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

Movie references in Stranger Things
Movie references in Stranger Things

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

Billy sacrifices himself to save Eleven | Image via Netflix
Billy sacrifices himself to save Eleven | Image via Netflix

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.

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Edited by Sangeeta Mathew