Hey fellow travelers of the cosmos, dwellers of dystopian futures, and dreamers of alien encounters!

You know that feeling, right? That deep, resonant hum you get when a story just clicks? When it stirs something ancient and familiar in your sci-fi-loving heart? For many of us, that feeling arrived like a neon-streaked comet in 2016, blazing across our Netflix screens, and it had two simple, unforgettable words: Stranger Things.

From the moment that iconic synth theme washed over us, we knew we weren’t just watching a new show. We were home.

And why did it feel so much like home? Because Stranger Things isn’t just a story; it’s a meticulously crafted, passionately delivered love letter to the very films that forged our imaginations. It’s a brilliant mashup, a cinematic mixtape of everything we adored about the late ’70s and ’80s. And if you’re like me, you felt it in your bones, even if you couldn’t quite put your finger on every single reference.

Let’s be real: in the hands of almost anyone else, this would’ve been a lazy, copy-paste disaster. But you can tell the creators are true fans. Their passion is so real, and they pulled it off so perfectly, that it feels like a loving tribute and not a rip-off.

I wonder what Steven Spielberg thinks of this Netflix Series ? Let’s recall the stream of 1980’s favourites…

The Gang’s All Here: The Goonies & the Spirit of Adventure

Remember the sheer, unadulterated joy of Mikey, Brand, Mouth, Data, and Chunk? The way those kids, armed with nothing but their bikes and boundless courage, faced down impossible odds? That’s the heartbeat of Stranger Things.

Dustin, Lucas, Mike, and Will aren’t just characters; they’re our modern-day Goonies. They ride their bikes into danger, decode cryptic messages, and plunge headfirst into mysteries adults can’t even begin to comprehend. They’re awkward, hilarious, fiercely loyal, and undeniably brave. They remind us that the greatest adventures often begin with a group of friends who refuse to give up on each other.

A Girl, an E.T., and a Government Conspiracy: The Echoes of Spielberg

Then there’s Eleven. Oh, Eleven. A mysterious child with incredible powers, a tragic past, and an insatiable craving for Eggos. Tell me you didn’t immediately see the shadow of E.T.? That bond between Mike and Eleven, unspoken yet profoundly deep, mirrors the magic between Elliott and his alien friend.

The desperate attempts to hide her from sinister government agents, the iconic bike escape scenes – it’s all there, resonating with that classic Spielbergian blend of childhood wonder, genuine terror, and heartwarming friendship. It’s about finding family in the most unexpected places and protecting the vulnerable at all costs.

When the Darkness Possesses: A Nod to The Exorcist’s Chilling Grip

And then, things get dark. Really dark. For those of us who appreciate the more unsettling corners of sci-fi and horror, Stranger Things doesn’t shy away. When Will Byers succumbs to the Mind Flayer, his struggle isn’t just supernatural; it’s deeply, horrifyingly personal. The scenes of his “possession,” the desperate attempts by his mother Joyce to free him from the entity’s grip, are undeniably a powerful callback to the visceral terror of The Exorcist. It’s not just about a monster; it’s about a beloved child, tormented from within, and the agonizing fight to reclaim their soul.

Beyond the Big Three: A Tapestry of Sci-Fi Greats

But you were right—it’s not just those three. Stranger Things is a veritable cinematic smorgasbord, a joyous deep-dive into the very best of our genre:

• The ominous, small-town dread of Jaws, where a monstrous threat looms beneath a surface of blissful ignorance.
• The terrifying interdimensional creatures worthy of Alien, lurking in the shadows of the Upside Down.
• The suburban supernatural chills of Poltergeist, with flickering lights and voices from another realm.
• The coming-of-age friendship and mystery of Stand by Me, as kids venture into the unknown.
• Even the dream-stalking horror of A Nightmare on Elm Street, as boundaries between worlds blur.

Why It Matters: More Than Just Nostalgia

Stranger Things isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a testament to the enduring power of these stories. It reminds us that the themes of friendship, courage, the fight against the unknown, and the boundless potential of the human spirit are timeless. It shows us that even in the darkest, strangest times, a flashlight, a walkie-talkie, and a few good friends are sometimes all you need.

It re-ignited that spark, that feeling we had as kids, devouring every sci-fi tale we could get our hands on. It proved that classic storytelling, infused with modern magic, can still capture our hearts and minds.

So, the next time you cue up an episode, take a moment to appreciate the intricate tapestry of influences. It’s more than just a show; it’s a shared heritage, a love letter from creators who speak our language, reminding us why we fell in love with sci-fi in the first place.

Keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep those flashlights handy!

What other movies do you see hidden in the Upside Down? Share your thoughts below!

And 

Be ready for Season 5 my scifi horror fans ! 

Bari Marcus Anthony 

PS : Wouldn’t it be cool if the brothers tackled my book, “ Guardians of Humanity “ into a Netflix Series ?