The final season ofStranger Thingsremains a distant dream for fans, and until Netflix decides to release it, they can watchsimilar shows and movies, like one of J.J. Abrams' projects from 2011.The sci-fi horror drama TV series, created by the Duffer Brothers, premiered in 2016 and has been a global phenomenon ever since. It will be tough for any piece of mediato replaceStranger Things. However, fans can look to other films or shows that came before or after it that share many commonalities withStranger Things, like the aforementioned 2011 sci-fi movie.
The cast and crew wrapped production onStranger Thingsseason 5 in December 2024, and Netflix is expected to release the episodes on an undisclosed date in 2025.
Stranger Thingsseason 5 is the endof the road for the Netflix series. After almost a decade, the beloved characters will join forces to face the horrors of the Upside Down one last time before viewers say goodbye. Unfortunately, this final act has been a few years in the making, meaning fans have had to wait a long time for season 5. The wait has been tiresome for many. But, the good news is that the end is near, andfans can check out a movie with a premise almost identical toStranger Things' during the home stretch of the wait for season 5.
Super 8 Is Basically A Movie Version Of Stranger Things
J.J. Abrams Wrote & Directed The 2011 Sci-Fi Film
Five years beforeNetflix releasedStranger Things, J.J. Abrams’Super 8hit theaters. Similar to the Duffer Brothers' TV show,the sci-fi thriller revolves around teenagers who stumble upon something peculiar in their small Midwestern town.When the friend group is shooting a movie for a Super 8 film competition at a train station late at night, they witness a crash. In the following days, strange occurrences, like missing dogs, plague the town.
Bruce Greenwood
Cooper
Super 8is also a period piece, as it takes place in 1979,just a few years before Will Byers wentmissing inStranger Thingsseason 1. That, combined with parallel sci-fi elements, suggests that fans of the show will enjoy the movie.Super 8is essentially the film version ofStranger Things, and it’s worth watching while waiting for season 5 in 2025.
Stranger Things’ Best Spinoff Idea Doesn’t Include Any Known Characters (& That Benefits The Show)
If Stranger Things expands with spinoffs after season 5, the best idea is one that doesn’t include any characters introduced in the main show.
Super 8 Is Great, So Why Isn’t It Talked About More Today?
The Movie Is Sorely Underrated
WhereasStranger Thingsbecame a global sensation shortly after its premiere,Super 8faded into the background. TheJ.J. Abrams moviehas a compelling, thrilling sci-fi story. However, its success never came close to the Netflix show’s, despite its 81 percentRotten Tomatoesscore.Super 8evidently received positive reviews,but its scope was limited, meaning not many saw it, resulting in its status as an underrated film. Nevertheless,Super 8is still the perfect movie to watch while waiting forStranger Thingsseason 5.
