Stranger Things is gearing up for its fifth and final season. The show became one of Netflix’s most-watched series of all time due to its unique blend of sci-fi and ‘80s vibes, which has drawn nostalgic comparisons to movies like E.T. and Stand By Me.
If you’re looking for more shows with retro charm, youthful characters, and quality sci-fi stories, this guide will reveal 10 more great TV shows like Stranger Things you can stream today on platforms like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and more!
Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai isn’t set in the ‘80s, but its predecessor, The Karate Kid, was. As a result, the ‘80s nostalgia is almost as strong as in Stranger Things, with numerous references to ‘80s movies, cars, music, and more. Additionally, its story of a group of teens who join karate dojos and become involved in feuds and town secrets is almost as intriguing as Stranger Things, even without the supernatural elements.
Dark
Dark boasts several similarities to Stranger Things, especially since it is set in a fictional town where several teenagers begin investigating the disappearances of children. Although the show initially takes place in the present day, season 2 is set in the ‘80s. However, Dark also distinguishes itself from Stranger Things by delving into time travel rather than alternate dimensions and featuring more mature themes and content.
Dead Boy Detectives
Dead Boy Detective is set in the present day, but Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), the ghost of a teenage boy who died in 1989, brings in some ‘80s vibes. With 1980s vibes, teen detectives, and plenty of grisly stories about demons and ghosts, Dead Boy Detectives will appeal to viewers who especially enjoyed the horror elements of Stranger Things season 4.
Deadly Class
Set in the 1980s, Deadly Class follows the adventures of Marcus (Benjamin Wadsworth), a homeless teen who gets recruited into King’s Dominion, an elite private school for the children of prominent crime families. It plays like a dark, rebellious teen drama with ‘80s undertones, violence, and high stakes.
From
From elevates the horror/sci-fi elements of Stranger Things, placing viewers into a mysterious town that traps its residents and holds terrifying secrets. While Stranger Things has elements of mystery surrounding its small town with grim secrets, From delves deeper into this premise with a town that offers viewers a very complex and terrifying puzzle.
His Dark Materials
For those intrigued by Stranger Things’ Upside Down, His Dark Materials offers a deep dive into the sci-fi concept of alternate dimensions. The series follows Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keene), whose investigation of a kidnapping and a mysterious substance known as Dust leads her on an adventure through multiple worlds. With strong character development and faithfulness to its source material, His Dark Materials is an exceptionally well-made teen adventure series.
I Am Not Okay with This
Like Stranger Things, I Am Not Okay with This is set in the 1980s and focuses on a girl with telekinetic powers that she doesn’t quite know how to control. While its lead character is reminiscent of Stranger Things’ Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), I Am Not Okay with This also leans more into the coming-of-age elements and has an indie feel to it.
Lockwood & Co.
While it’s set in the present day, Lockwood & Co. still brings the ‘80s vibes by occurring in an alternate dimension reminiscent of the ‘80s. In the series, a group of teens are forced to take matters into their own hands when they learn that only children can sense and dispose of ghosts who pose a deadly threat. With ‘80s vibes and a group of ghost-hunting and mystery-solving teens, Lockwood & Co. is a solid supernatural alternative to Strange Things.
Misfits
Misfits see a group of teenagers navigating supernatural occurrences as they all discover they have wild powers after an electrical storm. For viewers looking for a Stranger Things-esque show but with some elevated humor and off-the-wall storylines, Misfits is the show for you.
Paper Girls
Paper Girls has drawn strong parallels to Stranger Things with its ‘80s setting and group of teen friends who bike around their town and investigate supernatural activity. It sets itself apart from Stranger Things by having the teens caught in the middle of a time-traveling conflict rather than alternate dimensions. Additionally, it approaches the sci-fi genre from a feminist perspective with its all-female lead cast.
Where to watch TV shows like Stranger Things online
Check out our list below to find out where to stream TV shows like Stranger Things in the United States!
