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Netflix's Stranger Things found global popularity because it boasts the perfect package of imaginative plots, quirky characters, clever dialogue and shocking twists. And so, it is not surprising that fans are eagerly waiting for Stranger Things 5. Even though not much is known about the direction the narrative will take this time around, multiple reports have revealed that it will release sometime this year.
Given that this is the final season of Stranger Things, it is certainly going to be bittersweet for ardent fans of the show but they will still be able to see their favorite characters have one last adventure together. The eight-episode Stranger Things season will also feature some new faces namely Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, Alex Breaux and Linda Hamilton.
While they wait for news about the official release date, fans can check out the compelling shows on this list that have a lot in common with Stranger Things.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Dark, Locke & Key and eight other shows like Stranger Things that are creative, offbeat and engaging
1) Beyond Stranger Things (2017)
Stranger Things wouldn't be the popular show it is right now without the dedication of the hardworking cast and crew. These are the people who make the show worth watching, season after season. This show containing seven episodes, hosted by Jim Rash, was the after-show for the second season. Members of the cast and crew talk about the show and share titbits about what went on behind the camera.
As expected there are a lot of spoilers in the show but that wouldn't bother fans who know all the episodes in and out. It is especially fun to see the actors outside of their characters and chat about their experiences on the set. The show allows viewers to understand how the show has evolved and also refresh their memory with recaps that are always fun to look back on.
Where to watch: Beyond Stranger Things is available for streaming on Netflix.
2) Dark (2017)
Dark and Stranger Things have many similar plot points such as missing child, conspiracy and supernatural phenomena. Netflix's first German-language original series, Dark contains three seasons and 26 episodes. When two children go missing in the fictional town of Winden in Germany, connections between four estranged families come to light along with a sinister time travel conspiracy.
One thing that stands out in Stranger Things is the way it weaves an intricate story with multiple connections and Dark is able to do the same. Even though there are multiple timelines, the story never goes astray. The well-written narrative is complex than a lot of other sci-fi thrillers out there but it is not difficult to follow and comprehend if viewers pay close attention to the plot progressions.
Where to watch: Episodes of Dark can be streamed on Netflix.
3) The Umbrella Academy (2019)
Like Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy captures how a dysfunctional family can find a way to work together in times of need. Boasting an ensemble cast including Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, and others, the show follows the Hargreeves siblings who are at odds with one another but are forced to work together in order to prevent an imminent apocalypse.
Containing four seasons and 36 episodes, this show thrives on complex characters who are flawed and yet intriguing. Each of the Hargreeves siblings has their own strengths and weaknesses and it is interesting to see how their distinctively different personalities affect the family dynamics.
The Umbrella Academy particularly excels in depicting how having special abilities does not make one's life automatically easier.
Where to watch: The Umbrella Academy is available for streaming on Netflix.
4) Locke & Key (2020)
In Stranger Things, the lives of the Hawkins gang change completely after discovering the Upside Down. Similarly in Locke & Key, the Locke family is exposed to different powers and secrets after they move into the Keyhouse.
After the death of her husband, Nina Locke, portrayed by Darby Stanchfield, moves along with the children to his family house. There, they discover mysterious keys that can unlock various doors in magical ways. The show, based on a comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, has three seasons and 28 episodes.
Like Stranger Things, the creators of Locke & Key are able to create a magical world that is easy to become lost in. It is also refreshing to see that the show features young characters who act their age which adds to the believability of the narrative.
Where to watch: Locke & Key is available on Netflix.
5) Sweet Tooth (2021)
Eleven from Stranger Things is special and her abilities put a target on her back. The same is the case with the protagonist of Sweet Tooth containing three seasons and 24 episodes. Set in an apocalyptic world wherein a viral pandemic wipes out almost all of the human population, hybrid babies come into existence. They have animal body parts and other characteristics.
Gus, a part-deer hybrid portrayed by Christian Convery, just wants to find his mother but there are dangerous people on his trail. He finds support in traveler and reformed hunter of hybrids, Tommy played by Nonso Anozie.
The well-paced narrative of this show is complemented by compelling characters and meaningful messages about acceptance and identity. It is endearing to see how the young, innocent Gus navigates a complex world overrun with negativity and prejudice. The creators also deserve credit for prioritizing the score which feels intimate and personal, keeping in tune with the narrative.
Where to watch: Episodes of Sweet Tooth can be streamed on Netflix.
6) The Midnight Club (2022)
The boys in Hawkins love to play Dungeons & Dragons but it becomes all too real when they have to actually fight evil forces in Stranger Things. Something similar is experienced by the central characters in The Midnight Club containing ten episodes. It stars Iman Benson, Adia, Igby Rigney, Ruth Codd, Aya Furukawa, and others.
Set in a hospice, the show follows a group of terminally ill young adults who meet up each night to tell each other scary tales. They also look for signs that indicate the existence of the supernatural.
Like Stranger Things, the pacing of The Midnight Club really allows the audience to stay immersed in the story as there is never a dull moment. The show thrives on its well-developed characters who have many layers to them. The Midnight Club also shares many meaningful messages about dealing with death and grief.
Where to watch: The Midnight Club is available for streaming on Netflix.
7) Paper Girls (2022)
Like the beloved heroes of Stranger Things, the central characters in this show are also catapulted into a series of unbelievable-but-true events overnight. Based on a comic book series by Brian K. Vaughan, Paper Girls follows the lives of four young girls who were working their usual paper delivery route when they get caught in the middle of a conflict between warring factions of time-travelers.
Starring Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet, Sofia Rosinsky and Fina Strazza, the eight-episode show thrives on carefully planned character development arcs that make each episode satisfying to watch. It isn't particularly fast-paced but every interaction between the characters is meaningful and adds to the overall storyline. It also shares poignant messages about overcoming life's obstacles.
Where to watch: Episodes of Paper Girls can be streamed on Prime Video.
8) The B*stard Son & The Devil Himself (2022)
In Stranger Things, Eleven is constantly struggling to get her powers under control. The same is the case with the young protagonist of The B*stard Son & The Devil Himself containing eight episodes. Based on Sally Green's Half Bad, the show stars Jay Lycurgo in the lead. He plays Nathan Byrne, the illegitimate son of the dangerous witch Marcus Edge.
When he discovers his identity, he embarks on a quest of self-discovery while being pursued by witches who are afraid of him turning into his father known as the "World's Most Dangerous Blood Witch".
As a concept, magic has taken many forms on the screen which is why many shows that explore the same feel dated and monotonous. But this show is able to offer some fresh perspectives that make it refreshing and interesting. It also shares how important it is for everyone to follow their own path in life and that where you come from doesn't overshadow who you choose to be.
Where to watch: The B*stard Son & The Devil Himself can be viewed on Netflix.
9) Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Stranger Things is fun to watch because the Hawkins gang seems to be magnets for trouble and the same is the case for the protagonists, Charles Rowland and Edwin Payne portrayed by Jayden Revri and George Rexstrew. Although in their case, they seem to go looking for it.
Based on characters by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, Charles and Edwin are ghosts who have opened up a detective agency to investigate cases that have some link to the supernatural. Like Stranger Things, the creators of this show have put a lot of effort into the world building which adds to the fun and quirky narrative.
In addition to the engaging cases, this show also boasts mesmerizing visuals thanks to the beautiful sets and striking costumes.
Where to watch: Dead Boy Detectives, containing eight episodes, is available for streaming on Netflix.
10) Hysteria! (2024)
The people of Hawkins in Stranger Things face shocking circumstances that would be hard to believe for an outsider. Likewise in Hysteria! set in 1989, the townspeople of Michigan are perplexed when the investigation into the death of local teenager points to a Satanic murder.
Things get even more complicated when a high school band uses this sudden interest in the occult to promote themselves as a Satanic metal band. The show, containing eight episodes, stars Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, Kezii Curtis, Nikki Hahn and others.
Like Stranger Things, Hysteria! is able to balance the horror scenes and the light-hearted moments so that it is not overwhelming for the viewer. Another thing that Stranger Things fans will notice in this show is the impressive soundtrack which contains classics from heavy metal bands at their peak in the 80s.
Where to watch: Hysteria! is available for streaming on Peacock and Prime Video.
Viewers who have enjoyed watching Stranger Things should add these engaging titles to their watchlist because they are fun, imaginative and thoroughly entertaining.
