“Stranger Things” is a Netflix series by the Duffer brothers that aired from 2016 to 2025 and ended with its fifth season: 42 episodes in total. The action takes place in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, and according to Wikipedia its genres are horror, science fiction, detective, coming-of-age and supernatural. Among the creators’ sources of inspiration, Wikipedia names Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, David Lynch and Stephen King. Below are ten series that have already aired and echo “Stranger Things” in at least one of these elements: nostalgia for the 80s, teenagers in the lead roles, a small-town mystery or the supernatural. No spoilers. Data is from Wikipedia pages checked on October 17, 2026.
Paper Girls
Official trailer · “Paper Girls” (2022)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Prime Video YouTube channel
A science-fiction drama based on the comics by Brian Vaughan, created by Stephanie Folsom. On the morning after Halloween 1988, four young girls deliver newspapers and get caught up in a conflict between two rival groups of time travelers. Then a journey across the years awaits them, where they meet adult versions of themselves. Why it’s similar: the 80s, child heroes and a mystery that grows out of an ordinary morning job. Note: according to Wikipedia, the platform canceled the series after its first season.
Dead of Summer
Official trailer · “Dead of Summer” (2016)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Freeform YouTube channel
A supernatural horror series for the Freeform channel. The action takes place in the 1980s at the Stillwater summer camp in the American Midwest. Wikipedia classifies the series as a teen drama and horror, and also notes that it was conceived as an anthology, where each season tells a new story. Why it’s similar: summer, a camp, teenagers and the supernatural against the backdrop of the 80s. Freeform canceled the series after one season.
Dark
Official trailer · “Dark” (2017)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Netflix YouTube channel
A German science-fiction detective and thriller series created by Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar; it is Netflix’s first German-language original series. In the town of Winden, children go missing, and four families are drawn into a mystery involving time travel. The first season starts in 2019, but the events reach back to 1986 and 1953. Why it’s similar: a small town, disappearing children and a mystery whose roots lie in the past. Among its genres, Wikipedia also lists tragedy, so the mood here is serious. The third season completed the story.
Locke & Key
Official trailer · “Locke & Key” (2020)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Netflix YouTube channel
A fantasy drama and supernatural horror based on the comics by Joe Hill. After a family tragedy, a mother with three children moves into the family home of their late father, where they find mysterious keys with magical powers, and a demonic creature starts hunting for them. Why it’s similar: children and teenagers search for the answer to a supernatural mystery. The third season was the last, as the creators had planned.
The OA
Official trailer · “The OA” (2016)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Netflix YouTube channel
A mystical detective series with elements of fantasy and the supernatural, created by Brit Marling (who also starred in the lead role) and Zal Batmanglij. A young woman who vanished seven years ago returns home: she used to be blind, and now she can see. She calls herself “OA” and gathers several local residents for a mysterious mission. Why it’s similar: a small community, a mystery and the supernatural. Netflix canceled the series after two seasons, leaving an open ending.
The Midnight Club
Official trailer · “The Midnight Club” (2022)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Netflix YouTube channel
Horror and thriller based on the 1994 novel by Christopher Pike and his other works. Eight seriously ill young people in a hospice gather every night to tell each other frightening stories, and those stories are also shown on screen. Why it’s similar: young heroes, a shared secret and supernatural stories. The series was created by Mike Flanagan and Leah Fong.
Wednesday
Official trailer · “Wednesday” (2022)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Netflix YouTube channel
A supernatural detective comedy based on the character created by Charles Addams, developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar; Tim Burton directed four episodes of each season. Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) takes on solving murders at a new school. Why it’s similar: a teen school, mysteries and the supernatural. Wikipedia lists the genres as dark comedy, gothic and horror. There is no nostalgia for the 80s here.
Gravity Falls
Official trailer · “Gravity Falls” (2012)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the Disney Channel Animation YouTube channel
An animated detective comedy by Alex Hirsch. The twins Dipper and Mabel Pines spend the summer with their great-uncle Stan in the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, where there are plenty of paranormal phenomena and supernatural creatures. They help their uncle run the “Mystery Shack” and investigate local mysteries. Why it’s similar: kid detectives, a town with secrets and the supernatural. The series ended at its creator’s decision, and the episodes are shorter: 20–24 minutes.
Eerie, Indiana
An American horror series with elements of science fiction; Joe Dante, director of “Gremlins,” was the creative consultant. Teen Marshall Teller moves with his family to the strange town of Eerie in Indiana, and together with his friend Simon Holmes investigates strange events. Why it’s similar: a teenager and a friend investigate supernatural events in a strange town, and this premise appeared 25 years before “Stranger Things.” There is no Ukrainian-language page on Wikipedia, so we keep the original title.
Twin Peaks
Official trailer · “Twin Peaks” (1990)Still: © the series’ rights holders, source — the official trailer on the MUBI YouTube channel
A surreal detective drama with elements of horror, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. In the fictional town of Twin Peaks, an FBI agent investigates the murder of a local teenage girl, Laura Palmer. Wikipedia notes that the core of the plot is a classic detective story, but with supernatural elements. Why it’s similar: David Lynch is among the artists whose work, according to Wikipedia, inspired the creators of “Stranger Things.” Two seasons aired on ABC, and the third in 2017 on Showtime.
What to pick by mood
| What you liked in “Stranger Things” | What to watch |
|---|---|
| Nostalgia for the 80s | Paper Girls, Dead of Summer, and the 1986 storyline in “Dark” |
| A small town’s mystery | Twin Peaks, Gravity Falls, Eerie, Indiana |
| Teens and the supernatural | Locke & Key, Wednesday |
| Time travel | Dark, Paper Girls |
| Creepy stories | The Midnight Club |
| A mystical puzzle | The OA |
Tip. If you want a short evening, pick series with a single season: Paper Girls (8 episodes), Dead of Summer and The Midnight Club (10 episodes each).
Something scarier, but as a movie? Check out our selection of gentle horror movies, and read about one of the classic franchises in the article on “Halloween” in order.
Frequently asked questions
Where to start if the 80s matter most?
With Paper Girls (set in 1988) and Dead of Summer (the 1980s). Dark also has a 1986 storyline, but that is just one of several eras in the series.
Are all of these series finished?
No. Dark and Locke & Key ended with a third, final season, Gravity Falls was ended by its creator, and Paper Girls, The OA and Dead of Summer were canceled after one or two seasons. Wednesday has two seasons as of October 17, 2026.
Are any of them suitable for the whole family?
Gravity Falls aired on Disney Channel and Disney XD, but age ratings depend on the country. Check the rating on your service before watching: we do not list them.
Where can I watch these series?
Service catalogs change, so we do not list them. Check the page for the series you want on a service you have access to.
Sources
- Stranger Things (Wikipedia)
- Dark (Wikipedia)
- Locke & Key (Wikipedia)
- Paper Girls (Wikipedia)
- Dead of Summer (Wikipedia)
Data was checked against Wikipedia on October 17, 2026.
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