80s Movies to Fill the Stranger Things Void

After a decade-long run, Stranger Things finally concluded on 31 December. For its legions of devoted fans, it was a hard goodbye. In fact, many were in denial that the show was truly over (looking at you, conformity-gate theorists).

The gang will return in animated form when the Netflix series Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 drops this April. However, if there’s still a Hawkins-shaped hole in your heart, don’t fret; we’ve got you covered with ‘80s flicks sure to fill the Stranger Things void.

For the feel-good friendship vibes: Stand by Me

1986, Director: Rob Reiner The Stephen King influence was evident from the very first episode of Stranger Things. Hawkins, a small town hiding dark secrets, is a setting straight from a King novel. What elevates both King’s work and Stranger Things above standard horror is emotive storytelling that hits you right in the feels.

On the surface, Stand by Me (based on King’s short story The Body) is about a group of kids setting off into the woods to find a dead body. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age saga about the friendships formed along the way. That same DNA runs through Stranger Things. Fans tuned in for the high-concept premise but ultimately stayed for the heartwarming bonds between Mike, El, Dustin and the gang.

For the fear factor: A Nightmare on Elm Street

1984, Director: Wes Craven A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Krueger preys on psychological trauma, attacking his victims’ minds and invading their dreams. Sound familiar? Stranger Things’ big bad Vecna draws many comparisons to Krueger. The series even leaned into the parallels by casting Robert Englund (who famously played Krueger) as Victor Creel, Vecna’s father.

What’s more, it’s believed Hawkins resident gunslinger Nancy Wheeler is a homage to A Nightmare on Elm Street’s final girl Nancy Thompson. After all, both characters are suburban teenagers who, following the death of their best friend, evolve into badass heroines.

For the sci-fi thrills: Firestarter

1984, Director: Mark L. Lester Another King adaptation (he really should petition for a Stranger Things writing credit), Firestarter gives serious Eleven vibes. It stars a young Drew Barrymore as a child who develops pyrokinetic powers following secret government experiments, making her the target of a dangerous shadow agency.

If El is your favourite character or you loved Stranger Things for its government conspiracy plotlines, Firestarter is the perfect flick to add to your Recce watch list.

For the epic soundtrack: Top Gun

1986, Director: Tony Scott From the Clash to Kate Bush to that tear-jerking Prince power ballad in the finale, Stranger Things is renowned for its soundtrack. Chasing that same musical high? Look no further than Top Gun, a high-octane action epic with an Oscar-winning soundtrack to match.

From Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone to Jerry Lee Lewis's Great Balls of Fire to Berlin's gut-punch power ballad Take My Breath Away, just like in Stranger Things, the needle drops never miss.

And finally, some honourable mentions to add to your Recce list: adventure saga The Goonies (1985), which evokes the same feel-good friendship vibes as Stranger Things; The Lost Boys (1987), a stylish vampire flick with a small-town setting and killer soundtrack; and The Breakfast Club (1985), because no '80s list is complete without a John Hughes film. And where else would one find the popular kids and nerds working together just like in Hawkins?