15 Films of the 80s Featured in ‘Stranger Things’
ComingSoon.net has selected some films the 1985 kids from Stranger Things 3 would definitely have been watching. Check out our picks in the gallery below!
The 1980s were and are a nostalgic decade for a lot of people; this has become a prevalent idea with its pop-culture resurgence courtesy of shows like Stranger Things. A plethora of pop culture references are made in the Netflix show, most of which revolve around this pivotal period of time for cinema; Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and Will dress up like ghostbusters, sing the theme song to The Neverending Story and spend time watching/discussing films like Star Wars. Also, Hopper clearly loves Jaws (1975, but still) and Magnum P.I. These sort of things not only influenced the interests of characters from Stranger Things, but also the style and feel of the show.
The Duffer Brothers, being kids from this decade as well, tapped into a well of nostalgia in order to helm everyone’s favorite show this month. While there are a lot of classic films that did not make this list (due to their mature nature); here’s a collection of some of the films the kids from Netflix’s 80s love letter were definitely watching (and some of the moments that were referenced/mentioned)…or at least will watch in the coming seasons.
*Some very minor spoilers for Stranger Things 3 follow*
Top 80s Films (Stranger Things)
-
The Goonies (1985)
Before playing Bob in season 2, Sean Austin played Mikey in The Goonies—a quintessential kid-venture.
-
The Princess Bride (1987)
The mayor in season 3 is played by Cary Elwes. He also played Westley in The Princess Bride.
-
Back to the Future (1985)
In the newest season of Stranger Things Steve and Robin discuss the plot of Back to the Future:
Robin: No, but he went back in time.
Steve: Then why is it called Back to the Future?
Robin: he has to go back to the future because he's in the past so the future is actually the present which is his time...
Steve: Whaatt?!
-
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Minus all the supernatural stuff; this film is thematically very similar to Stranger Things; battling stereotypes and finding your place in the world.
-
The Karate Kid (1984)
All the girls be crushing on Ralph Macchio.
-
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
In a weird way, Eleven is an ET-like character. Also, her and her friends are pursued by shady government forces whilst riding bicycles...
-
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
The Stranger Things gang skip school a lot. However, the newest season takes place during the summer of 85 so we'll cut them a break.
-
Ghostbusters (1984)
Dustin, Mike, Lucas and Will all rock Ghostbusters Halloween costumes in season 2.
-
The Original Star Wars Trilogy (1977-1983)
After returning from science camp in season 3, Dustin refers to himself as "Gold Leader." Gold leader is Lando Calrissian's call sign in Return of the Jedi.
-
Day of the Dead (1985)
Other than the fact that Stranger Things' score is vaguely similar to one from this film, the gang sneaks into this film in season 3.
-
Stand by Me (1986)
Billy calls a kid "Lardass" at the pool in season 3. There's also a lot of walking along railroad tracks in this show...
-
The Neverending Story (1984)
An epic Dustin and Susan theme song duet.
-
Cocoon (1985)
A Cocoon poster is featured in the Starcourt's movie theater in season 3.
-
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Dustin compares his girlfriend from science camp to Phoebe Cates—an actress from Fast Times. Although not really an age appropriate film for the kids, they did sneak into Day of the Dead so it's safe to assume they have seen this one as well.
-
The Terminator (1984)
The trailer for this film is briefly seen while Eleven is flipping through channels in season 2.
