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Stranger Things
2016·Movie
·2h 0min·
Stranger Things fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline8
- Scare8
Heart
Nostalgic and hopeful
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Nostalgia8
- Hopefulness7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Absurdist Humor4
World
Mystery, fantasy, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Stranger Things is nerve-racking, thrilling, and scary.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighNostalgic and hopeful
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, hopeful, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, fantasy, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around mystery, fantasy, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Psychedelic5Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
"Friends don't lie, and monsters don't stay hidden."
Stranger Things is a popular sci-fi horror movie created by the Duffer Brothers. Set in the 1980s, the show revolves around a group of kids in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, who uncover a mysterious supernatural force while searching for their missing friend, Will Byers. As they encounter a girl with psychic abilities, known only as Eleven, they uncover a government conspiracy, an alternate dimension called the Upside Down, and increasingly dangerous creatures. The series blends nostalgia, thrilling suspense, and emotional drama, focusing on themes like friendship, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. With a strong ensemble cast led by Winona Ryder, David Harbour, and Millie Bobby Brown, **Stranger Things** captivates audiences with its mix of horror, adventure, and heart.
1980s NostalgiaSupernatural HorrorGovernment ConspiracyFriendship & LoyaltySmall Town MysteryComing-of-AgeEnsemble CastSuspensefulPop Culture References
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about Stranger Things
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Stranger Things worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (Rotten Tomatoes 83% and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Stranger Things rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Stranger Things?
2 h 0 min
Stranger Things runs 2 h 0 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Stranger Things?
Critics84
Audiences77
Yes. Critics average 84 and audiences 77 out of 100, so both groups see Stranger Things much the same way.
Was Stranger Things a box office hit?
Budget$150 million
Box office$1.0 billion
Yes, a big one. It cost about $150 million to make and earned $1.0 billion worldwide, 6.7 times its budget.
What language is Stranger Things in?
English
It was made in English.