The final chapter of Stranger Things is upon us, as the beloved series concludes this fall. Since its 2016 inception, the show has not just entertained but has also become a cultural marker of our times, with echoes of the Obama years making it seem almost like a distant memory, much like the 1980s nostalgic setting of its plot. As a hallmark of Netflix’s original programming, it also launched numerous young actors into stardom, many of whom have since transitioned into adulthood. The series’ fusion of nostalgia, horror, and the peculiarities of small-town life has left a profound impact on pop culture—one that has been emulated frequently. However, this success is underpinned by its smart integration of elements that viewers know well. In this vein, here’s a roundup of shows—past and present—that mirror the unique aura of Stranger Things.

I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

Sophia Lillis, fresh from her role in the It films, stars as Sydney Novak, a 17-year-old navigating life in a quaint town alongside her mother and sister. Following her father’s suicide, Sydney grapples with crushes on friends and constant tension with her mom. Amidst all this turmoil, she discovers emotional powers that she must learn to harness to reclaim her life. Lillis delivers a powerful performance in this quirky coming-of-age tale, which unfortunately was canceled after just one season.
You can catch I Am Not Okay With This on Netflix.

Haven (2010 – 2015)

While Haven may not feature as many teenagers, it captures the essence of “strange occurrences in a small town” beautifully. Adapted from Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid,” it follows Audrey Parker, portrayed by Emily Rose, an FBI agent dispatched to investigate routine circumstances in the town of Haven, Maine. However, she soon finds herself entangled in “the Troubles”—a series of supernatural events that have plagued the town’s history. As she delves deeper, Audrey uncovers connections that tie her personally to the eerie happenings.
You can watch Haven on Peacock and Prime Video.

Dark (2017 – 2020)

Beginning as a mystery surrounding a child’s disappearance, Dark transforms into a richly layered narrative exploring time travel and deep-seated family mysteries across generations. This German series captivates with its striking cinematography and haunting atmosphere, drawing viewers into intertwined stories involving both teens and adults. While the tone is undeniably darker than Stranger Things, the series shares thematic elements, including a fascination with the 1980s.
Watch Dark on Netflix.

Fear Street (2021 – )

Though not a single series, the Fear Street trilogy unfolds as a compelling set of films, harkening back to the nostalgic horror vibes perfectly captured by Stranger Things. Based on R. L. Stine’s novels, the first installment, Fear Street Part One: 1994, dives into the dark past of Shadyside, a town rife with buried secrets and a chilling history of murder. Teenagers inadvertently awaken a witch’s grave, igniting a revival of a murderous cult that brings with it true terror. The sequels continue this captivating, gruesome homage to classic slasher films.
Stream Fear Street Part One: 1994 on Netflix.

Tales From the Loop (2020)

An anthology of sorts, Tales From the Loop is set in Mercer, Ohio, above a unique physics lab exploring the mysteries of the universe. Each episode centers on different residents whose lives are affected by the lab’s work, offering thoughtful examinations of human existence intertwined with technology. Based on the art of Simon Stålenhag, this series provides a unique visual style and meditative storytelling that contrasts sharply with the high-energy thrills of Stranger Things.
You can find Tales from the Loop on Prime Video.

Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991, 2017)

The enigmatic small town in Twin Peaks is reminiscent of the similarly peculiar vibe captured in Stranger Things. As FBI Agent Dale Cooper, played by Kyle MacLachlan, investigates the mysterious murder of a teenage homecoming queen, audiences are drawn into the town’s unsettling secrets, brought to life by a cast of eccentric residents. Although tonally distinct from Stranger Things, both series delve into the intersection of tragedy and the supernatural in small-town America.
View Twin Peaks on Paramount+ and Mubi, or purchase episodes on Prime Video.

Alice in Borderland (2020 – )

In a parallel world resonating with chaos, the essence of Alice in Borderland unfolds similarly to the Upside Down of Stranger Things. Video-game enthusiast Arisu finds himself and his friends in a deserted Tokyo, playing deadly games with existential stakes designed to test their resolve. The series showcases diverse and intelligent games reminiscent of the compelling challenges found in Ready Player One, but with far grimmer consequences.
Stream Alice in Borderland on Netflix.

School Spirits (2023 – )

In the small town of Wisconsin, to which Peyton List’s character Maddie is tied, being dead is just the beginning of her journey. As she navigates her existence in a spectral high school—full of ghostly peers across eras—she embarks on a quest to solve her own murder and unveil secrets hidden in both realms. The series balances a lighthearted tone amidst its darker thematic undertones.
Watch School Spirits on Paramount+ (also available on Netflix) or purchase episodes from Prime Video.

Goosebumps (2023 – )

A modern twist on earlier adaptations, the new Goosebumps leans into the legacy of R.L. Stine, the master of young adult horror. Departing from an episodic format, this series encapsulates a unified teen drama with a contemporary backdrop that moves away from pure nostalgia. The inaugural season connects with past mysteries while introducing today’s youth to various monstrous encounters, ensuring consistent thrills.
Catch Goosebumps on Disney+.

Yellowjackets (2021 – )

Yellowjackets presents a gripping narrative about a group of teenage girls stranded in the wilderness in 1996, showcasing their harrowing efforts to survive. Flashbacks reveal their disturbing experiences, with unsettling hints at supernatural influences intertwined with the horrors of their situation. Unlike Stranger Things, which revels in nostalgia, Yellowjackets presents a darker reflection on what happens behind the façades of past memories.
Stream Yellowjackets on Paramount+ (first two seasons are also available on Netflix) or purchase episodes from Prime Video.