Making its entrance on Netflix in 2016, “Stranger Things” swept the globe with its captivating allure. Crafted by the Duffer Brothers, this show masterfully combines ’80s nostalgia, adolescent drama, and spine-tingling terror, seamlessly merging genres for a rollercoaster ride of action, suspense, shivers, and even moments of humor and romance. With an ensemble cast largely composed of fresh faces but bolstered by ’80s icons such as Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine, “Stranger Things” revolves around a band of youngsters who stumble upon a menacing secret when one of them vanishes into a shadowy alternate world in November 1983.
The incredible popularity of “Stranger Things” catapulted Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown into stardom, with the latter portraying Eleven, a enigmatic young girl possessing supernatural abilities. Over time, she becomes part of a group of friends who save her, eventually living under the care of troubled Sheriff Hopper (David Harbour). As the series concludes with its final season in late 2025, you might be seeking other shows to watch next. Don’t fret – we’re here to assist!
Hanna
Not all television series resembling “Stranger Things” are horror-based or contain supernatural elements. For example, there’s “Hanna,” which is based on the 2011 thriller and follows a teenage girl trained as an assassin by her former CIA father. However, Hanna isn’t just what she appears to be – her connection with a covert government program that produces super soldiers could uncover the truth about her true identity.
In the extended TV adaptation, I find myself immersed in a captivating tale centered on Joel Kinnaman as Hanna and Esme Creed-Miles, where her origins are unveiled swiftly. Pursued relentlessly by Marissa Wiegler, portrayed by Mireille Enos, a former head of UTRAX – the covert super soldier program. The narrative is a heart-pounding saga about a girl with extraordinary talents and a shrouded past, filled with powerful echoes of “Stranger Things,” as Hanna’s bond with Erik bears striking similarities to Eleven and Sheriff Hopper.
Similar to a less-horror focused “Stranger Things,” the series “Hanna” offers an exciting blend of action, mystery, and a characteristically intense teenage heroine that will appeal to viewers seeking these elements without the horror aspects.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
In the realm of storytelling, fantasy and science fiction often share similarities, and the supernatural elements in series such as “Stranger Things” aren’t too dissimilar from aliens and alternate dimensions. With this in mind, we propose “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” a more child-friendly escapade compared to adult-oriented titles like “The Mandalorian” and “Andor.” This spin-off centers around youthful characters embarking on an interstellar journey – think of it as a space-themed “Stranger Things” with a dash of “The Goonies” added for good measure.
The Disney+ series “Skeleton Crew” is similar to Netflix shows, where a band of youngsters stumble upon an unexpected secret. The story unfolds on the affluent planet of At Attin, introducing us to Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), and KB (Kyriana Kratter). Finding a deserted spaceship, they embark on an interstellar journey, only to become lost and struggle to return home. Their fortunes change when they cross paths with a freewheeling Force user named Jod (Jude Law), who could potentially guide them back. However, doubts emerge about the trustworthiness of this space pirate rather than Jedi.
Riverdale
It might seem puzzling to suggest “Riverdale” for fans of “Stranger Things,” given that one is a horror series featuring otherworldly monsters and the other is a teen drama inspired by the “Archie” comic books about school crushes and proms. However, as the show progresses through its seven seasons, you’d be surprised at how much “Riverdale” shares with “Stranger Things.
Initially, “Riverdale” might seem like a typical CW series with its youthful, attractive characters navigating high school romance and everyday teen challenges. However, as the story unfolds, it takes an unexpected turn towards the mysterious and bizarre. The second season introduces a sinister character called the Black Hood, and subsequent events revolve around the enigmatic Gargoyle King, both key figures in dark, complex narratives that were not initially suggested by the show’s initial appearance of being similar to “Beverly Hills 90210” or “The O.C.
In the thick of things, as the game’s sinister aspects unfold, that’s when the bizarre stuff starts rearing its head. Can you imagine? The plot takes a twist in subsequent levels with alternate dimensions, malevolent doppelgängers, and even temporal jumps.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
If you enjoy the unconventional sci-fi fun of “Riverdale,” you might also appreciate “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” Interestingly, both shows take place within the same fictitious universe. Unlike the characters in “Riverdale,” Sabrina, our central character, is not an ordinary teenager; she possesses extraordinary powers as a young witch. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that “Sabrina” might have a closer connection to “Stranger Things” than “Riverdale,” given her unique abilities.
Kiernan Shipka, well-known for her role in “Mad Men,” takes on the character of Sabrina Spellman. Unlike the lighthearted family sitcom “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” from the ’90s featuring Melissa Joan Hart, this adaptation is a grittier, more ominous supernatural drama. The narrative of the show revolves around Sabrina grappling with her dual identity as both witch and mortal, while facing various perils that endanger her and her kin. In the latter part of “Riverdale,” Sabrina made appearances in two episodes.
Paper Girls
As a fan, if you’re yearning for a peculiar, fantastical series filled with a nostalgic ambiance and centered around teens on an extraordinary quest, don’t miss out on “Paper Girls.” Inspired by the highly-praised Image Comics creation from writer Brian K. Vaughn (co-creator of “Y: The Last Man”) and artist Cliff Chiang, this show follows a band of teenage girls in the late 80s who, as the title hints, are paper deliverers. However, their ordinary paper route takes an unexpected turn when they’re mysteriously caught up in a conflict that traverses various time periods.
In a startling turn of events, Tiff (Camryn Jones), Erin (Riley Lai Nelet), Mac (Sofia Rosinsky), and KJ (Fina Strazza) encounter an ominous and mysterious faction known as the Old Watch. To their astonishment, they find themselves in the year 2019 alongside their future counterparts. In order to thwart the Old Watch, these girls must join forces with their older selves for a thrilling journey that spans across time, taking them from 1999 to 2019 and back again.
For a satisfying weekend watch, “Paper Girls” offers only one season with eight captivating episodes. Its compact structure ensures the narrative remains engaging without becoming tedious. However, take note that while the story concludes neatly, it leaves tantalizing hints of a potential second season which unfortunately never materialized.
Haven
If you’re drawn to “Stranger Things” for its narrative style, eerie atmosphere, and typographic title, Stephen King’s work may be your cup of tea. To satisfy this craving for horror from the grandmaster himself, take a look at “Haven,” a 2010 series that adapts a King novel with the same name. Unlike “Stranger Things,” which revolves around a group of teenage protagonists, “Haven” presents a more diverse set of characters who inhabit the enigmatic New England town the show is named after.
In “Haven,” Emily Rose takes on the role of Audrey Parker, an FBI agent who finds herself in the quaint yet peculiar town of Haven, assigned to a case. Upon her arrival, she encounters a town shrouded in unusual incidents that many attribute to supernatural forces. As she delves deeper into these mysteries, she begins to question not only the enigma surrounding Haven but also her own identity, as hidden aspects of her past, which she was previously unaware of, come to light. Over time, she realizes that she might not be the person she thought she was.
The series “Haven” offers an intriguing mix, surpassing the peculiarity of “Stranger Things” in some aspects, combining elements from the Duffer Brothers’ Netflix production with the investigative drama style seen in shows like “The X-Files.
The Boys
Fans of ‘Stranger Things’ might have considered watching ‘The Boys’, given its popularity on streaming platforms. However, being a superhero series with mature content due to its intense violence, explicit scenes, and gore, the overlap between these two shows isn’t entirely coincidental. If you haven’t watched this Amazon production yet, prepare for an entertaining experience, as it offers a darkly humorous and satirical take with occasional shocking horror elements.
The Boys,” derived from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s contentious comic book, presents an intriguing perspective: what if our reality was intertwined with superheroes and supervillains? The primary narrative revolves around the struggle between Billy Butcher, a disenchanted ex-military man harboring intense resentment towards superpowered beings, and Homelander, the most powerful superhero whose supposed hero team is causing chaos in society.
In a thrilling turn of events, a group of unconventional heroes led by Butcher confront Homelander and the corporation behind The Seven, a superhero team reminiscent of the Justice League. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they unearth a sinister past of these superheroes, which might spark interest in “Stranger Things” given its similarities to Eleven and Homelander. However, be advised that “The Boys” is not for the squeamish; it contains intense scenes that may disturb even the most resilient viewers.
Agatha All Along
Coming up next is the Disney+ series, “Agatha All Along,” featuring Katheryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, Patti Lupone, and Sasheer Zamata. This show revolves around a coven of witches in a universe filled with superheroes. Although it’s a spin-off from “WandaVision,” you can watch it independently without needing to be completely up-to-date on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Similar to “Stranger Things,” a significant portion of “Agatha’s” storyline unfolds in an otherworldly dimension. Agatha Harkness, portrayed by Hahn, assembles a fresh coven and embarks on the legendary Witches’ Path to reclaim her magical prowess. However, to accomplish this mission, she must face uncomfortable truths about herself and her shadowy past, all while discovering the enigma behind an unusual teenage boy, Joe Locke, who appears to lack a name.
In a tone darker than some might anticipate and delving further into terror and the occult than any other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) production, “Agatha All Along” bears a striking resemblance to a sibling show of “Stranger Things,” exploring similar themes.
Dark
The critically acclaimed Netflix sci-fi thriller “Dark” consists of three seasons and 26 episodes, making it one of the streaming service’s top productions. Adored by viewers for its spine-tingling atmosphere and thought-provoking plotline, the series seems designed as a mature counterpart to “Stranger Things,” sharing similar themes of interconnected realms and temporal dimensions in crafting a story that encompasses multiple decades.
The Netflix series, titled “Dark,” is based in the German town of Winden. It begins with the enigmatic disappearance of several residents, triggering a chain of intricate events. These events revolve around a wormhole discovered in a deep cave and the intertwined lives of the Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann families. Initially, we encounter these characters in 2019, but the narrative swiftly jumps to the 1980s and eventually reaches as far back as 1953, introducing us to the ancestors of these families through time travel. As the story unfolds, it delves into various timelines and presents alternative versions of the same characters in a complex narrative that is challenging to summarize without revealing its many mysteries.
The widely acclaimed show, “Dark,” is a captivating science fiction series which, while challenging to grasp initially, proves to be immensely satisfying for those prepared to dedicate time and effort.
Wayward Pines
Apart from sharing similarities in plot, atmosphere, and genre with “Stranger Things,” fans of the latter will find “Wayward Pines” intriguing due to its narrative about a peculiar town where all is not as it seems. Interestingly, the creators of “Stranger Things,” the Duffer Brothers, penned scripts for four episodes of “Wayward Pines” before they introduced Eleven and her companions on Netflix. Released a year prior to “Stranger Things,” it’s clear that “Wayward Pines” laid the groundwork for their later success, making it not only an enjoyable watch but a crucial part of the Duffer Brothers’ professional evolution.
Apart from the Duffer Brothers, “Wayward Pines” boasts an impressive roster of skilled directors, with M. Night Shyamalan helming the pilot episode. This series is adapted from books and takes place in a fictitious town sharing its name. The narrative unfolds when U.S. Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) encounters this secluded town while investigating the disappearance of three agents. Upon arrival, he discovers a peculiar society where residents are unable to depart and the town sheriff wields a brutal authority, enforcing swift punishments like executions.
The Midnight Club
grotesque creatures from another world, mysterious characters with hidden intentions, and a girl possessing extraordinary abilities. If we were speaking of a different series, it might be one called “The Midnight Club,” a Netflix production that shares its horror-drama genre. This show was created by Mike Flanagan, who also co-wrote the first two episodes and is known for other popular works like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass.” The storyline revolves around a group of terminally ill teenagers residing at the Brightcliffe Hospice Care for Teenagers, where they explore their shared mysteries.
Throughout ten episodes, each of the eight young adults in turn shares spine-chilling horror tales as part of a narrative layered within the main storyline. As these terrifying yarns unfold on screen for our viewing pleasure, the teens explore the Brightcliffe Home and uncover that they are not its sole occupants. They subsequently find themselves accompanied by the spirits of teenagers who perished on its grounds, aiding them in untangling the dark past of this enigmatic institution.
Alice in Borderland
Among the selections we have, the unique foreign title, “Alice in Borderland,” hails from Japan and premiered on Netflix in 2020. With two seasons already released and a third upcoming, it is set in an unusual alternative universe that shares some resemblance with our world but presents a Tokyo void of people. The narrative weaves together elements reminiscent of “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things,” as the series chronicles its characters navigating this disconcerting alternate world, where they are compelled to participate in chilling games of survival and mortal peril.
Initially, we encounter Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) and a band of companions who stumble upon an eerily vacant duplicate of their world. Faced with a sequence of lethal contests, they have to devise a strategy to endure if they wish not only to leave this world but also stay alive. However, there’s a catch: if they succeed, they are compelled to continue participating, thereby prolonging their confinement in this topsy-turvy dimension.
School Spirits
As a passionate fan, I initially thought that Paramount+ was primarily a platform for “Star Trek” and “Yellowstone,” but upon closer inspection, I discovered a treasure trove of underrated content. One such gem is the captivating supernatural teen drama, “School Spirits.
Centering around Peyton List, star of “Cobra Kai,” the story unfolds at Split River High School, a fictional institution haunted by a recent tragic event – the murder of a young student. In the premiere episode, we’re introduced to Maddie (List), whose inexplicable demise has left her spirit confined within the school grounds. Unable to depart, she encounters another ghost, Charley (Nick Pugliese), who perished years ago. United by their spectral bond, these two spectral companions embark on a quest to uncover the truth about Maddie’s death, with the crucial inquiry being: Who was responsible for her murder?
In “School Spirits,” while no actual monsters are present, its haunting narrative and heightened teen drama will appeal to fans of “Stranger Things.” This is because the conflicts in the show extend far beyond mere life and death, reaching into deeper, more complex territories.
Locke & Key
The writing of Stephen King served as a significant influence on the Duffers’ “Stranger Things,” and it also impacted the work of writer Joe Hill, who is Stephen King’s son and has established himself as an author with his popular creation being the “Locke & Key” comic book in collaboration with artist Gabriel Rodriguez. This series blends elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural horror, and was adapted into a Netflix show for three seasons starting in 2020, featuring Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, and Jackson Robert Scott as the main cast members.
In the story, Stanchfield portrays Nina Locke, a woman grieving over the death of her husband Rendell (Bill Heck), a former high school guidance counselor who met a tragic end at the hands of one of his students. Overwhelmed by sorrow, Nina decides to uproot herself and her three adolescent children – Tyler (Jessup), Kinsey (Jones), and Bode (Scott) – from their previous home and settle in Keyhouse, the family’s ancestral property located in Massachusetts. Upon arrival, they stumble upon several enigmatic keys that unlock magical portals within the house. However, an ominous presence lurks, hunting for these keys to serve its evil intentions.
Umbrella Academy
In a nutshell, a series featuring a girl with an unusual name (a number) and supernatural abilities, along with a band of teenagers assigned to combat worldwide danger – yes, indeed! This isn’t about “Stranger Things,” but rather “The Umbrella Academy,” a captivating young adult drama based on the comic book by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bà with the same title. Although these characters initially go by numbers as nicknames, they soon adopt real names. If you’re looking for thrilling superpower displays combined with intriguing time travel storylines, “Umbrella Academy” is just what you need!
As a fervent admirer, let me share my thoughts on this captivating series. Here, we encounter a band of siblings, once extraordinary child superheroes under the care of our late father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore). Having parted ways in our teenage years, our reunion unfolds following his mysterious demise. Our father, who adopted us as infants, was on a mission to prepare us for an impending apocalypse, molding us into heroes. Reluctantly, we find ourselves back together again, seeking the truth about ourselves while combating a menacing force that threatens not only our family but the very existence of our world.
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2025-07-11 21:32