10 movies to watch if you dig Stranger Things

A hint of mystery, a dash of danger, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Here are 10 movies to watch – and where to watch them – if you love Stranger Things.

In Stranger Things, supernatural events plague the town of Hawkins, Indiana. The heroes? A group of plucky adolescents. If you haven’t seen the series, you’re missing out! All three seasons are now streaming on Netflix.

At its core, Stranger Things is a coming-of-age story on a 1980s backdrop and some scares along the way. If you like the youthful vibe, vintage tone, and creepy qualities of Stranger Things, then check out these ten movies, now streaming.

Here are 10 movies Stranger Things fans are sure to enjoy and where to stream them.

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

In 1982, Steven Spielberg wowed audiences with the sci-fi gem, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. When aliens land on Earth, one is accidentally left behind. Government agents capture the gentle creature with plans to conduct harmful experiments. It’s up to the alien’s earthly friend, a boy named Elliott, and his band of bicycling buddies to launch a rescue mission.

Fans of Stranger Things will appreciate the iconic imagery of soaring bikes at the climax of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, which is currently streaming on Prime Video, among other platforms. Grab some Reese’s Pieces and enjoy the ride.

9. Earth to Echo (2014)

In Earth to Echo, four friends decode a secret map found on their smartphones and their collective curiosity quickly kicks in.

The kids hop on their bikes, venture into the desert at night, and discover a robotic alien life-form. What could possibly go wrong? Like clockwork, government agents show up and the youngsters attempt to save their new friend before it’s too late.

Fans who are captivated by the mysterious nature of Stranger Things may also like Earth to Echo, which is now streaming on Prime Video.

8. Flight of the Navigator (1986)

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Flight of the Navigator takes viewers on a journey through space and time. In the film, a 12-year-old boy goes missing, resurfaces eight years later, and is reunited with his family. The hitch? He hasn’t aged a day.

Where did he go? How did he survive? Why hasn’t he grown? NASA scientists aim to uncover the truth. But can they be trusted?

Stranger Things fans who dig the conflict between gifted children, misguided scientists, and vulnerable parents will be ready for the reboot of Flight of the Navigator. Until then, strap in and watch the original on Prime Video.

7. It (2017)

Stephen King’s story, It, follows a group of misfit middle schoolers who are terrorized by Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1980s.

The kids discover that the evil clown emerges every 27 years to feed on the unsuspecting townsfolk of Derry, Maine. The unlikely allies band together to defeat Pennywise and save their town.

Both It and Stranger Things nail the authentic 1980s tone perfectly. Also, horror fans who relish the eerie vibe of Stranger Things may enjoy the amped-up fear It delivers. Turn off the lights and stream It instantly on Prime Video.

6. Monster House (2006)

Don’t let the animated production fool you. Monster House is dark.

In the film, a dilapidated house is possessed by the soul of a bitter woman. Anyone who dares to come close is devoured whole by the house. When a trio of junior high kids discover the truth and try to warn authorities, they are met with disbelief. The kids decide to take matters into their own hands.

Fans of Stranger Things who would welcome a dose of comedy with their supernatural horror will enjoy Monster House. Stream Monster House now on Netflix.

5. The Monster Squad (1987)

Classic movie monsters, disbelieving adults, and fearless pre-teens.

The Monster Squad revolves around a group of kids so obsessed with monster movies that they call themselves “The Monster Squad”. When the actual Count Dracula emerges along with The Mummy and The Wolf Man, it’s up to The Monster Squad to save humanity.

For Stranger Things fans who also relish campy horror-comedies, The Monster Squad, now streaming on Hulu, delivers. For a deeper look into the cult classic and its fans, check out the documentary Wolfman’s Got Nards.

4. Stand by Me (1986)

Set in 1959, Stand by Me is based on the Stephen King story, The Body. While it doesn’t include typical movie monsters, the four leads must deal with real-life monstrosities. During their hiking expedition to find a dead body, the friends must face horrors such as bullies, mother nature, and their own juvenile angst.

Camaraderie in the face of adversity is a theme throughout both Stand by Me and Stranger Things. Stream Stand by Me instantly on Prime Video.

3. Super 8 (2011)

Sci-fi enthusiast J.J. Abrams wrote, directed, and co-produced Super 8.

In 1979, a group of teens in a small Ohio town endeavor to shoot their own zombie flick on a Super 8 camera. On the set of the teens’ production, things swiftly go awry when a nearby train accident unleashes an unknown threat.

A military unit arrives to investigate, then the weirdness really ramps up. Stranger Things fans who love a good mystery in a retro setting can get their fix by watching Super 8, now streaming on Prime Video.

2. The Goonies (1985)

The Goonies has become one of the most treasured teen movies of the 1980s. The story follows a group of teens who are desperate to save their neighborhood from foreclosure. They follow an old map through a booby-trapped labyrinth to locate the fabled One-Eyed Willy’s pirate booty.

What they discover along the way are courage, friendship, and faith. Now a cult classic, The Goonies will appeal to Stranger Things fans’ sense of nostalgia and thirst for adventure. Stream The Goonies instantly on Prime Video.

1. The People Under the Stairs (1991)

To the delight of A Nightmare on Elm Street fans everywhere, horror guru Wes Craven created another warped tale called The People Under the Stairs.

In the film, a boy named Fool becomes trapped inside a large house and discovers that the owners are keeping a dark secret in their cellar. Fool teams up with the owners’ abused daughter Alice to escape. Fans of Stranger Things who embrace dark, twisted stories will enjoy The People Under the Stairs, which is now streaming on Hulu.

Stranger Things is streaming now on Netflix. What is your favorite coming-of-age thriller? Leave a comment to join the conversation!