Okay, let's be real. That gap between Stranger Things seasons feels longer than Eleven's stare. I remember bingeing Season 4 in one weekend (don't judge me) and immediately hitting that "what now?" panic. If you're hunting for that perfect similar show to Stranger Things, you're not alone. This guide cuts through the noise to spotlight shows that actually capture that magic mix of creepy creatures, kid adventurers, and 80s nostalgia.
We'll break down 12 top contenders with brutal honesty – including where to stream them, exact similarities, and even where they fall short. Because let's face it, not every supernatural show nails the Hawkins vibe.
What Makes Stranger Things So Special Anyway?
Before we dive into alternatives, remember why we're all hooked:
- The kid crew dynamic: Ordinary kids facing extraordinary evil (Mike's leadership > most adults)
- Nostalgia overdose: That synth soundtrack and neon aesthetics aren't just background
- Horror-lite thrills: Scary enough for chills, not so gory you need to hide behind cushions
- Mystery box storytelling: Government conspiracies + supernatural puzzles = binge fuel
Funny story – my cousin tried convincing me some random sci-fi show was "just like Stranger Things." Turned out it was about alien accountants. No demogorgons. Total letdown. So yeah, we're being ultra-specific here.
Top Tier: Closest Matches to the Stranger Things Vibe
These picks nail multiple elements – perfect for when you need that authentic Hawkins fix.
Dark (Netflix)
Imagine Stranger Things' time-twists on steroids. When kids vanish in a German town, it unravels a four-generation time travel conspiracy. The cave system? Way creepier than Hawkins Lab. What hits that similar show to Stranger Things sweet spot:
- Kids driving the mystery (Jonas and crew feel like Mike's German counterparts)
- Small-town secrets with apocalyptic stakes
- Mind-bending sci-fi (bring a notebook!)
Where to watch: Netflix
Commitment: 3 perfect seasons (no filler!)
Personal take: The subtitles scared me at first, but trust me – it's worth it. Though fair warning: you might need a family tree diagram by Season 2.
Downside: Zero humor. Like, none. It's all rain and existential dread.
Confession time: I restarted Episode 1 immediately after finishing the series. Caught so many clues I'd missed. That "aha!" moment beats any Demogorgon fight.
Locke & Key (Netflix)
After their dad's murder, three siblings move into a mansion full of reality-bending keys. Magic, yes, but with that same Spielbergian kid-adventure spirit. Why it's a top show similar to Stranger Things:
- Teens vs. supernatural entity (the creepy "echoes")
- Bingeable mystery with satisfying payoffs
- Strong sibling bonds (Kinsey and Tyler give Joyce- Eleven energy)
Where to watch: Netflix
Commitment: 3 seasons (concluded)
Personal take: Dodge the first episode's CGI – it gets way better. Nina's acting as traumatized mom Bode is criminally underrated.
Downside: Villains lean cartoonish compared to Vecna's menace.
Twin Peaks (Paramount+)
The OG creepy-town mystery. David Lynch's 1990 masterpiece follows FBI agent Dale Cooper investigating Laura Palmer's murder in a Washington town full of secrets. Surprisingly modern for its age. Shared DNA with Stranger Things:
- Supernatural forces beneath small-town Americana
- Quirky characters you can't quit (like a less-sweaty Murray)
- That addictive "what's really happening?" pull
Where to watch: Paramount+ (original seasons)
Commitment: 2 original seasons + 2017 revival
Personal take: The Red Room scenes still haunt my dreams. Skip the prequel movie unless you're a diehard.
Downside: Pacing feels glacial if you're used to Netflix drops.
Solid Runners-Up: Capture Key Elements
These get specific aspects right – great supplements when you've burned through the top tier.
Paper Girls (Prime Video)
1988. Four paper girls get caught in a time-war between rival factions. Based on Brian K. Vaughan's comic. Why it deserves that similar show to Stranger Things credit:
- Perfect 80s details (Cassette tapes! Walkmans!)
- Girl-power squad with killer chemistry
- Sci-fi twists without overcomplicating
Where to watch: Prime Video
Commitment: 1 season (sadly canceled)
Personal take: Tiffany's attitude is everything. Deserved more seasons – petition anyone?
Downside: Ends on a cliffhanger. Thanks, Amazon.
Super 8 (Paramount+)
JJ Abrams' 2011 movie about Ohio teens filming a zombie movie when an actual train crash unleashes... something. Pure Amblin magic. Shared vibes:
- Goonies-esque kid camaraderie
- Small-town mystery + government coverups
- Practical effects that hold up beautifully
Where to watch: Paramount+ / Apple TV rent
Runtime: 1h 52m
Personal take: Charlie's lens flares are iconic. Feels like Dustin directing a ST spinoff.
Downside: Character depth takes a backseat to spectacle.
Gravity Falls (Disney+)
Animated? Yes. Kid-friendly? Mostly. But don't sleep on this gem. Twins Dipper and Mabel uncover Oregon's weirdest summer secrets. Shockingly deep lore. Overlaps with ST:
- Sibling duo solving paranormal puzzles
- Hidden codes + ongoing mysteries
- Bill Cipher = Vecna's chaotic cousin
Where to watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Commitment: 2 tight seasons
Personal take: Journal 3's ciphers had me solving codes for weeks. Bill's final battle? Animated horror masterpiece.
Downside: Obviously lighter tone than ST's Demodog chases.
The Ultimate Comparison: How These Shows Stack Up
Let’s get practical. This table compares all major contenders across key Stranger Things ingredients:
| Show/Movie | Where to Watch | Kid Crew | 80s Vibe | Monsters/Threat | Binge Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | Netflix | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ (50s/80s) | Time paradoxes | ★★★★★ |
| Locke & Key | Netflix | ✅✅✅ | ❌ (modern) | Echo demons | ★★★★☆ |
| Twin Peaks | Paramount+ | ❌ (teens/adults) | ✅✅ (90s vibe) | Lodge entities | ★★★☆☆ |
| Paper Girls | Prime Video | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | Time warriors | ★★★★☆ |
| Super 8 | Paramount+ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | Alien creature | ★★★★☆ (movie) |
| Gravity Falls | Disney+ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ (retro) | Multiverse beings | ★★★★★ |
Binge Score Key: ★ = Hard to get through | ★★ = Decent | ★★★ = Good | ★★★★ = Great | ★★★★★ = Cancel-your-plans amazing
I Am Not Okay With This (Netflix)
Sydney discovers telekinetic powers while navigating high school hell. Based on a Charles Forsman comic. Short but potent. Common ground with ST:
- Superpowered teen angst (Eleven vibes)
- Small-town secrets bubbling over
- Killer 80s soundtrack
Where to watch: Netflix
Commitment: 1 season (canceled)
Personal take: Stanley Barber is the new Steve Harrington. Fight me.
Downside: Ends just as it gets incredible. Gut punch.
Deep Cuts & Hidden Gems
Digging deeper? These underrated picks deserve attention.
The Society (Netflix)
Teens return from a field trip to find every adult vanished. Lord of the Flies meets suburban dystopia. Why it’s a similar show to Stranger Things:
- Teens forging their own rules (Nancy would run this town)
- Mysterious force behind events
- High-stakes alliances and betrayals
Where to watch: Netflix
Commitment: 1 season (canceled mid-cliffhanger)
Personal take: Campbell’s villainy is terrifyingly realistic. Still mad we never got answers.
Downside: More drama than supernatural.
Outer Range (Prime Video)
Josh Brolin plays a rancher guarding a time-warping void on his land. Modern western + sci-fi. Hits ST notes with:
- Conspiracy-driven small town
- Supernatural mystery affecting families
- "What’s in the hole?!" tension
Where to watch: Prime Video
Commitment: 1 season (Season 2 coming)
Personal take: Autumn’s cult leader energy is hypnotic. Way weirder than expected.
Downside: Slow burn – patience required.
What If You Loved Stranger Things For...?
Tailored picks based on your favorite elements:
If You Loved the 80s Nostalgia
- Summer of 84 (Shudder): Kids investigate a serial killer neighbor. Darker than ST but nailed the neon-lit vibe.
- GLOW (Netflix): No monsters, but 80s wrestling camp perfection. Feels like hanging with Max’s cool aunt.
If You Loved the Monster Battles
- Attack the Block (Prime Video): London teens vs. alien invaders. Urban spin on kid-hero tropes.
- Fear Street Trilogy (Netflix): Campy slasher horror across centuries. Practical gore galore.
If You Loved the Ensemble Dynamics
- Reservation Dogs (Hulu): Indigenous teens bonding through loss. Less sci-fi, more heart.
- Misfits (Hulu): UK delinquents get powers during community service. Messy, hilarious, brilliant.
My summer binge? Attack the Block. That movie understands something crucial: kids fighting aliens should be chaotic and occasionally stupid. Realism points!
Your Burning Questions About Similar Shows to Stranger Things
Which similar show to Stranger Things has the best kid actors?
Hands down, Dark. Louis Hofmann (Jonas) and Lisa Vicari (Martha) deliver performances that rival Millie Bobby Brown. The child casting across timelines is downright spooky.
Is there a show like Stranger Things but less scary?
Gravity Falls balances humor and creepiness perfectly. For live-action, try Locke & Key – it’s intense but avoids gore.
What's the most underrated show similar to Stranger Things?
Paper Girls. Cancelled too soon, but its portrayal of 80s girlhood felt fresher than Hawkins’ boys’-club early seasons.
Which Stranger Things alternative has the most satisfying ending?
Dark sticks the landing brilliantly. Twin Peaks: The Return... well, let’s just say it’s "satisfying" in a David Lynch way (read: mind-breaking).
Are there any shows like Stranger Things with stronger female leads?
The OA (Netflix) centers on Prairie Johnson, a blind woman who returns with sight and apocalyptic visions. Esoteric but powerful.
Yellowjackets (Showtime) isn’t sci-fi, but its traumatized soccer team survivors give Eleven-level intensity.
Final Thoughts From a Fellow Hawkins Addict
Finding that perfect similar show to Stranger Things is tough. After rewatching all these contenders, here's my takeaway:
- For mystery depth: Go Dark. Just do it.
- For pure 80s joy: Paper Girls or Super 8
- For character-driven horror: Twin Peaks (accept no substitutes)
And hey, if none of these scratch the itch? Rewatch Season 1. That scene where Will's "body" is found still hits like a truck. Sometimes you just need to go back to where the Upside Down began.
Wrote this during a thunderstorm that felt way too Demogorgon-friendly. If you’ve got a hidden gem I missed, tweet me @HawkinsHunter. Now go forth and binge!