10 Movies That Shaped the World of Stranger Things

Written By Darren Van Dam

Sometimes the best movie inspirations slip under the radar—and my DVD shelf is packed with movies that quietly molded the vibe of Stranger Things. Today, we’re ditching the scrolling and diving into ten flicks that influenced or share DNA with Hawkins, Indiana’s finest. Whether you stream, rent, or rediscover an old DVD, get ready for a nostalgia-charged movie night.

1. Spectral (2016)

Military-style ops collide with supernatural forces—think Upside Down raids in night-vision mode. This hidden Netflix thriller blends sci-fi and horror much like Hawkins’s otherworldly incursions.

Stream: Netflix

2. Coraline (2009)

Kids discover a parallel world that’s both wondrous and menacing—echoing the Byers’ journey into the Upside Down and capturing that same blend of eerie adventure.

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

3. *batteries not included (1987)

Small, seemingly harmless visitors bring magic and mayhem to a tight-knit community—precisely the blend of everyday suburbia and alien wonder Spielberg’s series champions.

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

4. Night Watch (2004) + Day Watch (2006)

Urban fantasy where parallel realms bleed into ours. Its shadowy thriller vibe and mysterious creatures foreshadow the Mind Flayer’s incursions into Hawkins.

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

5. Poltergeist (1982)

Suburban home invaded by a malevolent dimension—kids battling unseen terrors on their turf. Spielberg’s original haunted-house classic laid the groundwork for Upside Down horror.

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

6. Donnie Darko (2001)

Teenager wrestling with time-bending visions and a creepy mascot—Donnie’s eerie tone and suburban dread paved the way for Hawkins’s supernatural teen drama.

Stream: Prime, Hulu

7. Stand by Me (1986)

A tight pack of kids on a daring quest—no monsters required. The heartfelt camaraderie and small-town setting are the emotional core both stories share.

Stream: Paramount+

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

8. Super 8 (2011)

Direct precursor from Spielberg protégés: bike-riding kids, government cover-ups, and a hidden creature. It’s essentially Stranger Things by another name.

Stream: Paramount+

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

9. The Goonies (1985)

Treasure maps, booby-traps and a fearless kid gang—this ’80s adventure movie is the blueprint for Hawkins’s own ragtag explorers.

Stream: Max, Hulu

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV

10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The ultimate story of a lonely kid befriending an alien. Its themes of friendship, hiding on bikes, and suburban magic directly inspire the heart of Stranger Things.

Rent/Buy: Amazon, AppleTV











Darren Van Dam

In a world saturated with streaming options, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle and miss out on extraordinary options. Darren Van Dam simplifies your streaming experience, presenting you with a handpicked assortment of underrated and uncommon movies every week. Join Darren and never settle for an ordinary movie night again.

https://DarrenVanDam.com
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