8.6
Where can I stream Stranger Things legally?
Stranger Things is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Stranger Things
2016·Show
Stranger Things fingerprint
High energy, immersive world.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline8
- Scare7
Heart
Nostalgic and wondrous
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Nostalgia10
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor4
World
Mystery, growing up, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
- Acting9
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography8
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.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and wondrous
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and wondrous. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighMystery, growing up, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around mystery, growing up, and fantasy. 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.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Pop Culture8References and cultural commentary.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity6Human stories in a tech world.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference10Allusions to other works.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout score, cinematography, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Pastiche9Playful imitation of styles.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchPure Escapism
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |||||
| Episode 2 | |||||
| Episode 3 | |||||
| Episode 4 | |||||
| Episode 5 | |||||
| Episode 6 | |||||
| Episode 7 | |||||
| Episode 8 | |||||
| Episode 9 |
About
It only gets stranger...
When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl.
Retro Sci-Fi HorrorNostalgic Homage to the 80sEnsemble Coming-of-AgeSupernatural Mystery ThrillerSynthwave AtmosphereFriendship & Loyalty CoreGovernment ConspiracyVisceral Monster HorrorAccessible Genre BlendHigh-Stakes Emotional Drama
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Stranger Things
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Stranger Things worth watching?
82
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Stranger Things rated?
TV-14ViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong languageDrug use
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, strong language, and drug use.
How many seasons does Stranger Things have?
5 seasons
It has 5 seasons with 42 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Stranger Things?
Critics82
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 82 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see Stranger Things much the same way.
When did Stranger Things air?
S1S2S3S4S5
It ran from 2016 to 2025 and has ended.
What language is Stranger Things in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Stranger Things?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Stranger Things in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Stranger Things use?
It Only Works OnceLittle "No"Satanic PanicYouthful FrecklesEldritch LocationTrapped in Another WorldHomageEpileptic Flashing LightsDark RepriseJigsaw Puzzle PlotFour Lines, All WaitingBackported Developmentand 198 more
TV Tropes lists 210 storytelling tropes for Stranger Things, including It Only Works Once, Little "No", Satanic Panic.