This list has been updated by Charlene Badasie.
With the first part of Stranger Things Season 5 already out, fans are diving back into its unique blend of sci-fi and '80s vibes, which has drawn nostalgic comparisons to movies like E.T. and Stand By Me. If you're looking for more shows with retro charm, this guide will reveal 10 similar TV shows that can be found on platforms like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and more.
These picks are ideal for viewers who love teen-led adventures, supernatural mysteries, and genre storytelling that balances humor and horror with a heartwarming message. Many of these titles also perform well on the JustWatch streaming charts, thanks to renewed interest in retro-inspired shows sparked by the return of Stranger Things.
Misfits (2009)
Misfits sees a group of teenagers navigating supernatural occurrences as they all discover they have wild powers after an electrical storm. The story follows Nathan, Kelly, Simon, Curtis, and Alisha, as they struggle to understand their new abilities, the group becomes entangled in increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations, forcing them to rely on each other to survive. Fans who enjoy the chaotic energy of characters like Dustin or Robin, and who want something more irreverent, may find this a perfect next watch.
Dark (2017)
Dark boasts several similarities to Stranger Things, especially since it is set in a fictional town where several teenagers begin investigating the disappearances of children. Although the show initially takes place in the present day, Season 2 is set in the '80s. However, Dark also distinguishes itself from Stranger Things by delving into time travel rather than alternate dimensions and featuring more mature themes and content. For viewers wanting a more puzzle-box style mystery show, Dark is one of the most critically acclaimed options.
Cobra Kai (2018)
Cobra Kai isn't set in the '80s, but its predecessor, The Karate Kid, was. As a result, the '80s nostalgia is almost as strong as in Stranger Things, with numerous references to '80s movies, cars, music, and more. Additionally, its story of a group of teens who join karate dojos and become involved in feuds and town secrets is almost as intriguing as Stranger Things, even without the supernatural elements. This show is perfect for viewers who love the drama and coming-of-age energy of the Hawkins kids. It's also a great pick if you want something more comedic.
Deadly Class (2019)
Set in the 1980s, Deadly Class follows the adventures of Marcus (Benjamin Wadsworth), a homeless teen who gets recruited into King's Dominion, an elite private school for the children of prominent crime families. It plays like a dark, rebellious teen drama with '80s undertones, violence, and high stakes. This show is a strong choice for viewers who enjoy the rule-breaking, angsty side of Stranger Things, especially the rebellious energy of characters like Eddie and the earlier-seasons dynamic among the older teens.
His Dark Materials (2019)
For those intrigued by Stranger Things' Upside Down, His Dark Materials offers a deep dive into the sci-fi concept of alternate dimensions. The series follows Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keene), whose investigation of a kidnapping and a mysterious substance known as Dust leads her on an adventure through multiple worlds. With strong character development and faithfulness to its source material, His Dark Materials is an exceptionally well-made teen adventure series. Fans who enjoy the friendship bonds, big mysteries, and heroic coming-of-age arcs in Stranger Things will love this show.
I Am Not Okay with This (2020)
Like Stranger Things, I Am Not Okay with This is set in the 1980s and focuses on a girl with telekinetic powers that she doesn't quite know how to control. While its lead character is reminiscent of Stranger Things' Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), I Am Not Okay with This also leans more into the coming-of-age elements and has an indie feel to it. Still, viewers who love Eleven's emotional journey and want something shorter and more character-focused will appreciate this grounded, slightly offbeat approach to storytelling.
From (2022)
From elevates the horror/sci-fi elements of Stranger Things, placing viewers into a mysterious town that traps its residents and holds terrifying secrets. While Stranger Things has elements of mystery surrounding its small town with grim secrets, From delves deeper into this premise with a town that offers viewers a very complex and terrifying puzzle. This series is ideal for fans who want something scarier and more mythology-heavy, with a tone that is a lot closer to Stranger Thing's most horror-driven episodes.
Paper Girls 2022
Paper Girls has drawn strong parallels to Stranger Things with its '80s setting and group of teen friends who bike around their town and investigate supernatural activity. It sets itself apart from Stranger Things by having the teens caught in the middle of a time-traveling conflict rather than alternate dimensions. Additionally, it approaches the sci-fi genre from a feminist perspective with its all-female lead cast. This is a great option for viewers who want another heartfelt, kid-led adventure but with a slightly different emotional tone.
Lockwood & Co. (2023)
While it's set in the present day, Lockwood & Co. still brings the '80s vibes by occurring in an alternate dimension reminiscent of the '80s. In the series, a group of teens are forced to take matters into their own hands when they learn that only children can sense and dispose of ghosts who pose a deadly threat. With '80s vibes and a group of ghost-hunting and mystery-solving teens, Lockwood & Co. is a solid supernatural alternative to Strange Things. Fans of found-family dynamics will enjoy this show, even with added paranormal danger.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Dead Boy Detectives is set in the present day, but Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), the ghost of a teenage boy who died in 1989, brings in some '80s flavor. With 1980s vibes, teen detectives, and plenty of grisly stories about demons and ghosts, Dead Boy Detectives will appeal to viewers who especially enjoyed the horror elements of Stranger Things Season 4. If you liked the darker, more creature-focused stretch of the series (especially the Vecna arc) this show hits a similar sweet spot with a slightly more whimsical tone.
Where to watch TV shows like Stranger Things online
Check out our list below to find out where to stream TV shows like Stranger Things in the United States!
