If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’re probably craving more stories that blend supernatural elements, ’80s nostalgia, and tight-knit friendships.
The eerie atmosphere of Hawkins and the adventures of the gang have captivated many.
Here are 15 books that capture the same essence and are sure to satisfy your craving for more Stranger Things-like thrills.
Table of Contents
1. “Paper Girls” by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang: A Time-Traveling Adventure with a Nostalgic Twist
Overview:
“Paper Girls” by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang is a sci-fi comic series that begins in the early hours of November 1, 1988, in the quiet suburban town of Stony Stream.
The story follows four 12-year-old girls—Erin, Mac, KJ, and Tiffany—who work as paper delivery girls.
As they go about their morning route, they encounter mysterious events that quickly spiral into something far beyond their understanding.
The girls find themselves caught in the middle of a conflict between two warring factions of time travelers.
This discovery plunges them into a series of adventures that take them across different time periods, including their own pasts and futures.
Along the way, they confront strange creatures, advanced technology, and their older selves, all while trying to find their way back to their normal lives in 1988.
Details:
- Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
- Series: 6 volumes (graphic novels)
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature a group of young friends in the ’80s dealing with supernatural threats.
Why You Should Read:
The graphic novel’s nostalgic setting, combined with its complex plot and strong characters, make it a compelling read for Stranger Things fans.
2. “IT” by Stephen King: Childhood Fears and Unforgettable Friendships
Overview:
IT tells the story of seven children in Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by an ancient, shape-shifting entity that primarily appears as Pennywise the Clown.
The novel switches between their childhood and their return to Derry as adults to confront IT once again.
Just like in IT where there is a being from out of this world trying to bring destruction to humanity , stranger things also gets connected to the upside down a complete different dimension where time and space has stopped expanding.
And a being whose name is Vecna who rules the upside down who only want to destroy humans.
Details:
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Length: 1,138 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both involve a group of kids facing off against a malevolent supernatural force in a small town.
Why You Should Read:
Stephen King’s masterful blend of horror and character development makes it a gripping and chilling read.
And if you have already read the mastermind of Stephen King in form of IT you will definitely remember it when watching Stranger things.
3. “The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey: A Dystopian Tale of Extraordinary Children
Overview:
“The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey is a post-apocalyptic thriller set in a world devastated by a fungal infection that turns humans into mindless “Hungries.”
The story follows Melanie, a young girl who is a hybrid of humans and Hungries, possessing intelligence and self-control.
She is kept in a military facility where scientists study her and other hybrid children for a potential cure.
Melanie forms a bond with her teacher, Miss Justineau, which becomes crucial when the facility is overrun.
Forced to flee, Melanie, Miss Justineau, scientist Dr. Caldwell, and soldier Sergeant Parks embark on a dangerous journey through the ruined landscape.
As they face threats from both Hungries and humans, Melanie’s unique abilities and her growing understanding of her identity become central to their survival.
The novel explores themes of humanity, survival, and the moral implications of scientific experimentation, blending horror and science fiction elements to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
Details:
- Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
- Length: 460 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both explore themes of children with extraordinary abilities and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
Why You Should Read:
The novel is a fresh take on the zombie genre, blending horror with poignant human emotions.
4. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton: A Classic Tale of Friendship and Rivalry
Overview:
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton is a coming-of-age novel set in the 1960s that explores the lives of two rival groups of teenagers, the Greasers and the Socs, in a small American town.
The story is narrated by Ponyboy Curtis, a sensitive and intelligent Greaser who lives with his two older brothers, Darry and Sodapop, following their parents’ death.
The Greasers, from the poorer side of town, constantly clash with the wealthier Socs.
Tensions escalate when Ponyboy and his best friend Johnny are attacked by a group of Socs, leading to a violent confrontation with tragic consequences.
As Ponyboy and Johnny go into hiding, they grapple with their identities and the harsh realities of their social divide.
“The Outsiders” captures the turbulence of adolescence and the impact of socio-economic disparities, offering a poignant look at the search for identity and the bonds that form across social boundaries.
Details:
- Genre: Young Adult, Drama
- Length: 192 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both focus on a close-knit group of friends facing external threats and personal challenges.
Why You Should Read:
Its exploration of friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity resonates deeply, much like the dynamics in Stranger Things.
5. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury: A Dark Carnival and Childhood Fears
Overview:
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury is a dark fantasy novel set in the small, idyllic town of Green Town, Illinois.
This story follows two 13-year-old boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, who are best friends despite their contrasting personalities.
Will is thoughtful and cautious, while Jim is adventurous and drawn to the unknown.
As autumn sets in, a mysterious carnival, Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show, arrives in town.
The carnival, unlike any the boys have seen before, operates with eerie and supernatural elements.
The sinister Mr. Dark, the carnival’s ringleader, and his partner Mr. Cooger, lure townspeople with promises of fulfilling their deepest desires. However, these wishes come at a terrible cost.
Will and Jim become suspicious of the carnival and its strange, malevolent influence on the townspeople.
They discover that the carnival feeds on the fears and desires of its victims, manipulating them into making Faustian bargains that trap them in horrifying fates.
The boys soon realize that the carnival has darker intentions, and they find themselves in a battle not only for their lives but for the soul of their town.
Something Wicked This Way Comes is a tale of childhood innocence threatened by sinister forces, exploring themes of fear, aging, temptation, and the enduring power of friendship.
Ray Bradbury’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery create a haunting atmosphere that captures the blend of wonder and horror at the heart of this timeless story.
Details:
- Genre: Fantasy, Horror
- Length: 293 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature young protagonists dealing with supernatural forces in their small town.
Why You Should Read:
Bradbury’s lyrical prose and the novel’s haunting atmosphere make it a timeless tale of good versus evil.
6. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs: A Mysterious Orphanage and Extraordinary Kids
Overview:
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs follows Jacob, a teenager who discovers a mysterious orphanage on a remote island after his grandfather’s death.
The orphanage, led by the enigmatic Miss Peregrine, houses children with strange, supernatural abilities, all trapped in a time loop repeating the same day in 1940.
As Jacob uncovers his own peculiar gift, he learns of dark forces threatening the children.
The story blends fantasy, adventure, and a sense of eerie mystery, as Jacob must protect his newfound friends and confront the dangers of their peculiar world.
Details:
- Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery
- Length: 352 pages
- Series: 6 books
Why It’s Similar:
Both stories feature young characters discovering supernatural elements and facing dangers.
Why You Should Read:
The unique blend of vintage photographs and an intriguing plot make this a visually and narratively captivating read.
7. “The Goonies” by Steven Spielberg: An Adventure Full of Treasure and Friendship
Overview:
The Goonies, a story by Steven Spielberg, follows a group of misfit kids from a small coastal town who embark on an adventure to save their homes from foreclosure.
The “Goonies,” as they call themselves, discover an old treasure map in the attic of one of their homes, leading to the hidden treasure of the infamous pirate One-Eyed Willy.
As they follow the map through underground tunnels, they face booby traps, solve puzzles, and are pursued by a family of criminals, the Fratellis, who are also after the treasure.
The adventure tests their friendship, courage, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, The Goonies is a thrilling and heartwarming tale of teamwork and the belief that adventure is out there for anyone brave enough to seek it.
Details:
- Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Length: 224 pages (novelization by James Kahn)
Why It’s Similar:
Both involve a group of kids embarking on a thrilling adventure.
Why You Should Read:
The timeless tale of friendship, courage, and adventure mirrors the spirit of Stranger Things.
8. “The Chalk Man” by C.J. Tudor: A Dark and Twisty Thriller
Overview:
The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor is a psychological thriller that alternates between two timelines, 1986 and 2016.
The story follows Eddie Adams and his group of childhood friends who, as kids, use chalk figures to leave secret messages for each other in their small English town.
One day, these innocent chalk drawings lead them to the body of a murdered girl, an event that haunts them into adulthood.
In 2016, now an adult, Eddie receives a mysterious chalk figure in the mail, which dredges up long-buried memories and fears.
As Eddie reconnects with his old friends, they realize that the secrets they thought were buried are resurfacing, leading them to confront the dark truth of what really happened all those years ago.
The novel is a tense, twist-filled exploration of friendship, memory, and the long shadows of childhood trauma, blending elements of horror and suspense
Details:
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Length: 280 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature groups of friends whose childhood games lead to dark and deadly discoveries.
Why You Should Read:
The suspenseful plot and chilling atmosphere make it a gripping read for fans of mysteries and thrillers.
9. “Anya’s Ghost” by Vera Brosgol: A Supernatural Graphic Novel
Overview:
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol is a graphic novel that tells the story of Anya, a high school student struggling with her identity and fitting in.
One day, Anya falls into a well and discovers the ghost of a girl named Emily who has been trapped there for nearly a century.
After being rescued, Anya accidentally brings a part of Emily’s ghost with her.
At first, Emily seems like a helpful friend, aiding Anya in her social and academic life.
However, Anya soon realizes that Emily’s intentions are far darker than they appeared.
As the ghost’s influence grows, Anya must confront the unsettling truths about Emily’s past and find the strength to stand up for herself.
The novel explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the consequences of relying on others for validation.
With its blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt moments, Anya’s Ghost is a compelling story about the challenges of growing up and the importance of being true to oneself.
Details:
- Genre: Graphic Novel, Supernatural, Young Adult
- Length: 224 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both explore themes of friendship, supernatural occurrences, and the challenges of adolescence.
Why You Should Read:
The combination of beautiful artwork and a hauntingly good story makes it a must-read.
10. “Bird Box” by Josh Malerman: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Story
Overview:
Bird Box by Josh Malerman is a psychological horror novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where an unknown force drives people to madness and suicide upon seeing it.
The story follows Malorie, a young woman who is trying to survive with her two children in this terrifying new reality.
To stay safe, people must remain indoors or travel blindfolded to avoid seeing the creatures.
The novel alternates between two timelines: Malorie’s present-day journey down a river, blindfolded, in search of a safe haven, and the events leading up to this moment.
In the past, Malorie finds refuge in a house with a group of survivors, where tension and fear escalate as they try to coexist while the outside world crumbles.
The story delves into themes of survival, motherhood, and the human instinct to protect oneself and others, even in the face of overwhelming terror.
Bird Box builds suspense through its claustrophobic atmosphere and the constant, unseen threat of the creatures, keeping readers on edge as Malorie struggles to find hope in a world where one glance can be deadly.
Details:
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Dystopian
- Length: 272 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both involve characters dealing with unseen, malevolent forces.
Why You Should Read:
The intense suspense and unique premise create a terrifying and captivating read.
11. “Slade House” by David Mitchell: A Haunted House and Its Secrets
Overview:
Slade House is about a mysterious house that appears once every nine years. People who enter it are never seen again.
The novel spans five decades and multiple characters who fall victim to the house’s supernatural trap.
Details:
- Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
- Length: 238 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both involve supernatural mysteries in seemingly ordinary settings.
Why You Should Read:
Mitchell’s masterful storytelling and the eerie plot make it a fascinating and chilling read.
12. “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman: A Boy Raised by Ghosts
Overview:
The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered.
As he grows up, he learns about the world of the living and the dead while avoiding the man who still wants to kill him.
Details:
- Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Horror
- Length: 312 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature young protagonists navigating supernatural worlds.
Why You Should Read:
Gaiman’s enchanting prose and imaginative story make it a delightful and haunting read.
13. “The Darkest Minds” by Alexandra Bracken: Kids with Powers on the Run
Overview:
The Darkest Minds is set in a dystopian future where a disease kills most of America’s children and leaves survivors with supernatural abilities.
The government deems these children dangerous and imprisons them. Ruby, one of the most powerful survivors, escapes and joins a group of teens on the run.
Details:
- Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Length: 488 pages
- Series: 4 books
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature children with extraordinary abilities and a fight against oppressive forces.
Why You Should Read:
The gripping plot and strong characters make it a thrilling read for fans of dystopian adventures.
14. “A Head Full of Ghosts” by Paul Tremblay: A Psychological Horror Tale
Overview:
A Head Full of Ghosts* follows a family dealing with the possible possession of their teenage daughter, Marjorie.
The story is told through the eyes of her younger sister, Merry, as an adult.
The family’s experiences are also captured in a reality TV show, adding layers to the psychological horror.
Details:
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Length: 286 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both involve supernatural events impacting a family and psychological tension.
Why You Should Read:
The novel’s blend of psychological horror and family dynamics makes it a compelling and unsettling read.
15. “Meddling Kids” by Edgar Cantero: A Scooby-Doo-esque Mystery with a Dark Twist
Overview:
Meddling Kids is a homage to teen detective stories like Scooby-Doo.
The Blyton Summer Detective Club reunites as adults to solve the mystery that has haunted them since their last case in 1977.
They soon find that the monster they thought was a man in a mask might be something far more sinister.
Details:
- Genre: Mystery, Horror, Thriller
- Length: 336 pages
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature a group of friends reuniting to confront past supernatural events.
Why You Should Read:
The combination of nostalgic mystery and dark twists creates an engaging and thrilling read.
I have read many among these books and guys I will say if you are someone who is more of a reader than a watcher as it gives you to imagine the world as you read this book will make you fall in love with them and you will come back here to find more like them.
So this was all for the books similar or like to strangers things list what do you think did you like the list have I left any tell me in the comments below.
Happy reading!
