In the world of supernatural thrillers, few series have captured the imagination of viewers as effectively as Stranger Things. With its nostalgic nod to 80s pop culture, endearing friendships, and chilling enigmas hidden in the dark, this Netflix show has emerged as a cultural sensation. For fans eager to explore more adventures beyond Hawkins, Indiana, there’s good news!
This article will guide you through a selection of the 10 best TV shows that share similarities with Stranger Things. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your couch, and prepare to immerse yourself in the intriguing and thrilling realms that await!
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1. The Umbrella Academy
- IMDb Rating-7.8/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-78%
- Smartprix Rating- 7.5/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
The Umbrella Academy is one of the top options for you if you like watching Stranger Things. The show focuses on a family of former child heroes, now grown apart, who have to reunite to continue to protect the world. It has four seasons spanning across 36 episodes and stars Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, and David Castaneda in lead roles.
The show shares various similarities with strange things that make it appealing to viewers. It has supernatural elements and mysteriously superpowered characters along with family dynamics being involved. The series will give the same nostalgic vibe as Stranger Things and features dark wit and humor intensified by complex villains.
2. The OA
- IMDb Rating-7.8/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-84%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
The OA is also a binge-worthy show for those who liked Stranger Things. The plot revolves around previously blind Prairie who returns home after being missing for seven years. Now in her 20s, and her sight restored, she is believed to be a miracle by many while others worry that she is dangerous. It has two seasons spanning 16 episodes and stars Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs, and others in lead roles.
The OA shares some notable similarities with stranger things which makes it an intriguing watch. These include supernatural and otherworldly elements, mysterious protagonists, alternate realities, themes of identity and belonging, and a strong ensemble cast. It has a certain emotional depth to it.
3. Locke & Key
- IMDb Rating- 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-68%
- Smartprix Rating-7/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
Locke and Key is a horror series that gives the same feel as Stranger Things. Following their father’s murder, three siblings move into a house filled with reality-bending keys; from the comics by Jose Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. It has 3 seasons spanning 28 episodes and stars Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, and Emilia Jones in lead roles.
Similar to Stranger Things, this show has supernatural and mystical elements. It also has young protagonists who are forced to deal with strange and dangerous situations. Family is a core theme in both the series and mysterious, outwardly forces drive the narrative. There are hidden truths and secret knowledge amidst a small town setting also an exploration of trauma and loss.
4. Outer Banks
- IMDb Rating-7.5/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-79%
- Smartprix Rating-7.4/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
Outer Banks focuses on an island of haves and have-nots, teen John B. enlists his three best friends to hunt for a legendary treasure linked to his father’s disappearance. It has 4 seasons spanning 41 episodes and stars Chase Stokes, Madelyn Clin,e and Madison Bailey in lead roles.
Outer Banks is quite different from Stranger Things in terms of genre and plot, but there are still some notable similarities. These include a group of young protagonists being focused upon, adventure and mystery, and themes of friendship and loyalty. There is a conflict with authority and adults and the shows are set in small towns. Themes of family and dysfunction are well explored and romantic subplots have also become popular.
5. Cobra Kai
- IMDb Rating-8/4/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating- 94%
- Smartprix Rating-8.8/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
Thirty-four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso. It has six seasons spanning across 65 episodes and stars Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, and others in lead roles.
The show shares its nostalgia factor with stranger things along with coming-of-age themes. It has central characters fighting against bullying or injustice and a complex villain who has evil motivations. Strong character development, conflict between generations and the relationship between mentor and mentee are well explored.
6. Dark
- IMDb Rating-8.7/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-95%
- Smartprix Rating-9/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
Dark is a family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families. It has 3 seasons spanning 26 episodes and stars Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, and others in lead roles.
Dark is one of the most popular series that shows several thematic and narrative similarities with Stranger Things. It features supernatural and outwardly elements and is set in a mysterious small town. There is a focus on family and relationships intertwined with a complex plot and multiple timelines. Hidden secrets and conspiracies make the plot gripping while children as central characters offer a certain vulnerability to it. The atmospheric tone is dark and there is a thematic exploration of time and identity.
7. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
- IMDb Rating-7.4/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-82%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
As her 16th birthday nears, Sabrina Spellman must reconcile her dual nature as a half-witch, and half-mortal while fighting the evil forces that threaten her, her family, and the daylight world humans inhabit. The show has four seasons spanning 36 episodes and stars Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lync,h and others in lead roles.
The key similarities between this show and Stranger Things include supernatural elements, young protagonists navigating supernatural worlds, and bonding of friendship and loyalty. There is a blend of horror and dark comedy with coming-of-age themes, exploration of secret worlds, and conflict with dark forces. The tension between good and evil makes it an equally engaging watch as Stranger Things.
8. The Midnight Club
- IMDb Rating-6.5/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-85%
- Smartprix Rating-7/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
At a manor with a mysterious history, eight members of the Midnight Club meet each night at midnight to tell sinister stories- and to look for signs of the supernatural from the beyond. It has one season spanning 10 episodes starring Iman Benson, Igby Rigney & others in lead roles.
Just like Stranger Things, Midnight Club explores supernatural themes and focuses on a group of friends/teens as central characters. It will remind you of 80s nostalgia and shows good character development and friendship. There are mystery and unexplained phenomena that keep you on the edge of your seat.
9. I Am Not Okay With this
- IMDb Rating-7.5/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-86%
- Smartprix Rating-8/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
A teenager navigates the complexities of high school, family, and her sexuality while dealing with new superpowers; based on Charles Forsman’s graphic novel. It has one season spanning seven episodes starring Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff & others.
Stranger Things & I Am Not Okay with This explores coming-of-age themes and supernatural elements. The shows emphasize friendship and relationships along with teen angst and identity. The tone and style of I Am Not Okay With This blends dark humor with mystery and yet is a supernatural narrative.
10. Yellowjackets
- IMDb Rating-7.7/10
- Rotten Tomato Rating-93%
- Smartprix Rating-8.5/10
- Streaming Platform- Netflix India
A team of girls’ soccer players traveling to Seattle face a tragedy when their plane crashes in the Ontario wilderness. While they struggle to survive the harsh conditions, their sanity slips away. It has one season spanning 29 episodes and stars Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and others in lead roles.
Both shows have supernatural or mysterious elements playing a major role in their plotlines. They explore the psychological trauma of their characters and emphasize the complexities of group dynamics. Both series utilize dual timelines to tell their stories and are built around uncovering dark secrets. It has a strong focus on female characters, especially the survivors of the crash, and how their experiences shape their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, series such as Stranger Things often combine elements of mystery with supernatural or science fiction themes, featuring a compelling ensemble of relatable characters, themes of friendship, and a touch of nostalgia. Additionally, they usually possess emotional complexity, significant stakes, and a sense of suspense or fear that captivates the audience.
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