19 ’80s Movie references in Stranger Things you probably didn't notice

Stranger Things is a love letter to the 1980s, packed with hidden gems from classic era movies. While some nods are obvious, others are cleverly woven into the story, making them easy to miss. The show borrows scenes, characters, and even outfits from legendary films, from eerie horror flicks to iconic action thrillers. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Hawkins, Indiana, and discover these 19 subtle nods and tributes that pay homage to the films that inspired this hit series.

Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

19. Day of the Dead (1985)

In Stranger Things Season 3, Episode 1, the characters go to the “Starcourt Mall Theater” to watch Day of the Dead. This 1985 horror movie is about zombies, and its themes connect to the season’s story. The show’s battle at the mall, where monsters attack, feels similar to the movie’s zombie outbreak. The scene helps viewers know the season is set in 1985. Instead of just a reference, it blends into the story naturally.

18. The Terminator (1984)

A Russian hitman in Stranger Things Season 3 resembles Arnold Schwarzenegger from The Terminator (1984) in appearance and behavior. Like the deadly cyborg The Terminator, he is tough to defeat, has short hair, wears boots, and speaks robotically. Even Mayor Larry Kline says, "It’s Arnold Schwarzenegger," referring clearly. The hitman's unrelenting hunt for Hopper and Joyce is comparable to the Terminator's in-film pursuit of its targets.

17. Rambo (1982)

Action movie references from the 1980s abound in Stranger Things Season 3. In recognition of his aggressive demeanor and large belly, Hopper is called "Fat Rambo," evoking Rambo from First Blood (1982). To resemble Rambo's famous appearance from First Blood, he confronts Russian agents in an underground laboratory while brandishing an assault rifle and wearing a bandana. Hopper's transformation into a legendary action hero is shown by his unwavering determination to defend Eleven and the people of Hawkins. The character's path, reminiscent of 1980s action films, humorously aligns with Rambo's aggressive mentality.

16. E.T. (1982)

Eleven’s Halloween costume was referred from the film ET. The Duffer Brothers share Stephen King's fondness for vintage Steven Spielberg movies, and ET is no exception. Similar to how the alien ET was disguised as a means of escape in the movie, Eleven dresses up as a ghost under a sheet to go trick-or-treating with her friends in Stranger Things season 2. Wearing a ghost suit that concealed her face would allow Eleven to conceal her identity while still interacting with her pals.

15. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

In Stranger Things 3, several scenes pay homage to Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Karen Wheeler's pool scene mirrors Phoebe Cates' famous red swimsuit moment. In the final episode, Steve knocks over a cardboard cutout of Phoebe Cates in the video store. Additionally, Dustin describes his girlfriend, Suzie, as looking like Phoebe Cates, "only hotter." These references cleverly nod to the iconic moments from the 1982 film.

14. The Goonies (1985)

There are multiple allusions to The Goonies (1985) in Stranger Things. Dustin discovers a secret map that resembles The Goonies' treasure map. In the same way that the children in The Goonies investigate tunnels, Steve, Dustin, Robin, and Erica crawl into air vents. The link is strengthened by the fact that Sean Astin, who portrayed Bob in Stranger Things, was also in The Goonies. Like The Goonies, Dustin's crew refers to itself as a team (Dustin: "This is our mission!").

13. Die Hard (1988)

Die Hard (1988) serves as the inspiration for a sequence in Stranger Things where Hopper makes a firearms error like Hans Gruber's. Hans Gruber's attempt to deceive John McClane in Die Hard fails. In the same vein, Hopper makes a mistake in a stressful situation by holding a gun over his head. This allusion enhances the season's action movie vibe from the 1980s. Like McClane, it portrays Hopper as a tough but flawed hero.

12. The Shining (1980)

In Stranger Things Season 2, Joyce Byers uses an axe to break into her home's bathroom, similar to Jack Torrance's iconic scene in The Shining (1980). The scene where Jack breaks through a door with an axe while shouting, "Here's Johnny!" is reflected when Joyce frantically chops through the bathroom door to save Will. This homage creates a chilling parallel, reinforcing the tension and urgency in both scenes.

11. Red Dawn (1984)

In Stranger Things Season 3, the invasion of Hawkins by Russian operatives is a clear reference to Red Dawn (1984). In the movie, a group of teenagers fights against Soviet invaders. Similarly, the kids in Stranger Things uncover and battle a secret Russian lab beneath Hawkins. The homage creates an intense, action-packed atmosphere, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and covert warfare from Red Dawn.

10. The Thing (1982)

The boys watched The Thing (1982) on television in Stranger Things Season 1. The Upside Down monster was similar to the Thing monster in that they are both shape-shifting monsters. Furthermore, Will's fictitious body autopsy scene was reminiscent of the unsettling autopsy sequences in the film. These parallels provided a spooky link, highlighting how John Carpenter's iconic horror movie influenced Stranger Things' unsettling ambience.

9. Alien (1979)

In Stranger Things Season 1, the creature from the Upside Down shares similarities with the Xenomorph from Alien (1979). The eerie scene where Nancy finds herself trapped in the Upside Down resembles the claustrophobic atmosphere of Alien. Additionally, the scene where Will's body is found with an alien-like creature coming out of his mouth is reminiscent of the iconic chest-burster scene in Alien. These references create a chilling homage to Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror classic.

8. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)

In Stranger Things, Billy’s final moment is like Darth Vader’s redemption in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983). Just as Vader saves Luke by fighting Emperor Palpatine, Billy sacrifices himself to save Eleven. Another reference is when Eleven tries to lift a car with her powers but fails, just like Luke Skywalker struggling to lift his X-Wing from the swamp in Dagobah. These moments connect Stranger Things to Star Wars' iconic scenes.

7. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

In Stranger Things Season 3, the show references The NeverEnding Story (1984) in a delightful scene where Dustin and his girlfriend Suzie sing the movie's theme song over the radio. This happens in Season 3 Episode 8, "The Battle of Starcourt." As they belt out the nostalgic tune, their friends listen in amazement, creating a moment of levity amidst the chaos. The scene not only brings a smile to fans of the original film but also highlights the bond between the characters.

6. Stand By Me (1986)

The boys' trip down the train tracks in Stranger Things Season 1 is a clear allusion to Stand By Me (1986). To discover a missing youngster, a group of boys travels along railroad lines in the movie Stand By Me. Similar to this, Mike, Lucas, and Dustin follow the trail in Stranger Things as they look for their friend Will, who has gone missing. This tribute emphasizes the close camaraderie and spirit of adventure that both sets of guys share.

5. The Breakfast Club (1985)

In Stranger Things Season 4, Episode 6, Eden, Suzie's sister, is modeled after Allison Reynolds from The Breakfast Club. Eden's appearance with stringy dark hair and dark eye makeup reflects Allison's "basket case" look from the iconic John Hughes film. This reference is one of the many ways The Breakfast Club is celebrated throughout the series. Eden's character design and demeanor are direct nods to Allison, making the homage unmistakable and perfect for '80s fans.

4. War Games (1983)

In a sequence in Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 8, two people flip keys at the same time to unleash nuclear missiles. This scene can be referred to as 1983 War Games. A similar "two-man rule" is used by the Russians to make sure that no one person can open or close the Upside Down by themselves. This significantly raises the stakes, particularly when Joyce turns both keys simultaneously and gets past the Russians' guard. This exciting scene honors the tension and key-turning scene from the original film.

3. Risky Business (1983)

Steve and Nancy, dressed as Joel and Lana from Risky Business (1983), attend a Halloween party in Stranger Things Season 2, Episode 2. Their outfits are a clear reference to the roles played by Rebecca De Mornay and Tom Cruise in the movie. Similar to Joel and Lana's brief engagement in Risky Business, the selection of these people suggests that Steve and Nancy's relationship may be unstable. The series' overall nostalgia for the 1980s is emphasized by this astute clothing selection.

2. Pretty in Pink (1986)

In Stranger Things Season 4, Episode 9, Vickie's outfit has been referred to from Pretty in Pink (1986). When Robin, Steve, and the gang shop for weapons to fight Vecna, they run into Vickie and her boyfriend. Vickie's appearance, with red hair, a hat, a jacket, and a white shirt, mirrors Andie Walsh's iconic look from the '80s film, played by Molly Ringwald. Her outfit not only pays homage to a classic film but also showcases the attention to detail in the show's costume design.

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas dress up as the Ghostbusters for Halloween in Stranger Things Season 2, Episode 2. The 1984 film Ghostbusters is mentioned in this sequence. The boys' intricate handcrafted outfits reflect their inventiveness and camaraderie. This throwback allusion heightens the show's '80s feel. This sequence is very poignant and important since it shows Will attempting to settle back into society following his horrific experience in Season 1. It emphasizes the theme of friendship and loyalty that runs throughout the series.