5 Movies Every Fan of Stranger Things Will Love

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For the past ten years, Stranger Things has been a huge hit with television viewers. The show follows a group of friends in Hawkins, Indiana, as they face frightening supernatural events. It successfully combines heartwarming moments, genuine scares, and high-stakes drama. Its unique mix of science fiction and horror, all set in a realistically portrayed 1980s, has made it stand out among other popular shows. With the fifth season coming to an end, fans will likely be searching for something new to watch. Luckily, there are plenty of movies – both classic and recent – that offer similar spooky and fun mysteries, like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Goonies, and the Fear Street series.

If you enjoy Stranger Things, you’ll probably love these sci-fi and horror movies too. They share a similar vibe and are definitely worth checking out.

5) The Monster Squad

Released in 1987, The Monster Squad shares a lot of similarities with Stranger Things. The movie centers on a group of kids who have to fight off supernatural monsters when Count Dracula and his crew arrive in town. Like Stranger Things, it balances spooky moments with plenty of humor and creates a fun, lighthearted vibe. The characters are funny and endearing as they team up to defeat the monsters. While it might not be as captivating as Stranger Things, The Monster Squad is still a really enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a fun, supernatural adventure.

4) The Vast of Night

The 2019 film The Vast of Night shares similarities with the thrilling plot of Stranger Things. Set in 1950s New Mexico over a single night, the movie follows a switchboard operator and a DJ as they investigate a peculiar radio signal and a possible UFO. Like Stranger Things, radio frequencies play a key role, and The Vast of Night expertly builds suspense and horror around the unexplained. The film tells the story of an alien encounter with engaging characters, a distinctive visual style, and a focus on the extraterrestrial. While it stands on its own as a strong sci-fi movie, it also complements Stranger Things with its captivating exploration of the unknown.

3) Super 8

If you enjoy the thrilling and mysterious atmosphere of Stranger Things, you’ll likely love the film Super 8 (2011). The story follows two teenage boys who film a movie, but their project is disrupted when they witness a train crash that unleashes strange events in their small town. Soon, an alien creature appears, adding to the excitement. Like Stranger Things, Super 8 expertly blends action with heartfelt moments and features well-developed characters. It’s a captivating period piece that successfully balances style and substance. With its focus on aliens, unexplained mysteries, and brave young protagonists, Super 8 is a must-watch for Stranger Things fans – it’s clear the film was a significant influence on the Netflix series, and every subscriber should check it out.

2) Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, is a captivating mystery about the arrival of aliens on Earth. It starts with a UFO sighting and quickly escalates into a thrilling adventure, following an everyday lineman as he desperately seeks to understand what’s happening. Unlike many alien invasion stories, this film isn’t about fear – it’s driven by wonder and a desire to learn. While there are some unsettling moments as the aliens approach, the story focuses on the excitement of potential contact. Close Encounters of the Third Kind ultimately shows that even though space can be strange and complex, it’s also full of amazing possibilities, and it pairs nicely with shows like Stranger Things which explore similar themes with a touch of horror.

1) IT

As a huge fan of Stranger Things, I have to say IT (2017) feels like a natural next step. It honestly captures a lot of the same vibe – it often feels like Stranger Things was inspired by Stephen King anyway, so this movie adaptation just fits. What really makes IT great is the incredible bond between the kids in the Losers’ Club. It’s so similar to the group dynamic in Stranger Things – these kids are facing a terrifying monster in their town, but they’re doing it together. And honestly, Pennywise is even scarier than Vecna! That same spirit of friendship driving the story is what I loved about both. Plus, Finn Wolfhard is in it, which is awesome! If you’re a Stranger Things fan like me, you absolutely have to see IT.

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2025-12-04 00:13