If you've finished the latest season of Stranger Things and find yourself craving more supernatural mysteries, 80s nostalgia, and heartwarming friendships forged in the face of otherworldly danger, you're not alone. The Duffer Brothers' masterpiece has captivated audiences worldwide with its perfect blend of Stephen King-inspired horror, Spielbergian wonder, and authentic character development. The show's unique combination of elements has created a blueprint that other series have both inspired and followed.

Finding shows that capture the same magic as Stranger Things isn't easy. You need the right mix of mystery, character chemistry, atmospheric tension, and that special something that keeps you hitting "next episode" until suddenly it's 3 AM. Whether you're drawn to the supernatural elements, the nostalgic setting, the young ensemble cast, or the perfect balance of horror and heart, this carefully curated list has something for every Stranger Things fan.

10. The Umbrella Academy

Netflix's The Umbrella Academy shares Stranger Things' DNA in its focus on a group of misfits with extraordinary abilities facing apocalyptic threats. Based on Gerard Way's comic series, the show follows adopted siblings with superpowers reuniting to solve their father's mysterious death and prevent global catastrophe. Like Stranger Things, it masterfully balances dark themes with humor and heart.

The series excels at character development, giving each sibling a distinct personality and arc that evolves across seasons. The relationship dynamics mirror Stranger Things' emphasis on found family and loyalty despite differences. The show's use of music, particularly its needle-drop soundtrack choices, creates memorable moments that rival Stranger Things' synthesizer-heavy score. The apocalyptic threats and time-travel elements provide the same kind of escalating stakes that keep viewers invested.

9. Locke & Key

Locke & Key brings supernatural mystery to a contemporary setting, following the Locke family as they discover magical keys in their ancestral home that unlock various powers and dimensions. The show captures Stranger Things' essence through its young protagonists confronting dark forces while dealing with personal trauma and family dynamics.

The series particularly shines in its world-building, creating a mythology around the keys that deepens with each revelation. Like Stranger Things' Upside Down, the show features an alternate dimension filled with dangerous entities trying to break through into our world. The balance between teenage drama and supernatural horror feels authentic, never talking down to its younger characters while maintaining genuine stakes and consequences.

8. The OA

The OA takes the mysterious disappearance trope that Stranger Things perfected with Will Byers and expands it into a mind-bending exploration of alternate dimensions and near-death experiences. Prairie Johnson returns after seven years missing, now with her sight restored and calling herself "The OA," sharing an incredible story that challenges belief and reality.

What makes The OA comparable to Stranger Things is its commitment to mystery and its willingness to blend genres. The show combines science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical elements while maintaining an emotional core centered on human connection and trauma. The series' use of interpretive dance as a supernatural element might seem strange initially, but like Stranger Things' psychic powers, it becomes an integral part of the show's unique mythology.

7. Gravity Falls

Don't let the animation fool you – Gravity Falls is a sophisticated supernatural mystery that predates Stranger Things but shares much of its DNA. Twin siblings Dipper and Mabel Pines spend summer with their great-uncle in Gravity Falls, Oregon, where they encounter cryptids, conspiracies, and dimensional rifts that would feel right at home in Hawkins, Indiana.

The show's strength lies in its serialized storytelling and hidden codes that reward careful viewing, much like Stranger Things' easter eggs and foreshadowing. The relationship between Dipper and Mabel mirrors the authentic sibling dynamics of the Stranger Things kids, while the overarching mystery of the town's supernatural elements creates the same addictive need to uncover the truth. Creator Alex Hirsch crafted a show that works on multiple levels, entertaining children while providing complex themes and genuine scares for adults.

6. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is the grandfather of small-town supernatural mysteries, and its influence on Stranger Things is undeniable. David Lynch and Mark Frost's groundbreaking series about the murder of Laura Palmer in a seemingly idyllic Pacific Northwest town established many of the tropes that Stranger Things would later perfect. The show's blend of supernatural horror, quirky humor, and soap opera drama created a template for mysterious small-town narratives.

The series' exploration of alternate dimensions (the Black Lodge and Red Room) predates the Upside Down, while its focus on how supernatural events affect an entire community feels very familiar to Stranger Things fans. Agent Cooper's investigation methods, combining intuition with scientific observation, mirror how the Stranger Things kids approach their mysteries. The recent third season proved that Twin Peaks' surreal approach to horror still has the power to unsettle and captivate audiences.

5. Super 8

While technically a film rather than a series, Super 8 deserves mention as it perfectly captures the Spielbergian influence that runs through Stranger Things. J.J. Abrams' love letter to 80s adventure films follows a group of kids in 1979 who witness a catastrophic train crash while making a zombie movie, unleashing something dangerous in their small Ohio town.

The film's greatest strength is its young ensemble cast, whose chemistry rivals that of the Stranger Things kids. The period setting is meticulously crafted, creating the same nostalgic atmosphere without feeling like empty pastiche. The mystery unfolds at a perfect pace, balancing character development with supernatural intrigue. The emphasis on friendship, first love, and family trauma while facing extraordinary circumstances makes this essential viewing for Stranger Things fans.

4. Supernatural

Supernatural might seem like an odd choice given its focus on adult characters, but its 15-season run exploring American urban legends, dimensional rifts, and cosmic horror provides everything Stranger Things fans love about long-form supernatural storytelling. The Winchester brothers' dedication to saving people and hunting things mirrors the protective instincts of the Stranger Things crew.

The show's exploration of alternate dimensions, particularly the episodes dealing with the Apocalypse World and the Empty, provides the same kind of cosmic horror that the Upside Down represents. The brother's relationship, built on sacrifice and protection, echoes the bonds between the Stranger Things characters. Later seasons' meta-commentary on storytelling and reality also provides the kind of smart, self-aware narrative that Stranger Things occasionally employs.

3. The Goonies ( Series)

While The Goonies remains a standalone film, its spiritual DNA runs so strongly through Stranger Things that it deserves recognition as the template for kids-on-bikes adventure stories. The film's group dynamics, with distinct personality types coming together for a common cause, established the ensemble formula that Stranger Things perfected. The balance of danger and humor, the working-class setting, and the idea that kids can be heroes in their own stories all influenced the Duffer Brothers' creation.

The film's emphasis on friendship overcoming obstacles, the adventure beginning in mundane suburbia, and the idea that adults either don't believe or can't help the kids established tropes that Stranger Things would later explore across multiple seasons. Sean Astin's presence in Stranger Things Season 2 as Bob Newby created a perfect bridge between these two properties, acknowledging the debt while creating something new.

2. It (2017/2019)

Andy Muschietti's adaptation of Stephen King's It captures the same balance of childhood friendship and cosmic horror that makes Stranger Things so compelling. The Losers Club's dynamic perfectly mirrors the party from Stranger Things – outcasts who find strength in their friendship while facing an ancient evil that adults cannot or will not acknowledge.

The films' period setting in the 1980s, meticulous attention to detail, and understanding that the real heart of the story lies in the children's relationships rather than the monster effects make it essential viewing. Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise provides a villain as memorable as the Mind Flayer, while the exploration of trauma, growing up, and the power of memory creates thematic depth beyond simple scares. The sequel's focus on how childhood trauma affects adult life provides a glimpse of where Stranger Things might go as its characters age.

1. Dark

Dark is the perfect show for Stranger Things fans, and it's not even close. This German Netflix series takes everything that makes Stranger Things great – missing children, small-town secrets, alternate dimensions, government conspiracies, and 80s nostalgia – and adds layers of complexity that reward multiple viewings. The show's intricate plotting across multiple timelines makes Stranger Things look straightforward by comparison, yet it never loses sight of the emotional core that drives the narrative.

The series begins with the disappearance of a young boy in the small German town of Winden, immediately evoking Stranger Things' first season. However, Dark quickly establishes its own identity through its exploration of time travel, family lineages, and determinism versus free will. The show's use of time periods, particularly its scenes set in 1986, provides the same nostalgic atmosphere while serving the larger narrative purpose of showing how the past influences the present and future.

What makes Dark truly special is its commitment to its mythology. Every detail matters, every character serves a purpose, and the show trusts its audience to follow complex plotting without excessive hand-holding. The relationship dynamics, particularly between Jonas and Martha, provide emotional anchors similar to Mike and Eleven's romance, but with added layers of complexity that I won't spoil here.

The show's visual style, with its constant rain, dense forests, and industrial architecture, creates an atmosphere as distinctive as Hawkins' suburban sprawl. The cave system that serves as a portal between times mirrors the gates to the Upside Down, while the nuclear power plant provides the same kind of ominous presence as Hawkins National Laboratory. The soundtrack, mixing period-appropriate songs with Apparat's haunting score, creates an audio landscape as memorable as Stranger Things' synthesizers.

Dark's exploration of how secrets and trauma pass through generations adds psychological depth to its science fiction elements. The show asks profound questions about identity, free will, and whether we can escape our predetermined fates. While Stranger Things focuses on external threats like the Mind Flayer, Dark suggests that the greatest dangers come from within – from our choices, our secrets, and our inability to break destructive cycles.

The series' three-season arc tells a complete story with a definitive ending that, unlike many mystery shows, actually answers its questions while maintaining thematic coherence. This narrative discipline, similar to Stranger Things' planned conclusion, ensures that every element serves the larger story rather than padding runtime.

Conclusion

While nothing can perfectly replicate the unique alchemy that makes Stranger Things special, these ten shows offer similar pleasures while carving out their own identities. From Dark's complex temporal mysteries to The Umbrella Academy's dysfunctional superhero family, each series provides elements that Stranger Things fans will appreciate while offering new perspectives on familiar themes.

The common threads running through these recommendations – ensemble casts facing extraordinary circumstances, the blend of supernatural and emotional storytelling, and the emphasis on human connections in the face of cosmic threats – demonstrate why Stranger Things resonated so strongly with audiences. These shows understand that the best genre fiction uses fantastic elements to explore universal human experiences.

Whether you're drawn to the period nostalgia, the supernatural mysteries, or the character relationships that make Stranger Things special, this list provides numerous avenues for exploration. Some, like Dark and Twin Peaks, offer more complex and challenging narratives. Others, like Gravity Falls and Locke & Key, provide family-friendly adventures that capture Stranger Things' all-ages appeal.

The beauty of living in the current television landscape is the abundance of quality genre programming available. These shows prove that Stranger Things' success has both inspired and been inspired by a rich tradition of supernatural storytelling. Each offers its own unique take on the themes and elements that make Stranger Things compelling, ensuring that fans need never run out of mysterious small towns to explore, supernatural threats to uncover, and found families to root for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Dark really better than Stranger Things?

Dark isn't necessarily "better" than Stranger Things, but it offers a more complex and challenging viewing experience. While Stranger Things excels at accessible, character-driven supernatural adventure, Dark provides intricate plotting that requires careful attention. Both shows excel in different ways – Stranger Things in its emotional immediacy and nostalgic charm, Dark in its philosophical depth and narrative complexity. Your preference will depend on whether you want entertainment or intellectual challenge.

2. Are any of these shows appropriate for kids who watch Stranger Things?

Gravity Falls is the most family-friendly option and actually skews younger than Stranger Things while maintaining sophisticated storytelling. Locke & Key and The Umbrella Academy are roughly equivalent to Stranger Things in content. Dark, Twin Peaks, Supernatural, and It contain more mature content and complex themes that might not be suitable for younger Stranger Things fans.

3. Which show has the most similar tone to Stranger Things?

Super 8 captures the Spielbergian adventure tone most closely, while Dark matches the mystery and atmosphere. The Goonies embodies the kids-on-adventure spirit, and It nails the Stephen King-inspired horror elements. For the best overall tonal match combining adventure, horror, and heart, The Umbrella Academy or Locke & Key might be your best bet.

4. Do I need to understand German to watch Dark?

No, Dark is available with English dubbing, though most fans recommend watching with original German audio and English subtitles for the best experience. The performances are excellent, and the subtitled version preserves the show's atmospheric intensity better than dubbing.

5. Which show should I start with after finishing Stranger Things?

If you want something immediately similar, start with Locke & Key or The Umbrella Academy. If you're ready for something more challenging that expands on Stranger Things' themes, go with Dark. If you want to understand Stranger Things' influences, watch Twin Peaks or The Goonies first.

6. Are there any upcoming shows that might appeal to Stranger Things fans?

Several projects in development might appeal to Stranger Things fans, including adaptations of Stephen King works, various Netflix supernatural series, and Amazon's Fallout series. The Stranger Things creators are also developing new projects, including a Death Note adaptation and an adaptation of The Talisman.

7. Why isn't Black Mirror on this list?

While Black Mirror shares some DNA with Stranger Things in its exploration of technology and alternate realities, its anthology format and focus on technological rather than supernatural horror make it less directly comparable. Individual episodes might appeal to Stranger Things fans, but the show lacks the continuing character relationships and consistent mythology that define Stranger Things.

8. How does Dark's ending compare to Stranger Things?

Without spoiling, Dark's ending is definitive and answers all major questions while maintaining thematic consistency. It's complex and might require multiple viewings to fully understand. Since Stranger Things hasn't ended yet, we can't compare directly, but Dark demonstrates how to conclude a complex supernatural mystery satisfyingly.

9. Which of these shows has the best monster design?

It features the most terrifying central monster with Pennywise, while Stranger Things' Mind Flayer remains iconic. The Umbrella Academy has creative creature design in later seasons, and Dark's use of practical effects creates unsettling imagery. Twin Peaks' BOB and the Black Lodge entities remain uniquely disturbing through minimalist approach.

10. Can these shows fill the void while waiting for Stranger Things Season 5?

Absolutely. Dark alone provides 26 hours of content that rewards multiple viewings. Supernatural offers 327 episodes if you want long-term investment. These shows don't just fill time; they offer their own complete experiences that might even enhance your appreciation of Stranger Things by providing context for its influences and showing alternative approaches to similar themes.