One of the coolest things about Stranger Things is how it nails the 80s vibe. If you grew up during that decade or even just love 80’s movies, music, and pop culture, this show hits all the right notes. From the fashion and music to movie references and retro tech, the Duffer Brothers went all in. And it works. Because there’s something magical about that era that just… fits. Here are some of the best ’80s references in Stranger Things and why they matter.

The role of music in evoking the ’80s

Music in Stranger Things isn’t just background noise. It’s a whole vibe. From the minute you hear the synth-heavy theme song by Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon, you’re pulled right into that retro horror-sci-fi world. It’s like John Carpenter himself walked in and said, “Yeah, this is how you do it.”

But it’s not just the score. They truly revived the magic again through some licensed music choices. Think of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” It’s not only the perfect mood-setter but also becomes an emotional anchor for Will Byers. You hear that song, and your mind instantly takes you to the creepy Upside Down.

Other classic hits like Toto’s “Africa,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” and New Order’s “Elegia” pop up, perfectly timed to stir up all those nostalgic feelings. And who can forget Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” making a major comeback in Season 4? A literal lifesaver for Max from the inescapable Vecna. The internet went nuts, and suddenly everyone was adding it to their Spotify playlists. It was a whole moment.

Also read: Real-life locations shown in Stranger Things

Cinematic homages

Not just 80s music, we could see many 80s movie references in Stranger Things. One couldn’t just watch ST without wondering if The Duffer Brothers are clearly Steven Spielberg superfans. The whole “group of kids on bikes fighting evil” thing screams E.T. and The Goonies. The friendship, the adventure, the kid-centric storytelling—it’s all classic Spielberg.

But then there’s the dark side. The horror elements? Duh! Stephen King nostalgia. All in the backdrop of a perfectly-seeming, yet creepy small-town vibe and kids battling evil. Or Firestarter with the whole Eleven-having-powers-and-people-wanting-to-use-her thing. And let’s not forget the A Nightmare on Elm Street vibes, especially in Season 4 with all the dream-like horror scenes. Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund, even made a cameo! Horror royalty right there.

There’s also heavy Alien and Terminator energy sprinkled throughout, especially when you look at the whole government-lab-experiment-gone-wrong aspect and characters like Hopper channeling their inner ’80s action hero.

It’s very clear that Stranger Things is inspired from many 80’s movies and shows – some being the following:

  1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (kids on bikes and secret government labs)
  2. The Goonies (group of misfit friends on an adventure)
  3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (Vecna’s dream-like attacks inspired by Freddy Krueger)
  4. Stand by Me (kids facing danger while forming deep friendships), 
  5. Firestarter (psychic powers and government experiments), 
  6. Ghostbusters (Halloween costumes and supernatural themes). 

Pop culture and lifestyle references

Pop culture is not just a visiting character here; it’s etched deep into the plot. Stranger Things made Dungeons & Dragons cool again, one of the games Will and his friends played before he disappeared. The game is more than just a bunch of nerds rolling dice. It’s a metaphor for the kids’ real-life battles, with Demogorgons and Mind Flayers feeling like actual monsters they have to face. And the Hellfire Club in Season 4? It’s all about embracing your inner geek.

And can we talk about Stranger Things fashion and how they nailed it—from Dustin’s trucker hats, Eleven’s punk makeover, or Nancy’s preppy style? It’s like walking into a time capsule. Plus, the product placement is both shameless and brilliant. Stranger Things features iconic ’80s brands like Eggo Waffles, New Coke, Radio Shack electronics, Reese’s Pieces, Sony Walkman, Cadillac cars, and classic arcade games like Dig Dug and Dragon’s Lair. 

Even the technology is a throwback. Walkie-talkies, rotary phones, arcade games—it all adds to the whole “small town in the ’80s” vibe. You can practically smell the wood-paneled basements and hear the clunk of VHS tapes sliding into VCRs. And speaking of arcades, the Dragon’s Lair game featured in Season 2? Absolute gold.

Visual and stylistic elements

The show’s visual style screams ’80s. The opening credits with those neon-red block letters? Total Stephen King book cover vibes. The grainy, low-light cinematography feels like you’re watching something straight out of a VHS rental store. It’s stylish in a way that feels both retro and fresh.

Even the camera angles sometimes mimic classic horror shots. It’s all done so well that you feel like you’re watching something made in the ’80s rather than something inspired by it. The Duffer Brothers nailed that aesthetic.

Impact on modern pop culture

Here’s the wild thing. Stranger Things didn’t just pay homage to the ’80s. It brought the decade back. People who weren’t even alive during the ’80s are now obsessed with the music, fashion, and culture of that era. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” topping the charts in 2022 for months? Proof that nostalgia is the selling factor. 

Many 80s fashion items made a comeback, after being featured in Stranger Things, including Eleven’s scrunchies, Dustin’s camp trucker hat, high-waisted jeans, and retro graphic tees—all became trendy and relevant again.

Even brands are jumping on the Stranger Things train. From Nike releasing retro sneakers inspired by the show to Pandora launching a jewelry collection with nods to the Upside Down, it’s all part of the hype. And it’s not just about merch—it’s about reviving that ’80s magic for a new generation. 

Conclusion

So why does all this ’80s nostalgia matter? Because it’s not just there for show. It’s part of the heart and soul of Stranger Things. It makes the show feel like a classic movie you could’ve rented from Blockbuster on a Friday night. And yet, it’s still fresh, still exciting, still doing something new.

The ’80s references aren’t just a gimmick. They’re a big part of why Stranger Things feels so relatable and fresh and like a part of our own. And with each new season, it feels like we’re more drawn to what we were kept away from. Or maybe we’re just running up that hill, trying to relive a lost era, whether we lived it beforehand or not.