For nearly ten years, Stranger Things has been a huge part of popular culture, and the show is now wrapping up. While Netflix wants to continue the story with an animated spin-off, the creators, the Duffer brothers, are moving on to new projects. Nothing will quite capture audiences like the continuing story of Eleven and her friends fighting against Vecna. It’s the exciting and satisfying conclusion to a beloved series.
Okay, so Stranger Things is wrapping up, and I know a lot of you are probably wondering what to binge next. I’ve compiled a list of five shows – all available on Netflix, and either finished or with new seasons on the way – that I think will really appeal to Stranger Things fans. They all have that special something – memorable characters, a creative spark, and a real knack for pulling you into the story. Let’s be clear, none of them are exactly like Stranger Things, but trust me, they’re all worth your time.
5. Locke & Key
Let’s begin with Locke & Key, a three-season fantasy series based on the fantastic comic book by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. After the devastating murder of their father, Rendell Locke, a grieving family returns to their childhood home, Keyhouse, and quickly uncovers its ancient, magical secrets. Scattered throughout Keyhouse are mysterious keys, each with the power to do incredible things – like change your size or even separate your soul from your body.
Locke & Key creates a captivating and immersive atmosphere, boosted by strong performances from its young actors. While it begins with a similar feel to the first season of Stranger Things, it quickly finds its own distinct identity. Unlike many Netflix shows that are cut short, Locke & Key delivers a satisfying, complete story over three seasons, fully exploring the mysteries of Keyhouse and bringing everything to a grand finale.
Let me tell you, sometimes Netflix’s recommendations get stuck on what’s new, but I stumbled upon Locke & Key, and it’s a real gem – especially since it already finished its run three years ago. What I loved was being able to dive in and watch the whole story unfold, seeing the characters and actors really develop. It’s a complete binge, full of surprises and a genuinely enjoyable ride. If you’re a Stranger Things fan, trust me, you absolutely need to check this one out.
4. Wednesday
The popular series Wednesday, starring Jenny Ortega as Wednesday Addams, has revitalized the Addams Family franchise. The first season, which debuted in 2022, received excellent reviews for its unique, spooky setting and playful tone – a result of its creator, Tim Burton. While Season 2, released in 2025, didn’t perform quite as well, with fewer viewers and lower ratings, it remains a highly enjoyable show.
As a huge Addams Family fan, I have to say Wednesday really gets what makes that family so special – it’s delightfully creepy and wonderfully weird, just like the originals! It reminded me a bit of Stranger Things in that it’s a story that spans generations, starting with Wednesday being sent to Nevermore Academy – the very place her parents fell in love. Before long, she’s right in the middle of some seriously spooky murder mysteries, dodging hidden dangers, and, yeah, even having a pretty awkward first kiss. But honestly, the best part is the chemistry between Jenna Ortega and Emma Myers, who plays her roommate – their dynamic is just fantastic to watch.
3. Alice in Borderland
Let’s switch gears to Alice in Borderland, a Japanese sci-fi thriller adapted from a well-known manga. Similar to Locke & Key, it’s a complete three-season story, though the final episode hints at a continuation that probably won’t happen. The setup is even more intense than before: a disaster has emptied most of the world, and those left behind are compelled to compete in dangerous, unforgiving games.
Similar to shows like Stranger Things, Alice in Borderland features a group of heroes trapped in a strange and unsettling version of Tokyo, with unclear connections to the outside world. However, it stands out as a gripping psychological thriller, much like The Hunger Games, where characters are pushed to their absolute limits – and sometimes beyond. It’s a show you won’t want to miss.
2. The Umbrella Academy
If you enjoyed the music in Stranger Things, you should definitely give The Umbrella Academy a try. It’s another show based on a comic book, and it has a really unique style. Unlike typical superhero teams like the Avengers, these heroes are far from perfect – they’re a bit of a chaotic bunch! This quirky and imaginative show subverts many superhero clichés and recently concluded after four seasons in 2024.
Season 5 of Stranger Things relies a lot on time travel, which is a tricky plot device to handle successfully. The Umbrella Academy is a notable exception – the show consistently uses time travel as the Hargreeves family tries to prevent various apocalypses, resulting in a wonderfully chaotic story. Watching The Umbrella Academy is simply a thrilling and unpredictable experience.
1. Dark
Topping the list is Dark, a German sci-fi mystery that many consider one of the best TV series of the 21st century. Running from 2017 to 2020, it shares similarities with Stranger Things but offers a unique and inventive approach that viewers have loved. You can expect a complex story involving missing children, alternate realities, possible end-of-the-world scenarios, and a fantastic soundtrack, among other things.
While Stranger Things relies heavily on 1980s nostalgia and its teen drama hasn’t always felt natural as the actors have grown up, Dark offers a more mature and complex experience. The science fiction elements are central to the story, not just added on, creating a tightly woven plot that feels incredibly satisfying by the end of its three seasons. It’s a show you really shouldn’t miss.
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2025-12-29 21:14