If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’re likely searching for your next binge-worthy series.
Stranger things is soon going to have its final season aired this year and that will end the story of Eleven and the gang of Hawkins but until the season starts I have some other binge worthy show to watch till then.
The blend of ’80s nostalgia, supernatural elements, and tight-knit friendships in Hawkins has set a high bar.
Fortunately, there are several shows out there that capture similar vibes. Here are 15 series that echo the spirit of Stranger Things and why you should dive into each of them.
1. Dark
Overview:
Dark is a German science fiction thriller that begins with the disappearance of two children in the small town of Winden.
As the investigation unfolds, the town’s sinister past involving time travel and the interconnectedness of four estranged families is revealed.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Why It’s Similar:
Both series involve missing children, supernatural occurrences, and a small-town setting filled with secrets.
Why You Should Watch:
Dark is a complex, mind-bending series that explores time travel in a deeply philosophical and haunting manner, making it an intellectually stimulating watch.
2. The OA
Overview:
Prairie Johnson, who has been missing for seven years, returns with her sight miraculously restored and begins calling herself “The OA” (Original Angel).
She refuses to reveal where she has been or how her sight was restored.
Instead, she shares her story with a group of locals, revealing that she has been travelling through different dimensions and has extraordinary abilities.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
Why It’s Similar:
Both shows feature protagonists who have disappeared and returned with mysterious abilities and delve into alternate dimensions and realities.
Why You Should Watch:
The OA combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, creating a surreal and emotionally engaging narrative.
3. Twin Peaks
Overview:
Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, follows FBI Agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer in the small town of Twin Peaks.
The town is filled with eccentric characters and strange happenings, including supernatural visions and hidden conspiracies.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 3 (including the revival season)
- Number of Episodes: 48
- Genre: Mystery, Drama, Supernatural
Why It’s Similar:
Both series feature small towns with dark secrets and a mix of supernatural elements.
Why You Should Watch:
David Lynch’s masterpiece is a unique blend of mystery, horror, and quirky humor, with an atmospheric and surreal storytelling style.
4. Locke & Key
Overview:
After the murder of their father, the Locke siblings—Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode—move with their mother to their ancestral home, Keyhouse.
They discover that the house is filled with magical keys that grant them various powers and abilities.
As they explore the keys’ potential, they must also confront a malevolent demon named Dodge who seeks to possess the keys for nefarious purposes.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 28
- Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Drama
Why It’s Similar:
Both series focus on a group of young people discovering supernatural elements in their town and dealing with the consequences.
Why You Should Watch:
Locke & Key offers a thrilling blend of mystery, magic, and family dynamics, with visually stunning effects and an engaging storyline.
5. The X-Files
Overview:
The X-Files follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate unsolved cases, known as “X-Files,” involving paranormal phenomena.
Mulder, a firm believer in the supernatural, is driven by the mysterious disappearance of his sister, which he attributes to alien abduction.
Scully, a medical doctor and skeptic, is assigned to debunk his work but gradually becomes convinced of the truth behind some of the cases.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Number of Episodes: 218
- Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Drama
Why It’s Similar:
Both shows explore supernatural phenomena and government conspiracies, featuring a duo that unravels mysterious events.
Why You Should Watch:
With its iconic characters and compelling mix of horror, science fiction, and drama, The X-Files is a cornerstone of the paranormal investigation series.
6. The Umbrella Academy
Overview:
On October 1, 1989, 43 women around the world gave birth simultaneously despite not being pregnant when the day began.
Seven of these children are adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves, who forms The Umbrella Academy and trains his “children” to save the world.
The siblings—each with unique abilities—grow apart over time but reunite as adults after Hargreeves’ mysterious death.
There is a mystery behind Hargreeve’s Death or Not? Watch the series to know more and currently it’s on its way to its last 4th season which is gonna air in 2025 so watch it and watch to catch up to it.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Genre: Superhero, Fantasy, Drama
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature a group of individuals with unique abilities who must come together to face extraordinary threats.
Why You Should Watch:
The show combines dark humor, complex characters, and a unique take on the superhero genre, offering a refreshing and entertaining experience.
7. Super 8
Overview:
Super 8, a film directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, is set in 1979 and follows a group of young friends in a small Ohio town.
While making a Super 8 movie, they witness a catastrophic train crash and soon discover that it was no accident.
Strange disappearances and inexplicable events begin to occur, leading the kids to uncover a secret far more terrifying than they could have imagined.
Details:
- Format: Movie
- Runtime: 112 minutes
- Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
Why It’s Similar:
Produced by J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg, this film features a group of kids in the 80s who encounter supernatural occurrences.
Why You Should Watch:
With its nostalgic feel and focus on friendship amidst extraordinary events, it’s a fitting complement to Stranger Things.
8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Overview:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers, a high school girl chosen to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural foes.
With the help of her friends—known as the “Scooby Gang”—and her mentor, Giles, Buffy confronts the challenges of adolescence alongside her duty as the Slayer.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 144
- Genre: Supernatural, Drama, Action
Why It’s Similar:
Both feature a group of teenagers facing supernatural threats while dealing with everyday life.
Why You Should Watch:
Buffy blends horror, humor, and heartfelt moments, creating a series that remains beloved and influential.
9. Wayward Pines
Overview:
Wayward Pines follows Secret Service agent Ethan Burke, who arrives in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, to investigate the disappearance of two federal agents.
He soon realizes that he may never be able to leave the town, as it is surrounded by an electric fence and controlled by strict rules.
The residents are under constant surveillance, and the true nature of Wayward Pines and its purpose is gradually revealed.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction
Why It’s Similar:
A mysterious small town with secrets and a Twilight Zone-esque vibe mirrors the eerie atmosphere of Hawkins.
Why You Should Watch:
The suspenseful plot and unexpected twists make it a gripping watch from start to finish.
10. Eerie, Indiana
Overview:
Eerie, Indiana is a cult classic from the early 90s that follows Marshall Teller, a teenage boy who moves to the small town of Eerie, Indiana.
He quickly discovers that his new hometown is far from ordinary, filled with strange occurrences and bizarre phenomena.
Together with his friend Simon, Marshall documents and investigates the town’s many mysteries, from Elvis impersonators to sentient Tupperware.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 19
- Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
Why It’s Similar:
This 90s show follows a boy in a town where strange occurrences are the norm, much like Hawkins.
Why You Should Watch:
Its quirky, eerie stories make it a fun, nostalgic series that predates Stranger Things.
11. Channel Zero
Overview:
Channel Zero is an anthology horror series, with each season adapting a different “creepypasta” (user-generated horror stories published online).
Each season presents a self-contained story, ranging from haunted houses and mysterious TV shows to sinister creatures.
The series is known for its unsettling atmosphere and psychological horror.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Anthology
Why It’s Similar:
Both explore supernatural horror and the unknown, with each season of Channel Zero adapting a different creepy internet story.
Why You Should Watch:
The anthology format and disturbing, unique tales provide a fresh take on horror.
12. Black Mirror
Overview:
Black Mirror is an anthology series that explores the dark side of modern society and technology.
Each episode presents a standalone story, often set in a dystopian or near-future world, examining the potential consequences of technological advancements on human relationships and society.
The series delves into themes such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and social media, often leaving viewers with thought-provoking and unsettling conclusions.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 27
- Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
Why It’s Similar:
Though more futuristic, Black Mirror explores the dark side of technology and human nature, akin to the sinister undertones of Stranger Things.
Why You Should Watch:
Each episode offers a standalone story that provides a deep, often chilling, examination of the implications of technology.
13. The Haunting of Hill House
Overview:
The Haunting of Hill House follows the Crain family, who encounter haunting and tragic experiences in their old home, Hill House.
The series shifts between two timelines, the family’s past in the house and the present day as they confront their traumatic memories and the haunting figures that continue to plague them.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 1 (anthology series with different storylines in subsequent seasons)
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery
Why It’s Similar:
Both shows deal with supernatural elements and family dynamics, blending emotional storytelling with horror.
Why You Should Watch:
The series is praised for its deeply emotional and terrifying storytelling, creating an intense and haunting experience.
14. The Society
Overview:
The Society follows a group of teenagers who return from a cancelled school trip to find that everyone else in their town has mysteriously vanished.
As they struggle to understand what happened and how to survive on their own, they must establish order and uncover the truth behind their isolation.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Genre: Mystery, Drama, Science Fiction
Why It’s Similar:
Both series focus on young people dealing with extraordinary and mysterious circumstances.
Why You Should Watch:
The Society offers a compelling mix of survival drama and mystery, exploring themes of leadership, society, and responsibility.
15. The Outsider
Overview:
The Outsider begins with a seemingly straightforward investigation into the murder of a young boy.
As the investigation progresses, it leads to a supernatural entity and a series of events that defy explanation, involving both local detectives and a private investigator with a knack for the unusual.
Details:
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
Why It’s Similar:
Both involve supernatural investigations in small towns with deep secrets.
Why You Should Watch:
Based on a Stephen King novel, The Outsider blends crime drama with supernatural horror, creating a chilling and gripping narrative.
By diving into these series, you can experience a range of stories that capture the essence of what makes Stranger Things so captivating: mystery, supernatural elements, and strong character dynamics. Happy watching!