Stranger Things is a sci-fi/horror fan's dream come true. With a rag-tag group of nerdy protagonists, a superpowered girl from a government facility, and a legion of Lovecraftian Horrors slowly trying to consume a sleepy little town.
What's not to like? While season 4 is still a ways away, have a look at some of the movies most recommended to fill the void.
Alien
Though Stranger Things deals more with the horrors of inner-space, it's this 1979 sci-fi masterpiece that wins a special place in our hearts. Before the days of the Demogorgon, it was H.R. Giger's truly terrified movie-goers everywhere.
There are most definitely some similarities between both creatures, both the humanoid and canine forms. Either way, we don't really fancy meeting either of them in a closed space.
Halloween
John Carpenter's sensational slasher film definitely sells the concept of when horror comes to town. Similar to how characters like Joyce and Hopper have to battle the forces of evil with the beings of the Upside Down, so do Laurie Strode and Dr. Loomis fight the evil that is Michael Myers.
Haddonfield and Hawkins are oddly similar, the only difference is their monsters.
The Black Cauldron
If there's one fantasy flick on our list that incorporates that D&D level of fantasy fun, why not include the film that nearly tanked Walt Disney Animation. Although there are no evil agencies or unholy terrors here, this has to be one of the darkest fantasy adventures ever put to the screen.
Believe it, the Horned King's Castle makes a journey through Murkwood look like a Sunday stroll.
Firestarter
11 isn't the only gifted gal with paranormal abilities on the run from a shady set of suits from an evil organization. For those looking for something more along those lines, Stephen King's Firestarter is highly recommended.
Replace the ability to control things with your mind with the ability to ignite blazing infernos at will and that's essentially the gist of this blazingly great '80s sci-fi gem.
It
Whether they have the sinister smile of Skarsgard or come with an extra side of Curry, Stranger Things definitely shares a few things in common with Stephen King's It.
Think about it, a team of misfits against an evil supernatural entity from another dimension? There's something suspicious in the sewers here. Not to mention that both their monsters have taken the lives of children in horrific ways.
The Monster Squad
Teams of kids going up against the forces of the supernatural seem to be an ongoing theme on this list, and we definitely need to include the Monster Squad. While the film might be a tad more light-hearted than the unsettling nature of Stranger Things, it's love for the Universal Monster series is rivaled by the show's '80s nostalgia.
While definitely not as heavy on action and suspense, The Monster Squad is an underrated horror-comedy worthy of our list.
ET: The Extraterrestrial
It might seem strange including this Steven Speilberg staple on our list but think of it not as representing the sci-fi element of the show, but as a symbol of the times. The backdrop of Hawkins Indiana is absolutely loaded with the neon-saturated goodness of the '80s and in a similar vein, so is ET.
Though their sci-fi elements are completely different, they do share a similar strange vibe.
The Goonies
The Losers Club, The Monster Squad, and the crew of the Nostromo have all been mentioned, but now it's time to bring in the big guns with The Goonies. Of all the rag-tag teams of freaks and geeks in '80s cinema, none have the diversity, the camaraderie, or the bond that the Goonies do.
Although they might not fare well against a race of monsters from an evil dimension, they can take on the Fratellis any day of the week.
The Lost Boys
If it's a group of kids against the forces of the supernatural with a heaping helping of '80s flavor being asked for, one need look no further than The Lost Boys. Everything about this epic vampire flick screams Stranger Things, from the questionable clothing choices to the kids vs. monsters plotline.
Not only that, but their group also features a member with special powers used to combat evil creatures.
Poltergeist
If it's one movie that came to mind when Stranger Things was first introduced, it's Tobe Hooper's Poltergeist. Supernatural entities from another dimension, check. Strange things happening in a house involving lights and other electronics, check.
A young child getting sucked into another dimension by unexplained means, check-check and double-check. All it's missing is a D&D campaign and an appearance from Winona Ryder.
