Stranger Things
Official Trailer
Plot Summary
In 1983 Hawkins, Indiana, young Will Byers vanishes mysteriously. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl with psychokinetic abilities. What starts as a small-town disappearance soon unravels into a multi-season saga blending sci-fi, horror and 80s nostalgia, as the characters battle threats from the sinister alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.
Why You Should Watch
- Perfect blend of 80s nostalgia and original sci-fi/horror
- Breakout performances from its young cast
- Memorable synth-heavy musical score
- Creative monster designs (Demogorgon, Mind Flayer, Vecna)
- Expanding mythology that rewards long-term viewers
Main Cast
Review
"Stranger Things" became an instant cultural phenomenon by masterfully blending Spielbergian wonder with King-like horror. The Duffer Brothers created a richly detailed 80s universe that feels both nostalgic and fresh, anchored by phenomenal performances from both child actors (especially Millie Bobby Brown) and veterans like Winona Ryder. While later seasons expanded the scope sometimes at the expense of intimacy, the show maintains its emotional core - a group of misfit kids facing cosmic horrors with friendship and courage. The perfect balance of humor, heart and horror made it Netflix's flagship original series.
Behind the Scenes
- Originally titled "Montauk" and set in Long Island
- The Demogorgon was created using a man in a suit with practical effects
- Millie Bobby Brown shaved her head for the role of Eleven
- Season 4's "Dear Billy" episode broke Netflix viewing records
Memorable Moments
"Friends don't lie."
"When life hurts you, because it will, remember the hurt. The hurt is good. It means you're out of that cave."
Fan Reactions
- "The Dustin-Steve bromance is the best thing to come out of Season 2"
- "That NeverEnding Story duet was the most cringey/amazing scene ever"
- "Vecna's reveal in Season 4 completely rewrote the show's mythology"
Critical Reception
- Nominated for 51 Emmy Awards
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Ensemble (2017)
- 91% average Rotten Tomatoes score across all seasons
- Season 4 broke Netflix records with 1.35 billion hours viewed
Season Highlights
- Season 1 (2016): Will's disappearance and Eleven's introduction
- Season 2 (2017): The Mind Flayer threat emerges
- Season 3 (2019): Russian conspiracy and mall setting
- Season 4 (2022): Vecna's murders and Hawkins lab origins
