Whether you enjoy the retro 80s air of Hawkins or the intersection of horror and science fiction in plotlines— if you’ve already binged Stranger Things season 4, there’s plenty of other shows just like it on Netflix to lose sleep over.
Years of anticipation culminated in the perfect cliffhanger in the new season of Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things. In fact, despite being nearly twice the duration of previous seasons, fans have quickly burnt through the first part of the fourth edition of this sci-fi show. And while you could re-watch the previous seasons a few times before the final episodes are released on July 1, there are many other shows just like Stranger Things that you could sink your teeth into instead.
Exploring key themes like teenage friendships, supernatural beings, and the repercussions of scientific discovery, these titles will tide you over the hangover this season brings with it. The best part? They’re all available on Netflix.
Similar shows to add to your Netflix watchlist:
Dark
Two children go missing in a small German town, leading to a frantic hunt that involves suspicious characters, dark mysteries that go back several generations, and plenty of travelling through time. This show is hailed as Netflix’s most popular and acclaimed supernatural series. Set in 1986, it also happens to be the show that’s most compared to Stranger Things. The show will have you questioning the ways of the universe and life itself. Besides, if you enjoy solving a mystery as a series of events transpire, just like in Stranger Things, there’s no better show than this one to binge on.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
This series, like Dark, has Stranger Things’ mysterious and eerie air. Set in the 1980s, it tells the story of Dani Clayton, an American who moves to England and becomes an au pair to a set of children at a wealthy manor to escape her traumatic past. However, she soon begins to see apparitions that haunt the premises, leading to a series of grim events that help her better understand the new life she was thrust into. Based on Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, this spine chilling tale is a must-watch.
Locke and Key
If your favourite parts of Stranger Things were its young cast as well as ability to build mind-boggling mysteries that are reminiscent of yesteryear hit Goosebumps, you’re certain to enjoy this one as well. Locke and Key tells the tale of a family who moves into their ancestral home in Massachusetts after their father is tragically murdered. Soon after, they begin hearing whispers in the shadows and having reality-bending keys lure them into a world of dark magic that they didn’t sign up for. Based on an eponymous series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, the whimsy of this show makes it a fun watch.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Like Stranger Things, this show is based in a small town and explores themes like horror and coming-of-age. Based on the wildly popular series from the Archie comics universe, the show follows the life of Sabrina, a teenage witch, as well as her best friends and family as she navigates the forces of evil bent on destroying human lives. The show will have you on the edge of your seat, exploring all things occult and eerie. The character development as well as complex relationships of all the characters are engaging as well. Besides, there’s plenty of seasons to keep you entertained as you wait for the new Stranger Things episodes to come out.
I Am Not Okay with This
What better show to follow up a Stranger Things binge with than one that’s produced by the same team? I Am Not Okay With This touches upon the complexities of high school through the eyes of a telekinetic teen who’s also discovering her sexuality and navigating family dynamics. Based on a graphic novel by Charles Forsman, the show shares Stranger Things’ coming-of-age theme as well as its supernatural, gritty, and mystical elements. Although it was cancelled just after one season, if you’re looking for a short watch, there’s nothing more reminiscent of Stranger Things than this title.
The Umbrella Academy
Another wildly popular Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy makes for a humorous break from the grit of Stranger Things while holding on to its nostalgic air, suspenseful plot line, apocalyptic undertones, and supernatural themes. The story, set in 1989, follows 43 infants who come from miraculous births and are adopted by a billionaire to be trained to save the world. After a host of disagreements and falling-out over the years, six surviving members reunite and work to solve a mystery surrounding their adopted father’s death. Based on a collection of comics by Gerard Way (from My Chemical Romance), the show has plenty to keep you engaged.
The OA
A science-fiction mystery series that follows the life of a young girl, the OA is quite similar in themes to Stranger Things. However, it’s got far more mind bending, gritty moments to dive into. The plotline looks into a young girl’s miraculous return to her town, after seven years. That’s not all. Not only does she return without a word, she also is no longer blind. As the authorities and her family work to discover what had happened during this time, a series of mysterious, supernatural occurrences transpire, keeping audiences hooked.
Everything Sucks!
A 90s high-school series that offers a good dose of nostalgia. Although not dark or gritty like Stranger Things, the show explores the lives of two crews of nerdy students who join forces to make a movie that will put them on the popular map. Strong performances and an exciting set of ups and downs, this is what Stranger Things would be if not for the Upside Down. Besides, the show also boasts of a stellar soundtrack.
The Fear Street Trilogy
Although it doesn’t technically fit the “series” or “show” bill, this trilogy’s binge-worthiness makes it unmissable in this list. Fear Street, based on Goosebump author R.L. Stine’s book series has the nostalgic factor of Stranger Things, being set in 1994, 1978, and 1666. It also explores dark and supernatural themes while navigating teenage relationships. The story follows the lives of a group of teenagers who take on evil forces together. In one, they work together to survive a possessed camp counsellor who’s on a murder spree. In another, they save their town from notorious evil activities and curses. Fans of Stranger Things will also recognise Sadie Sink and Maya Hawk.
Black Mirror
If you somehow missed this series while it was all the rage, there’s no better time than now to binge-watch it. Dark, mysterious, and based on science-fiction themes, Black Mirror has a new storyline with each episode. Each explores a world that deals with the dark repercussions of technological developments. At once dystopian and horrifying, you’ll find yourself questioning reality as you know it and turn a sceptical eye to what the future holds. If chills are what you’re after, this show is here to provide.
Lead image courtesy of Dark/YouTube
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