautiful but also practically perfect. Little did we know that she would soon reveal extraordinary powers.
Consequently, for Gary and Wyatt, an engaging sequence of experiences commences, which will ultimately aid their growth and boost self-assurance. With Lisa’s assistance, they manage to win over two of their classmates, earning them favor among their peers. As a result, Mr. Masterson becomes more flexible towards them. Interestingly, Gary and Wyatt’s rise in popularity occurs “miraculously,” as it was actually facilitated by Lisa’s superpowers that helped the boys fit in.
23. The Fear Street Trilogy
Original Release: July 2021
Running Time: 330 minutes
For several decades, the tranquil town of Shadyside has been plagued by a string of murders. This once peaceful city is now infamous as a hotbed of crime in America, while its neighboring town, Sunnyvale, remains free of such incidents. Oddly enough, residents have been known to experience sudden bouts of insanity and engage in criminal activities. Furthermore, it appears that some past killers have returned from the dead, intent on claiming more victims.
In the upcoming events, it’s believed that Sam will be targeted as a victim, but her friends are determined to intervene. In the year 1994, Deena and Josh Johnson pay a visit to Christine Berman’s residence in search of aid, as their friend Sam seems to be under some sort of possession. Upon being granted entry by Christine, also known as “Ziggy” Berman, they share their story that dates back to 1978 at Camp Nightwing, where her sister perished.
In Deena’s vision, she sees the final moments of Sarah Fier’s life from 1666, which helps her uncover the true source of the curse. Alongside others, she then attempts to bring an end to it all, resulting in a murderous incident that takes place at the mall in 1994.
24. The Thing
Original Release: June 25, 1982
Running Time: 109 minutes
At an Antarctic research station, scientists unearth a survivor from an extraterrestrial spaceship wreckage. Rapidly, it becomes evident that this entity has the uncanny knack for symbiotically merging with various life-forms. As they lose contact with the outside world and grapple with identifying who among them might be infected or unaffected, the team members succumb to terror and suspicion.
25. Ghostbusters II
Original Release: June 16, 1989
Running Time: 108 minutes
Long ago, Vigo was a cruel ruler and powerful sorcerer who was despised by his people. Just before his death in 1610, he made a prophecy about his return. Now, it is said that his spirit haunts an evil painting that has been restored at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Five years have passed since they saved the city from supernatural attacks and the appearance of a malevolent entity from another world. However, scientists Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler, along with their associate Winston Zeddemore, have since been relegated to hosting children’s parties and television shows.
In the meantime, an oozing, malicious liquid seeps into the city’s underground drains, directly heading towards the museum housing the renowned painting. The museum’s curator, Janosz Poha, receives instructions from Vigo to locate a child for him to possess. Ultimately, it is Oscar, the son of Dana Barrett (the protagonist of the initial film), whom Janosz selects.
26. It: Chapter Two
Original Release: August 26, 2019
Running Time: 169 minutes
In 1989, seven kids successfully eluded a malevolent, shape-shifting entity known as “It”, which was preying upon the children of Derry. Twenty-seven years later, Bill Denbrough and his companions are spurred by Mike’s summons to revisit Derry. They must again confront the ominous clown “It”, which has been resurrected and resumed its gruesome activities of feeding on children. Upon their return to Derry, they uncover the full tale of “It” and aim to put an end to it forever.
27. Predator
Original Release: June 12, 1987
Running Time: 107 minutes
A team of special forces, spearheaded by Major Alan “Dutch” Schaeffer, is dispatched for a rescue operation in Central America. They are secretly transported into Guatemala’s jungle near the border with hostile territory to locate survivors from a crashed helicopter.
28. A Nightmare on Elm Street
Original Release: November 9, 1984
Running Time: 91 minutes
In Wes Craven’s iconic horror movie, several teenagers from the Midwest get terrorized by Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a grotesquely scarred nightmare who hunts them in their dreams. This leads to their real-life deaths. As Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) delves into the strange occurrences, she senses that a hidden truth shared among her and her friends’ parents could hold the answer to cracking this mystery. However, can Nancy and her boyfriend Glen (Johnny Depp) decipher the riddle before it’s all over?
29. Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Original Release: August 23, 2021
Running Time: 124 minutes
37 years following the “Manhattan Proton Crossing of ’84”, founding Ghostbuster Egon Spengler relocated to Summerville, Oklahoma, a place known for Shandor Mining Operations, a cultist group worshipping Gozer. There, Egon trapped a ghost in one of the mines with the intention of enticing a larger spirit to his farm, which he had prepared as a trap for it.
If the trap proves ineffective, he darts towards his private residence, concealing the ghost trap somewhere covertly beneath it. Egon appears resigned as a fog seeps in, ultimately leading to his demise while seated in a chair. Due to their homelessness, Egon’s long-lost daughter Callie and her sons Trevor and Phoebe are compelled to relocate to Egon’s farm in Summerville.
Trevor encounters Lucky, a resident girl who works at a restaurant (and whom he develops feelings for), as Phoebe starts attending summer classes under the supervision of Gary Grooberson, an unusual science instructor. Janine Melnitz tells Callie that Egon had accumulated a significant amount of debt before leaving. As they sift through Egon’s possessions, Phoebe stumbles upon evidence that her house is haunted and finds a PKE meter among other things. An unseen spirit guides her into a trap for ghosts, while Trevor locates the Ecto-1.
30. Alien
Original Release: May 25, 1979
Running Time: 117 minutes
On the journey back to Earth aboard the spaceship Nostromo, following a standard trading mission, the crew – consisting of seven people (five men and two women) who had been in suspended animation for ten months – were awakened prematurely by the spacecraft’s automated system.
The spaceship they were operating later detected strange radio transmissions in space, and because of a provision in their spacecraft’s navigation agreement, the crew was obligated to investigate any potential signs of alien life forms.
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2025-05-31 10:17