Stranger Things

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 15, 2016
Season #: 5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 2260 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,103 out of 2260
  2. Mixed: 95 out of 2260
  3. Negative: 62 out of 2260

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  1. the12black
    Aug 8, 2016
    8
    Child actors are never great, but the story is solid if a little slow, to start. The upside is, the slow start builds and accelerates at a linear crescendo, to a climax well worth the 10 hours.

    Would rewatch, and regularly recommend to others.
  2. drlowdon
    Aug 14, 2018
    8
    When a young boy disappears in strange circumstances just as a young girl with telekinetic powers arrives in town events are set in motion that no one involved will ever forget.

    Set in the 1980’s Stranger Things first season has more than a few echoes of the works of both director Steven Spielbeg and author Stephen King, and I mean that comparison in a good way. The cast, especially    When a young boy disappears in strange circumstances just as a young girl with telekinetic powers arrives in town events are set in motion that no one involved will ever forget.

    Set in the 1980’s Stranger Things first season has more than a few echoes of the works of both director Steven Spielbeg and author Stephen King, and I mean that comparison in a good way. The cast, especially young Millie Bobby Brown as “Eleven”, are excellent and the mix of horror, sci-if, drama and even a bit of comedy is pretty much spot on. One of Netflix’s best original series to date.    … Expand
  3. kman5473
    Jan 21, 2017
    8
    Very solid series. Definitely Netflix's best to date. It has everything that I want out of a TV show - action, adventure, solid acting, and an excellent story. Plus it's a sci-fi! The soundtrack is awesome too.
  4. keanex
    Aug 16, 2016
    8
    Stranger Things starts out with immense promise, tons of suspense and mystery. At the end of the first season I felt that the show had been cut short with questions left unanswered. It's shot well and I love the 80s vibe. I look forward to seeing how the second season goes as well. I likely wouldn't repeat watch the first season though.
  5. Vidmeister
    Oct 2, 2016
    8
    Equal parts Alien, Lost and Stand By Me, Stranger Things gets more things right than it gets wrong. The girl who plays Elle (Eleven) has a bright future ahead of her, as she steals every scene she is in. I am not their target audience, having grown up in the 70's, so I never saw The Goonies (referenced countless times by others) but I loved the plot line of a parallel universe withinEqual parts Alien, Lost and Stand By Me, Stranger Things gets more things right than it gets wrong. The girl who plays Elle (Eleven) has a bright future ahead of her, as she steals every scene she is in. I am not their target audience, having grown up in the 70's, so I never saw The Goonies (referenced countless times by others) but I loved the plot line of a parallel universe within striking-range of our universe. I don't see a point to a second season, as the storylines we have invested in are completed. They are unlikely to make a believable storyline that is is different enough from this one, to justify season 2. Well done though, despite a few cardboard characters, (cough..teen girlfriends of douchebag bullies..cough).… Expand
  6. mrmonster
    Jul 30, 2016
    8
    I have only seen one of the eight episodes, but I must say, this show is impressive so far. It has good characters, good scenes, and great suspense. I cannot wait to watch more.
  7. jamess
    Jul 16, 2016
    8
    It's not surprising that the Duffer Brothers worked on Wayward Pines previously, as Stranger Things is a similar weird things in a small town premise. As already stated, the influences of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, John Carpenter and Wes Craven are easily recognized, but the film and filmmaker this reminds me the most of is Joe Dante's Explorers. Joe Dante was/is one of the biggestIt's not surprising that the Duffer Brothers worked on Wayward Pines previously, as Stranger Things is a similar weird things in a small town premise. As already stated, the influences of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, John Carpenter and Wes Craven are easily recognized, but the film and filmmaker this reminds me the most of is Joe Dante's Explorers. Joe Dante was/is one of the biggest movie geeks turned director, and the Duffer Brothers are cut from the same cloth. Winona Ryder is top cast, but the real stars are the young cast of actors, from the main trio, El, and the high schoolers, across the board, they're all excellent. A special mention of the performance of character actor David Harbour as the police chief. I've seen him in supporting roles before, but he really shines as the haunted policeman. Just enjoy.… Expand
  8. brockcheese
    Jul 24, 2016
    8
    This show is a mix up of 80s horror and sci fi movies and feels a lot like an extended version of J J Abrams, Super 8. The characters are likable and the story is enthralling from start to finish.
  9. Garmy
    Jul 30, 2016
    8
    This show is as if someone made a few movies in the 80's but didn't release it until now. The pacing is slow and focuses on the characters - it's not your typical modern "let's overload the audience with special effects and 'cool' characters" fare.

    The first half of the season is solid and takes its time introducing you to the world, and it's fantastic because of it. Each episode ends    This show is as if someone made a few movies in the 80's but didn't release it until now. The pacing is slow and focuses on the characters - it's not your typical modern "let's overload the audience with special effects and 'cool' characters" fare.

    The first half of the season is solid and takes its time introducing you to the world, and it's fantastic because of it. Each episode ends with a mystery that begs you to play the next episode even when it's already 2 in the morning.

    The second half of the season loses some of the charm it had in the previous episodes, as it focuses on resolving the plot, which is does well. The mysteries are explained, but at the cost of staying intriguing. The nice thing is that unlike LOST, it does answer the big questions it asks.

    The show wraps up nicely, and if there is no second season, it leaves you feeling resolved and satisfied. However, it does set up a second season, and I am definitely looking forward to it.    … Expand
  10. Andremax
    Jul 16, 2018
    8
    Stranger Things 1st season has nothing boring for a show's debut, as it's usual in several series. The plot goes on around a conflict that change all story's course and which it's quite fluent too. And more, series has an 80's ambiance, nostalgic soundtrack, dark and nice photography, mystery, convincing and interesting theories (which is a big deal to sci-fi lovers) and accessibleStranger Things 1st season has nothing boring for a show's debut, as it's usual in several series. The plot goes on around a conflict that change all story's course and which it's quite fluent too. And more, series has an 80's ambiance, nostalgic soundtrack, dark and nice photography, mystery, convincing and interesting theories (which is a big deal to sci-fi lovers) and accessible approach that makes series very nice to anyone see.… Expand
  11. PoeticDumpling
    Jul 16, 2016
    8
    Not perfect and not likely to win awards, but it is well-crafted, thrilling, and really does take you back to feel the nostalgia of the 80's classic vibe really well. There are quality chilling moments. In addition to the obvious films/series it pulls from I also feel it is reminiscent of both the more recent excellent film, Midnight Special, and a really great cult-favorite film fromNot perfect and not likely to win awards, but it is well-crafted, thrilling, and really does take you back to feel the nostalgia of the 80's classic vibe really well. There are quality chilling moments. In addition to the obvious films/series it pulls from I also feel it is reminiscent of both the more recent excellent film, Midnight Special, and a really great cult-favorite film from only a few years ago called Beyond The Black Rainbow (the film was more artsy and not mainstream at all, but there are similar elements. BTBR is incredible if you can suss out the story on your own instead of being spoonfed). Some of the acting is a bit over-the-top and occasionally unintentionally funny, but I can overlook those flaws. For the most part the series has had me eager to watch all eight episodes as quickly as possible. It doesn't feel like a rip-off. It does feel like a loving echo of past classics pulled together in mosaic respect. As of now, my only feeling is that it doesn't necessarily offer much we haven't seen before, but offers it to us in an exciting, vintage fashion. I am about to press play on the final episode. This has been a fun rollercoaster ride. I am hoping for a second season. The creators, etc have already stated that season 2 will be more of a sequel cousin than a direct continuation of Season 1. We shall see. One strength is that there aren't alot of big name actors/actresses here so it really lends to the feeling of this being everyday folks experiencing an usual disturbance in their small town.… Expand
  12. ElPolloLoco82
    Jul 18, 2016
    8
    I found this show to be quite entertaining. Where the show shines is with the soundtrack and setting, reminded me so much watching trailers for horror movies from around the same time frame that the show is set in. There isn't much in the way of surprises, or twists. At least I didn't think so, and it didn't seem to take away from the quality of the show. The show centered mostly aroundI found this show to be quite entertaining. Where the show shines is with the soundtrack and setting, reminded me so much watching trailers for horror movies from around the same time frame that the show is set in. There isn't much in the way of surprises, or twists. At least I didn't think so, and it didn't seem to take away from the quality of the show. The show centered mostly around the younger actors in the show. They probably took up the largest amount of screen time while the rest of it was split up between parents of the children and their older siblings. It's kind of like "Super 8" in that regard; and also in other plot details, which is as far as I'll go with that because of "spoilers". I can see the "E.T." comparisons, but it was more like the two of those movies got busy and it's love child was this. Ultimately, I know a show that centers on children can turn some people off of this; in which case, they could easily annoy you and ruin this show. However, if the trailer intrigued you and you started it and are feeling a bit lukewarm towards it, it may take a couple episodes to get you vested in it. I feel by the end of the 3rd episode, you'll know for sure how you'll feel about the rest of it. I'd say this show is more emotional and character driven, then it would be story driven. Like I said earlier, it's a bit predictable story wise. Definitely a worthy addition to Netflix's list of shows. Don't know if it'll get a 2nd season; it's hard to see how they'd get another quality season out of it, but they did have some minor things at the end of the last episode that could lead into a similar situation occurring in the near future of the town.… Expand
  13. Chrisman26
    Aug 10, 2016
    8
    I kept dodgeing this show at first and wouldnt watch well now that i have given it a well deserved try i must admit my first impression was wrong here i love it only watched a few so far but it has been a delight pure fun joy and a few scares love the kids they work very well together if u dont mind a few swears and a few scares then this just might be the show for u )oh yea before iI kept dodgeing this show at first and wouldnt watch well now that i have given it a well deserved try i must admit my first impression was wrong here i love it only watched a few so far but it has been a delight pure fun joy and a few scares love the kids they work very well together if u dont mind a few swears and a few scares then this just might be the show for u )oh yea before i forget look out for some heavy makeouts in a few episodes if watching with kids)but aside from all of that grab some snacks and defenetly watch it… Expand
  14. FolderMath
    Dec 29, 2017
    8
    An exciting horror/thriller/mystery/drama that keep you hooked on it for dear life. When it's all said and done, there isn't much meaning to be extracted the whole shenanigan, other than to trust your loved ones completely and without compunction. The soundtrack threw me off a little at first, but it grew on me over time. The show has the best execution I've seen in a TV show in a longAn exciting horror/thriller/mystery/drama that keep you hooked on it for dear life. When it's all said and done, there isn't much meaning to be extracted the whole shenanigan, other than to trust your loved ones completely and without compunction. The soundtrack threw me off a little at first, but it grew on me over time. The show has the best execution I've seen in a TV show in a long while. One of my problems with the show, besides some of the loose ends in the third+fourth episodes that weren't completely tied up, in my opinion, was that some of the characters (Nancy and Jonathan in particular) act extremely stupid at times, just to provide plot interest and to keep the show moving forward. But other than that, it's a highly entertaining series that definitely deserves your time.… Expand
  15. SrPepe
    Oct 29, 2017
    8
    Muy buena serie, altamente recomendable. Sin embargo, me parece un tanto sobre valorada, esta buena? Sí, es un diez? Ni de cerca. Espero que la segunda la supere.
  16. sjulti
    Jan 6, 2017
    8
    This show was very interesting, it takes place in the 80s so ofcourse the soundtrack is amazing, i love the setting, and this show really makes you think, from the great performances to the overall feel of the show everything is pretty good about the show i guess the bad thing about this show is that it can get a bit boring at times or that some of the parts about the scientists i reallyThis show was very interesting, it takes place in the 80s so ofcourse the soundtrack is amazing, i love the setting, and this show really makes you think, from the great performances to the overall feel of the show everything is pretty good about the show i guess the bad thing about this show is that it can get a bit boring at times or that some of the parts about the scientists i really didint care for but overall a great show i cant wait to see if netflix brings out a second season.… Expand
  17. JTV
    Jul 22, 2016
    8
    Very interesting strange,fantasy,and story that is worth watching.In a small town 3 young boys are looking for a friend that gone missing and a mysterious girl shows up and try's her to help them and strange things start to happen.Great setting,good story, very good twist and weird.
  18. MEFzelder
    Aug 16, 2016
    8
    Una de las grandes sorpresas de Netflix es sin lugar a dudas “Stranger Things”, la serie que toma la estética del cine de los ’80, la narrativa de Stephen King, la estética de Spielberg, y el espíritu de Los Goonies es un thriller atrapante que deja con ganas de más.
    Cada episodio sobresale por su fotografía y su elenco, sobretodo por el aporte de los niños quienes dan una actuación    Una de las grandes sorpresas de Netflix es sin lugar a dudas “Stranger Things”, la serie que toma la estética del cine de los ’80, la narrativa de Stephen King, la estética de Spielberg, y el espíritu de Los Goonies es un thriller atrapante que deja con ganas de más.
    Cada episodio sobresale por su fotografía y su elenco, sobretodo por el aporte de los niños quienes dan una actuación sobresaliente para su edad, destacando a Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven).
    Ya sea por el aspecto nostálgico o lo popular que se ha vuelto, la formula de los hermanos Duffer es un obligatorio si pagas el servicio de streaming.    … Expand
  19. vmuniverse
    Jul 17, 2016
    8
    Winona Ryder nails it! Here performance is sublime! Her acting is great! Wellcome back Winona!
    Stranger Things is set in de beginning of the 80's This serie is well written and the acting is excellent.
    All the characters are performing well and believable! If you like the X-Files, you must certainly watch this show. Unfortunately new series these days lack special effects. I know they    Winona Ryder nails it! Here performance is sublime! Her acting is great! Wellcome back Winona!
    Stranger Things is set in de beginning of the 80's This serie is well written and the acting is excellent.
    All the characters are performing well and believable! If you like the X-Files, you must certainly watch this show. Unfortunately new series these days lack special effects. I know they have to cut cost to make a show, so the story has to be well written/acting. In this shoe there are special effects, but it's not very much.    … Expand
  20. Neopolss
    Aug 7, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Stranger things does an amazing job of presenting an era without beating the viewer over the head with pop culture references. The show accurately captures a lot of the societal norms that seem out of place today when it comes to the lack of parental supervision that many of the kids benefit from. The subject matter is engaging, but the CGI creature feels out of place for this style of series. The show could have benefitted from slowing its pace towards the end, as it races towards conclusion far too rapidly.… Expand
  21. naph67
    Jul 20, 2016
    8
    Very enjoyable show. Felt like watching a mix of The Goonies and the Outer Limits. Took me back to the 80s several times. I'm usually very skeptical of children actors but the cast was great.
  22. ShaunLewis54
    Jul 23, 2016
    8
    A great 80's styled horror show, that has a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with interesting characters and great cinematography. a definite watch for any horror film , even for those that dont like horror either should give this a try.
  23. RickaHack
    Aug 8, 2016
    8
    En lo personal me parece buena serie ya que esta ambientada en los años 80´s la recomiendo a la gente que le gustan las series de suspenso o terror.
  24. reviewfrom19842
    Oct 8, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Stranger is an amazing show full with good acting, great charters and a interesting story

    Pros: the acting is amazing and even the kids go a good job In fact I think they did better then the adults, The charters are all likeable all fun to watch. The story was very good I was wounding were it was going to go like I had no idea they would "kill " one of the main charters in the 3rd episode. And when a charter dies you really care I was sad that Barb died and she only in the first 2 episode. That's good writing, it got me hooked to this show the very first minute.

    Cons: the over the top bully cliché is one of my least favorite cliché because it adds nothing to the story and can be easy written out and would not chance a thing. nothing else

    Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers  10/10
    Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street 8/10
    Chapter Three: Holly, Jolly  7/10
    Chapter Four: The Body 8/10
    Chapter Five: The Flea and the Acrobat 9/10
    Chapter Six: The Monster 9/10
    Chapter Seven: The Bathtub 10/10
    Chapter Eight: The Upside Down 10/10    … Expand
  25. SomePersona
    Jan 30, 2017
    8
    Stranger Things is a very entertaining show. It's very formulaic, but it is still gripping all of the time with its sparks of science fiction, fantasy, and even horror.
  26. 100tifiko
    Dec 31, 2017
    8
    La historia, la ambientación, los personajes, los dialogos, la fotografia, todo en esta temporada fue casi perfecto, la disfrute muchisimo, la vi en apenas unos días y a pesar que algun episodio me parecio tonto y forzado (ep. 5) el resto me convenció al 100% a lo mejor quitando el final en si que no me gustó demasiado.
  27. AllanBarbosa
    Aug 20, 2017
    8
    With one of the best soundtracks of all tv series, Stranger Things is a great and tense show, even though there are some script errors and unclear characters, the series besides all, is one of the top 10 best shows of 2016-2017.
  28. tomrchuchill02
    Nov 8, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A high-quality production with high-quality actors and really cool scenes, story wise i would say It could have been better, the first season had moments that I felt long… Expand
  29. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    8
    'Stranger Things' is fresh air, the production stands out with that 80s references.
  30. partyfavor
    Apr 25, 2018
    8
    A good show overall. Although maybe the hype of the people doesn't really help with uplifting the material itself. Not nearly perfect at all but the characters are lovable and the nostalgia it gives is special for me.
  31. GrantD243
    Jul 27, 2019
    8
    This was truly one of the biggest surprises of the year when I originally watched this, and it remains as one of my favorite seasons of sci-fi television ever.
  32. Fairbottom
    May 23, 2018
    8
    This show is so highly acclaimed that it should spur us to ask: should we annul all child labour laws?
  33. hornysoul
    Sep 22, 2018
    8
    A série não é perfeita, mas é bem trabalhada, emocionante e realmente sente-se a nostalgia dos clássicos anos 80. Algumas das atuações são OK, mas dá para ignorar essas falhas. Na maioria das vezes, a série deixou-me ansioso para ver os oito episódios o mais depressa possível.
  34. alphabetdisas
    Oct 14, 2018
    8
    Stranger things es un clasico d netflix,principalmente por su excelente historia que combina el mundo del misterio , horror y especialmente su enfoque en los protagonistas, para desarrollarlos y así atribuir a la serie nuevas posibilidades para completarse.

    Esta serie dividida en 2 temporadas, se desarrolla en hawkins en los 80s, la idea principal ronda de la desaparición de Will Byers,    Stranger things es un clasico d netflix,principalmente por su excelente historia que combina el mundo del misterio , horror y especialmente su enfoque en los protagonistas, para desarrollarlos y así atribuir a la serie nuevas posibilidades para completarse.

    Esta serie dividida en 2 temporadas, se desarrolla en hawkins en los 80s, la idea principal ronda de la desaparición de Will Byers, que desaparece cerca del bosque, en cuanto a la continuación de esta serie, el concepto se va desarrollando de maneras diferentes, que infoman sobre los otros personajes y permiten completar a la serie para comprender la en aspectos futuros, diferentes acontecimientos marcan a la serie para intentar agregar el suspenso, donde el desenlace soluciona el problema principal, es decir, will regresa. sta primera temporada se v beneficiada por l refuerzo en los momentos mas adecuados.

    La 2a temporada, desde mi perspectiva, se vio un poco menos tensa que la anterior, parece que los personajes han completado su desarrollo, sin embargo, si el propósito de la serie era forjar la inseguridad, no se ve tan potenciada en los capítulos anteriores a el glorioso final, si tuviera que darle una calificación a las temporadas individuales, le daría un 9.7 a la 2a y a la primera un 10, sin embargo no es una temporada con cosas vituperables, se desarrolla de una manera estable y desarrolla de manera espectacular a will, dando a vislumbrar el empeño d los creadores en reflejar los problemas del estrés traumatismo y creando a uno de los personajes mas misteriosos y temidos de la serie, el desolla mentes.

    Staranger things en verdades una serie que vale la pena, como un buen disco, merece ser vista y siendo un buen concepto para expandir, no es una serie de mas de 4 temporadas, como debe aprender a abstenerse de la escasez de ideas para arruinar a la serie como los simpson etc.

    Le doy una calificación final de 9.4 de 10.    … Expand
  35. AdrianOst07
    Jul 14, 2020
    8
    Definitely worth watching. The episodes get better as the atmosphere tension rises and as the plot builds up. I like the whole sci-fi scenario set in the 80's where sci-fi was popular and they picked the right decade to set it in. Even though it has the whole cliche of "US government making secret weapon in a secret lab" and "US making secret weapon to fight commies", They did well to makeDefinitely worth watching. The episodes get better as the atmosphere tension rises and as the plot builds up. I like the whole sci-fi scenario set in the 80's where sci-fi was popular and they picked the right decade to set it in. Even though it has the whole cliche of "US government making secret weapon in a secret lab" and "US making secret weapon to fight commies", They did well to make it different from other movies and shows who have set a similar scenario and whilst that was one of the focuses, it wasn't the only main focus in the show and the focused on the character development which I liked very much in this season.

    Overall, a series worth watching, you will not regret it.    … Expand
  36. glomman
    Feb 2, 2020
    8
    I initially thought that this would be a series that only relies on the nostalgia and the references to 80s popculture, but I was wrong. While the references are plentily available, the story can also stand on its own shoes and would make almost perfect sense even in a modern setting. That said, when watching other shows whose episodes are more than half an hour long, I am often in utterI initially thought that this would be a series that only relies on the nostalgia and the references to 80s popculture, but I was wrong. While the references are plentily available, the story can also stand on its own shoes and would make almost perfect sense even in a modern setting. That said, when watching other shows whose episodes are more than half an hour long, I am often in utter agony and pray that hopefully the episode will be over soon. Not with this series, though. Here you always want to know what's next, what's behind the corner, what's with all the characters and that's what I love about this series. The first season builds a solid base upon which Season 2 has built an even better experience.… Expand
  37. Fixer84
    Mar 16, 2023
    8
    It's usually easy to do well a first season of a television series, the problem basically takes over the following ones. But with Stranger Things we have a highly original product that scares, entertains and amuses at the same time. Simply great.
  38. Bo33y
    Jul 26, 2016
    7
    Interesting. The story is like reading a Dean Koontz or a Stephen King, but it plods instead of shocks and this is largely due its Super 8 investment from its child actors causing the dialogue too suffer and draw. I don't even know what that rating is, perhaps it is a PG13? However it using certain adult themes, makes it a 15? Although this clearly is not even close to R horror due to itInteresting. The story is like reading a Dean Koontz or a Stephen King, but it plods instead of shocks and this is largely due its Super 8 investment from its child actors causing the dialogue too suffer and draw. I don't even know what that rating is, perhaps it is a PG13? However it using certain adult themes, makes it a 15? Although this clearly is not even close to R horror due to it lacking.

    The story is worth the time as it is an interesting combination and mix of a few different recognizable films and books, making it into a relatively enjoyable series, the plot certainly carries it. If you can forgive some of that other super 8, and twilight.    … Expand
  39. Drekassn
    Aug 23, 2016
    7
    This was totally decent. It's not the amazing life-changing show that a lot of folks seem to be making it out to be, but I enjoyed it when I was watching it, and I'm glad I can say I've seen it. My personal favourite thing about the show was the wonderful characterization involved. Everyone (well, the main characters, at least) had such an excellent depth to them and I loved how they allThis was totally decent. It's not the amazing life-changing show that a lot of folks seem to be making it out to be, but I enjoyed it when I was watching it, and I'm glad I can say I've seen it. My personal favourite thing about the show was the wonderful characterization involved. Everyone (well, the main characters, at least) had such an excellent depth to them and I loved how they all felt very realistic and dynamic the whole way through. The mystery was compelling and, while it certainly borrowed elements from other films and stories, I didn't feel like it was obnoxious about it and it had enough of its own flavour. The ending was reasonably satisfying without being saccharine and leaving a few threads open to interpretation. While I wouldn't say the story was mind-blowing, it was an entertaining way to spend two evenings so that's certainly good enough for me.… Expand
  40. Thilus
    Jul 26, 2016
    7
    Nice tribute to the 80s and 90s TV shows. Starts off with a bang and keeps you entertained for 6 episodes (out of 8), and then spirals down a little. Last two episodes go from the 80s horror/thriller movies to the cheesy side of Hollywood, where everything has to end in a way that is equally predictable and improbable. For me the ending was really disappointing. I hoped for a stunner andNice tribute to the 80s and 90s TV shows. Starts off with a bang and keeps you entertained for 6 episodes (out of 8), and then spirals down a little. Last two episodes go from the 80s horror/thriller movies to the cheesy side of Hollywood, where everything has to end in a way that is equally predictable and improbable. For me the ending was really disappointing. I hoped for a stunner and all I got was a lousy cliffhanger. I'm probably going to watch the next season (which at this point is almost certain to be announced soon), but without the same excitement that got me to watch the first one.… Expand
  41. Dal_ReviewedDat
    Sep 28, 2016
    7
    It's alright. but I was recommended Stranger Things as a MUST SEE and how amazing it was. What it is is a deeply nostalgic hat tip to 80s adventure films, with an 80s monster to match. The score and acting are particularly good, the kids are fantastic - but Wryder is patient testing from the off, that's because I personally dont like her as an actress though.
    All in all, it's 8 good    It's alright. but I was recommended Stranger Things as a MUST SEE and how amazing it was. What it is is a deeply nostalgic hat tip to 80s adventure films, with an 80s monster to match. The score and acting are particularly good, the kids are fantastic - but Wryder is patient testing from the off, that's because I personally dont like her as an actress though.
    All in all, it's 8 good episodes of mystery and goonie like suspense. It's well polished, but in the final episodes and its conclusion I was left feeling it was incredibly un-original, perhaps it was meant to feel like a rehash mix of 80s classics, and originality wasn't desired. I can't give it 10 because it didn't live up to the hype, it wasn't scary once in 8hours (as it says HORROR on the genre) and if it wasn't for the kids acting abilities and the 80s setting, I dont think people would of sat through the season.

    Season 2... does it need it? No. The Duffer brothers have made a successful series, I truly hope we dont see this expand to 5 or 7 seasons that become as lost as LOST, or worst still, as painfully unguided and boring as the Walking Dead became after season 3 (I quit watching during S6)    … Expand
  42. JulianIncen
    May 5, 2019
    7
    Yes, there are a lot of references and cameos about 80's films that most people love, and I think that had an impact on new generations and people of that era. The fact that the protagonists are charismatic also contributes to this media boom that formed around the show.
  43. pjgs
    Oct 3, 2016
    7
    Stranger things isn't bad at all, and the directing is great, but it's nowhere close to the masterpiece that many claim it is, in any respect. The acting is good, the story is [mostly] good, and the soundtrack is good, but nothing ever really gets any better than that.
  44. TLHG
    Jul 23, 2016
    7
    Not a 'must watch it', but I if you do, you won't regret it! The show is very entertaining, it gets you hooked, and it is very easy to want/try to watch all episodes in one or two sittings. The show looks incredible, it's really well crafted, the cast, the cinematography, the pace, everything is put together very wisely and works really well. With two exceptions. One is the soundtrack.Not a 'must watch it', but I if you do, you won't regret it! The show is very entertaining, it gets you hooked, and it is very easy to want/try to watch all episodes in one or two sittings. The show looks incredible, it's really well crafted, the cast, the cinematography, the pace, everything is put together very wisely and works really well. With two exceptions. One is the soundtrack. That's a minor weakness of the show itself, but it's kind of annoying (a bunch o synth noises blended to resemble some 80s soundtracks, but really unnecessary; it kills the mood at some points - they should have gone with orchestra and weird noises only). Anyway, the soundtrack shouldn't keep anyone from watching it, so just keep it as a side-note.
    The other exception is the reason why this is not a 'must watch' and why it won't grow to be classic (at least if it keeps with the approach of s1). If you looked at other reviews you probably noticed that most of them describe Stranger Things as putting together the best of many things (Stephen Kings stuff, Spielberg's stuff, X Files, Super 8 etc). That's precisely what the show does, but, because of that, very early in the season you start having the following kind of experience: you are watching it, then something happens on the show and you thing "Oh cool, they're doing that Super 8 thing here'. A few minutes later, something else happens and you thing "Oh here's that Silent Hill kinda thing, interesting!" And that happens way too often (all the time actually) and you start to realize that for every event in the show you catch the reference/inspiration source, you already know the overall its resolution (because they will wrap up events very similarly as done in the film/series/game that served their inspiration source), As consequence, Stranger Things becomes very predictable and does not build anything on its own, it does not develop its own identity as a story. After all episodes, all you've watched is a bucket of great ideas that were already marvelously executed in the past, and although it is great to see them all coordinated into a single piece of work, it is not as great as watching them from the source.    … Expand
  45. abm0
    Jan 3, 2017
    7
    Pretty good, but also pretty cheesy throughout. They managed to make it interesting enough to want to follow to the end, but it has its share of eye-rolling moments. Even the little humoristic moments at times feel out-of-place. A lot about its paranormal premises is just beyond anything remotely credible and it's just dropped in your lap in a "take it or leave it" kind of way, which makesPretty good, but also pretty cheesy throughout. They managed to make it interesting enough to want to follow to the end, but it has its share of eye-rolling moments. Even the little humoristic moments at times feel out-of-place. A lot about its paranormal premises is just beyond anything remotely credible and it's just dropped in your lap in a "take it or leave it" kind of way, which makes it feel like the show wasn't really trying to get itself taken seriously (unlike the much better The OA).… Expand
  46. charlie888
    Aug 2, 2016
    7
    It was off to a good start but around the 5th episode the writers resorted to lame excuses for what were meant to be inevitable situations. No kid would challenge a little girl with superpowers even if a bromance was being threatened. When people find out the effing truth that could save everybody from certain death and destruction...YOU DON'T ATTEND A FAKE FUNERAL. And a whole bunch ofIt was off to a good start but around the 5th episode the writers resorted to lame excuses for what were meant to be inevitable situations. No kid would challenge a little girl with superpowers even if a bromance was being threatened. When people find out the effing truth that could save everybody from certain death and destruction...YOU DON'T ATTEND A FAKE FUNERAL. And a whole bunch of lameness which, frankly, surprises me that few seem to mind. 9.1 rating??? C'mon. I'm not saying it was a total disaster, but it can't be THAT good! The actors save the day. Kudos to them for not letting crappy scripts ruin their performance.… Expand
  47. sakshigoyal89
    Oct 10, 2016
    7
    The show was ok. I did not find it as amazing as everybody is saying it to be. Heavily inspired from other shows like Fringe. I was a bit disappointed when I watched the first episode as I had assumed it to be a horror show which isn't.

    But that being said, I liked the way character were portrayed and the pace at which story progresses. It nicely wraps up the things at the end.
  48. MiguelSoares14
    Apr 14, 2017
    7
    The drama and Horror could be better in this TV Show but in the end its a very solid one. Some characters could be better with only Mike, Eleven and Chief impressing me. Although, each episode makes you wanna watch more because of its interesting story and suspense.
  49. iamkakaindecent
    May 30, 2018
    7
    I was happy to have an end and not just a meaningless end to give continuity, this is expensive, it is a good series as far as possible.
  50. emmaAS
    Aug 19, 2018
    7
    It's cool but nothing from the other wold. We have seen these series concept a lot of times after this one. The 80s touch is amazing, we can't deny that.
  51. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 4, 2022
    7
    not surprising that the Duffer Brothers worked on Wayward Pines previously, as Stranger Things is a similar weird things in a small town premise. As already stated, the influences of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, John Carpenter and Wes Craven are easily recognized, but the film and filmmaker this reminds me the most of is Joe Dante's Explorers. Joe Dante was/is one of the biggest movienot surprising that the Duffer Brothers worked on Wayward Pines previously, as Stranger Things is a similar weird things in a small town premise. As already stated, the influences of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, John Carpenter and Wes Craven are easily recognized, but the film and filmmaker this reminds me the most of is Joe Dante's Explorers. Joe Dante was/is one of the biggest movie geeks turned director, and the Duffer Brothers are cut from the same cloth. Winona Ryder is top cast, but the real stars are the young cast of actors, from the main trio, El, and the high schoolers, across the board, they're all excellent. A special mention of the performance of character actor David Harbour as the police chief. I've seen him in supporting roles before, but he really shines as the haunted policeman. Just enjoy… Expand
  52. Ruzaky
    Jan 22, 2019
    7
    One of those town in the woods that got strange things happening. I love those stories. Also music is really good here.
  53. VincentLikesMov
    Sep 7, 2019
    7
    A bit sloppy in the way it tells its story but it pays off more-so than not. Good performances all around, especially from David Harbour.
  54. SabharishG
    Aug 12, 2021
    7
    Stranger things season 1 review U/A
    Starring Millie Bobby Brown,Finn Wolfhard,Noah Schlapp,Gaten Matarazzo
    Rating=3.5/5
  55. crnppscls
    Aug 6, 2016
    6
    It's great. The 80's stylising helps the yarn chug along quite merrily.
    I did binge on it and watch the eight episodes in one night, so there must be something good here.
    The series does borrow heavily from other movies which work for and against it, the characters are mostly likeable..... However........ In the first episode during Eleven's introduction, it dawned on me that her    It's great. The 80's stylising helps the yarn chug along quite merrily.
    I did binge on it and watch the eight episodes in one night, so there must be something good here.
    The series does borrow heavily from other movies which work for and against it, the characters are mostly likeable.....

    However........

    In the first episode during Eleven's introduction, it dawned on me that her whole character synopsis and back story had been lifted wholesale from Elfen Lied, even down to the relationship she has with her 'papa'

    All the goonies/super 8 stuff that people talk about was influential but Eleven herself was bordering on downright plagiarism and it spoilt it for me because i knew exactly what she could do and where she would end up halfway through the first episode.    … Expand
  56. ryeca
    Aug 3, 2016
    6
    A few good suspenseful moments and some great young actors, but overall pretty boring and too reliant on the mystery-reveal to be called "Spielberg-esque." Also, I think the 80's-synth-remake vibe peaked at Drive, so let's just all calm down or everything is going to be John Carpenter+M-83+neon signage or Souvenir typography from here on out. Stranger Things has two episodes of contentA few good suspenseful moments and some great young actors, but overall pretty boring and too reliant on the mystery-reveal to be called "Spielberg-esque." Also, I think the 80's-synth-remake vibe peaked at Drive, so let's just all calm down or everything is going to be John Carpenter+M-83+neon signage or Souvenir typography from here on out. Stranger Things has two episodes of content stretched over eight; too much style over substance, but if you binge watch that's not a bad deal.… Expand
  57. ScienceAdvisor
    Jul 18, 2016
    6
    Actual rating would be a 6.5/10 after having seen all eight episodes, unlike some that are reviewing after one or two.

    Stranger Things rides on music and props for the incessent claims that fill the reviews, of how nostalgic the show is. While it excels at achieving this in the music (11/10 for ambient, 10/10 on radio release), the rest is pure set-dressing. Once you realize that    Actual rating would be a 6.5/10 after having seen all eight episodes, unlike some that are reviewing after one or two.

    Stranger Things rides on music and props for the incessent claims that fill the reviews, of how nostalgic the show is. While it excels at achieving this in the music (11/10 for ambient, 10/10 on radio release), the rest is pure set-dressing. Once you realize that (towards the end of episode two for me), you begin to mentally filter the ambient (Carpenter-esque) mood music, leaving you with little to inspire actual nostalgia. The story falls *far* short from that mark, regardless of how promising it was the start. What seems like an interesting mix of classics, turns into a free-for-all, where anything and everything from the 80s seems to have been sourced. It would have been far better to pick two or three influences and just stick to those. The end result is something of a mess, and not nearly as satisfying as could have been hoped for at the start.

    The early episodes are so padded out that this should have been a six episode run, not eight. The characters are the purest cliches, and some of the set pieces were blatantly "borrowed", but without the gravitas that the originals became instant classics for (e.g. the Stand By Me kids walking down rail tracks). The entire last episode is a mix of Silent Hill and Alien, to the point where Netflix should be making sure that Fox does not own the IPRs to both of them. There is little the author/directors did not already use from the 80s which means the next season will have to start getting creative. Considering they did not show much creativity this season, I cannot expect it to hold this rating next year. That is unless chain smoking (even when not stressed), or continually calling a wrap regardless of the performance is now considered 'creative'.

    Also, disregard the claims of Goonies influence. Apparently the people claiming this did not pay attention to the fact that each Goonies was distinctly talented, required for the successful ending of the story, and most importantly, were fun. The kids in this one are nothing more than filler, unfortunately. Eleven is a speical case, and not one of the gang.

    Overall, it is watchable, though you can easily skip certain performances without losing any of the story. This season is a good time-waster, and could only be shown as on-demand so binge-watching with judicious use of fast forward (or skip) will allow you to minimize the padding. If it had been boiled down to six it probably would have been worth a 7.5.    … Expand
  58. underskyzx
    Aug 7, 2016
    6
    I watched 5 episode of it and it's very boring, I honestly hope it becomes better because the whole student love almost made me puke, kudos for the retro appearance and nice soundtrack, which is overly used, the music is good but seems they want to force a "moment" which ends up just being another void scene like the traditional end of criminal series, with happy ends and sentimentalI watched 5 episode of it and it's very boring, I honestly hope it becomes better because the whole student love almost made me puke, kudos for the retro appearance and nice soundtrack, which is overly used, the music is good but seems they want to force a "moment" which ends up just being another void scene like the traditional end of criminal series, with happy ends and sentimental music.

    5 episodes is a fair chance...I will continue to watch just to see what happens for now it just lacks substance. I remember when Marco Polo hold me since the first chapter, can't say the same about this one.    … Expand
  59. Kilrymont
    Jul 15, 2016
    6
    It's okay but it's not going to run away with whatever takes the place of Oscars for TV programmes. Ryder overacts heavily - which she's prone to do in most shows/movies she's in, but this one does require some extreme reaction to extreme circumstances. So perhaps it's forgiveable to some extent.

    The first couple of episodes drag by at a snail's pace, with some acceleration in    It's okay but it's not going to run away with whatever takes the place of Oscars for TV programmes. Ryder overacts heavily - which she's prone to do in most shows/movies she's in, but this one does require some extreme reaction to extreme circumstances. So perhaps it's forgiveable to some extent.

    The first couple of episodes drag by at a snail's pace, with some acceleration in subsequent offerings. The kid appeal thing is core interest here, with the youngsters being the main protagonists, the policeman and mother of the missing boy coming next. Most of the other characters are cardboard cutouts, without any particular demands on their acting skills.

    Interested to see how this one develops - will it make it into second/third seasons? I doubt it somehow - this is more like a tale that will run its course and that'll be that. Netflix isn't that quick with follow ups, see the time it took for the 2nd season of Marco Polo to materialise. We'll see.    … Expand
  60. ALtheKiller86
    Jul 29, 2016
    6
    Stranger Things, simply put, is a hipster litmus test. The plot doesn't feel written and developed as much as it feels copy & pasted from other (superior) films/shows/genres. If it had spent half the time coming up with its own identity as it did slavishly hearkening to its cinematic ancestors they might've cooked up something worthwhile. Instead its filled with obnoxious and forced "Oh IStranger Things, simply put, is a hipster litmus test. The plot doesn't feel written and developed as much as it feels copy & pasted from other (superior) films/shows/genres. If it had spent half the time coming up with its own identity as it did slavishly hearkening to its cinematic ancestors they might've cooked up something worthwhile. Instead its filled with obnoxious and forced "Oh I got that, I understood that reference" moments (I swear every character has an Evil Dead poster on their bedroom wall). The show feels like hanging out at the movie/cartoon/comic/video game t-shirt wall at Hot Topic. And, my god, Winona Ryder's character is unbearable. All she does is cry and tremble and whine ad nauseam. The show feels like a a series of stolen beats strategically plugged into an algorithmic D&D rulebook of banality. Won't ruin your afternoon, but it's not the second coming that everyone is claiming it is.… Expand
  61. BBC_Cuckold
    Aug 2, 2016
    6
    One week after watching the entire show I realized I had forgotten what happened.

    The show's first few episodes lag, but pick up. It is also rife with cliches. The shaved head girl is a clear knock off of Carrie and Ripley from Aliens among a host of other 'shaved head girls with powers' tropes. The show says it is "inspired" by many different elements but after a while, making an    One week after watching the entire show I realized I had forgotten what happened.

    The show's first few episodes lag, but pick up.

    It is also rife with cliches. The shaved head girl is a clear knock off of Carrie and Ripley from Aliens among a host of other 'shaved head girls with powers' tropes. The show says it is "inspired" by many different elements but after a while, making an entire show on borrowed ideas really loses its credibility after a while. Obviously 30+ hipsters will love the show... and it's a good show, don't get me wrong. There are just better shows out there. HBO has produced better.

    Even the characters tend to be played out... the alcoholic cop, crazy mom, yeah, been there, done that.    … Expand
  62. Forfithf
    Aug 29, 2016
    6
    This is good, but a long way off being great. I do wonder how appealing this show would be if it had a contemporary setting? I dont think i would have stuck with it to be honest. The core horror/sci-fi/fantasy element seemed very weak to me. The CGI effects were horribly out if place.Still, good acting, characterisation and a lot to appeal to children of the 80s such as myself.
  63. steveyme
    Sep 30, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Started quite well then went downhill. It's just the usual sci-fi pap that TV is ruthlessly efficient at creating. Nothing in this series will surprise you if you are over 20. No twists, everything can be seen coming a mile off. Cliche upon cliche: 'The man' conducting experiments, a nose that bleeds under stress, another darker reality, locks that broken by rocks, school bullies who come good, girls who fire guns better than the guys. Plenty of people will love this. I did not.… Expand
  64. DiogoOliveira
    Nov 24, 2017
    6
    Pecou pelo Excesso de cliché oitentista, vi referencia ate onde não deveria ter, uma serie que lembra documentários sobre filmes dos anos 80, a serie deveria ter um fechamento único na sua historia na primeira temporada. tirando a trilha sonora, as referencia, a serie não teria sua aclamação, além da serie não ter uma identidade própria, esta tudo perdido em referencia a outras obras, comoPecou pelo Excesso de cliché oitentista, vi referencia ate onde não deveria ter, uma serie que lembra documentários sobre filmes dos anos 80, a serie deveria ter um fechamento único na sua historia na primeira temporada. tirando a trilha sonora, as referencia, a serie não teria sua aclamação, além da serie não ter uma identidade própria, esta tudo perdido em referencia a outras obras, como Alien, ET, Poltergeist entre outros filmes do Steven Spielberg, a serie parece uma ejaculação de ideias do próprio Spielberg, não vemos nada de novo, e não veremos nas próximas duas temporadas, já que o que faz sucesso tem seu tempo de vida acentuado. Tudo é ruim? Não, tem a excelente química do elenco juvenil/infantil além do elenco adulto, mas o show aqui e do elenco mais jovem (coisa difícil de acreditar) tirando tudo dito, a serie seria apenas mais uma de muitas series ruins, nesse caso STRANGER THINGS tem coisa pra mostra, por mais que seja cliche demais da conta.… Expand
  65. Arthur_TSU
    Jan 15, 2018
    6
    Stranger things possui grandes qualidades, como os personagens bem criados e carismáticos, o clima de tensão bem feito e, até mesmo, a "loucura" do roteiro. Apesar disso, um gigante erro atrapalhou muito minha experiência, no caso, foi um grande conjunto de erros, que formou uma velocidade desagradável. Tudo bem o filme ser lento, mas tanta coisa podia ser mostrada nesse tempo, como oStranger things possui grandes qualidades, como os personagens bem criados e carismáticos, o clima de tensão bem feito e, até mesmo, a "loucura" do roteiro. Apesar disso, um gigante erro atrapalhou muito minha experiência, no caso, foi um grande conjunto de erros, que formou uma velocidade desagradável. Tudo bem o filme ser lento, mas tanta coisa podia ser mostrada nesse tempo, como o psicológico dos personagens, entre outras coisas. A enrolação acaba sendo inútil com várias conversas que não deixam os personagens mais legais, não trazem nenhum sentimento dos telespectadores, e podiam simplesmente serem cortadas que não fariam falta. É normal ter uma conversa casual, mas dá para fazer uma que pelo menos entretenha. Por causa dessa velocidade, eu não conseguia assistir mais de um episódio por dia e estava pensando que dar 5 para Stranger Things, mas aí chegou o episódio final e ele me surpreendeu. Eu fiquei me perguntando o porquê de tanta melhora, tinha diálogos casuais, PORÉM ELES ENTRETINHAM, acho que todos os outros eps deviam seguir essa fórmula de diálogo, que foi a melhor coisa do último ep. Muitas pessoas vão falar "O último ep melhorou tanto porque é o último ep, não tem como colocar os diálogos dele para o resto da série", e eu respondo: tem como. Muitas das vezes os diálogos são chatos, mas nesse último ep cada um deles era legal, não importa o assunto, cada um conseguiu entreter e o roteirista podia fazer isso nos outros eps, porque às vezes eles falam de assuntos inúteis, que nos outros eps são chatos, mas no último, até esses assuntos inúteis conseguiam entreter.

    Infelizmente, a série inteira não tem a mesma qualidade do último ep, então tenho que falar que a série é muito overrated. Ainda sim, eu recomendo essa série, porque é boa, então sai com um 6, que é uma boa nota. Assistam tendo em mente que é bastante maçante, mas tem umas boas sacadas durante a série, e principalmente no final.

    Primeira temporada: Completa.

    Segunda temporada: Ainda não assisti.    … Expand
  66. Dsros96
    Oct 30, 2018
    6
    This is a kind of a generic show. It's good but predictable and not risky at all.
  67. Lucas_t
    Dec 25, 2019
    6
    I think it was a reasonable first season. Not much risk but can please with good performances and script
  68. DudeManGuy
    Jul 18, 2016
    5
    Welcome to the internet where everything is either the worst or best thing ever. This show is interesting due to the subject matter, but the execution is merely serviceable. The writing, acting(OMG Winona, stop), and scene pacing are among the most amateurish I've experienced in this "golden age of TV" we are experiencing. There are no characters that you will grow to like. They are allWelcome to the internet where everything is either the worst or best thing ever. This show is interesting due to the subject matter, but the execution is merely serviceable. The writing, acting(OMG Winona, stop), and scene pacing are among the most amateurish I've experienced in this "golden age of TV" we are experiencing. There are no characters that you will grow to like. They are all just... there. You understand their motivations, but there is very little actual personality on display.

    The show also wears all of it's influences on its sleeve, making it feel like homage rather than something unique or vital. If you grew up with 80s horror movies, Akira, ET, etc. you are probably going to roll your eyes at just how on the nose some of this stuff is. The title credits are even in the same font as Stephen King's as it appears on many of his novels. Stranger Things > Stephen King. Get it? Overall, the show is completely watchable if you can handle some of the sub par elements.    … Expand
  69. MeritCoba
    Aug 8, 2017
    5
    I have to face the ire of my eldest daughter no doubt, -she swore Stranger Things was(is) a great series-, but I found it unsettling mediocre. The measure of the series can be taken from the opening scene. A man dressed in a white labcoat runs down a corridor with flashing lights looking over his shoulder at the empty corridor. He reaches an elevator and seems about to escape whatever heI have to face the ire of my eldest daughter no doubt, -she swore Stranger Things was(is) a great series-, but I found it unsettling mediocre. The measure of the series can be taken from the opening scene. A man dressed in a white labcoat runs down a corridor with flashing lights looking over his shoulder at the empty corridor. He reaches an elevator and seems about to escape whatever he is running from. He steps inside. The door closes. A low growl sounds. He screams.

    Now there is nothing against such an opening in itself. It is however unimaginative and the tropes run thick here. There is not one twist to make it unique or different. The title of the series seems almost a pun in this regard. Granted, it is not the tropes that is a hallmark of the mediocrity, tropes are fine, it is the sheer lack of the creativity in they way they are used.

    It doesn't stop there. Next up is a key scene. It is the macguffin that makes the thing go. A boy disappears while cycling home at night through the woods. More tropes. But what I found is baffling is this:. what parent will have the kid of another parent go through the woods alone at night? A woods that could be plagued by bears at least as later in the series it is argued that there might be a bear in the woods.

    Again this lack of thinking of a plot turn that is creative and inventive. It has to happen, but how? Oh just make him cycle alone, unattended, unchecked.

    And on goes the lackluster treadmill.

    At some point the evil government is introduced. The labmen are part of the Department of Energy or whatever and on we go to the next trope: government agents killing their own people for no plausible reason. It is made to look as a suicide, and the local authorities are too stupid to see that bullet put in his back and just accept that someone just kills himself for no reason at all. Again this lazy writing.

    Next is the next stupid thing. After a few disappearances someone should be aware that something must be up, but everyone seems totally oblivious to the fact that after a few people went missing, this being remarked by the chief as being so rare as not to have happened for decennia, more people go out alone at night to go missing.

    More lazy writing is to follow as the writing expands the evil government to include even the state troopers and at least one hospital and extends it across elf years. Of course the heroes stand alone against the might of the evil government and the monsters that manage to go about eating people without being spotted.

    At this time you wonder if the evil government has even palmed in the press for where is the press in all of this? But we can't have outsiders interfere and help out the lone chief and the kids battling the evil government agents and monsters.

    Nope.. we just ignore that no federals, no press, nobody will show up and ask questions.

    The power of the evil government expands as needed with the ability to eavesdrop on any conversation, tapping phones and what not. The town is plagued by a score of white vans announcing whom they belong to, spying on the citizens Even more lazy writing follows as the this same chief, a chubby smoking alcohol guzzling managers to knock out four evil government agents who threaten to find the kids hiding out in a junkyard.

    And on the show of lazy writing continues as the story struggles from one trope to the next lacking anything original or remarkable. There is more than enough of this in the series.

    I cannot help but wonder why people seem oblivious to the lazy writing, the lack of creativity and the flood of tropes that get cranked out. But then I should not be surprised. Ready Player One is another of those turds that have people entranced simply because it has stuff of the 80's in it. That it is yet another dull story of a boy that would be king goes unseen.

    Stranger Things is what it is: a lame series that somehow enthralls people with 80s stuff and gets given a pass on the lame writing because of it.

    Pity.    … Expand
  70. noirfx
    Jul 27, 2016
    5
    The biggest mystery of this show is how the hell it gets so overrated. Everything in it except the 80 's atmosphere is boring and what's worse, annoying. Characters made stupid decisions all the time, there is no plot twists or unexpected turns, you can easily predict the whore show after watching first 3 episodes. Acting is terrible most of the time, child acting looks silly, Winona isThe biggest mystery of this show is how the hell it gets so overrated. Everything in it except the 80 's atmosphere is boring and what's worse, annoying. Characters made stupid decisions all the time, there is no plot twists or unexpected turns, you can easily predict the whore show after watching first 3 episodes. Acting is terrible most of the time, child acting looks silly, Winona is overacting. 30% of the whole show is taken by love story that is lame and too cliched. CGI is pure garbage. At first I was intrigued, then I was disappointed, but watching 2 last episodes was torture. This show is cheap and dull, I'd never gave it rating more than 5 out of 10 and I would never suggested to watch it to anybody. This was complete waste of my time.… Expand
  71. weirdcryo
    Aug 16, 2016
    5
    Despite all the things copied from a lot of other things there is quality that we all expect from a Netflix show, considering it that it also has all the problems that Netflix shows are known from.
  72. Daniel_Daniel
    Oct 11, 2016
    5
    I was disappointed. Given the very high reviews, I was expecting something great, but it is only mediocre. Story is not original and full of holes. Sure the 80s nostalgia is great and the Goonies feel is awesome, but the same elements could have been used in a much better story.
  73. anjinsan
    Jul 20, 2016
    5
    What could anyone like about this predictable bag of clichees? It literally contains EVERYTHING you could see in the sci-fi genre in the past 30 years. EVERYTHING, and it's mashed up together and spread over an extremely basic and easy to follow plot. It provides no fresh outlook towards teen romance or government secrets and it just doesn't seem plausable and true. It's like it really isWhat could anyone like about this predictable bag of clichees? It literally contains EVERYTHING you could see in the sci-fi genre in the past 30 years. EVERYTHING, and it's mashed up together and spread over an extremely basic and easy to follow plot. It provides no fresh outlook towards teen romance or government secrets and it just doesn't seem plausable and true. It's like it really is from the 80's.… Expand
  74. NJMC_
    May 11, 2017
    5
    Predictable and at some times, slow and boring. I really feel like I am in a television show, the way people are so into a show that is sub-par. Nothing original, high use of cliche' situations with the various characters involved.
  75. andrewbrown
    Sep 3, 2016
    5
    Stranger Things holds the same value to me as Tron Legacy or Transformers.
    It is a background show, that provides a good ambiance to the room, but is
    devoid of any compelling story telling.

    The abundance of child acting mixed with DnD and Star Wars references in cringful.
    The moaning mother is annoying.

    You want a better show to watch? Watch Season 1 of Wayward Pines.
  76. Filmix16
    Oct 5, 2019
    5
    Je crois que cette série est un événement dans les séries de sience-fiction. Les acteurs sont tous très bon dans leur rôle et colle bien aux caractéristiques des personnages. La disparition de Will arrive un peut trop vite pour moi, ils auraient dû la mettre au deuxième épisode. Millie Bobby Brown ( 011 ) donne une performance incroyable tout comme Winona Ryder ( Joyce ) et David Harbour (Je crois que cette série est un événement dans les séries de sience-fiction. Les acteurs sont tous très bon dans leur rôle et colle bien aux caractéristiques des personnages. La disparition de Will arrive un peut trop vite pour moi, ils auraient dû la mettre au deuxième épisode. Millie Bobby Brown ( 011 ) donne une performance incroyable tout comme Winona Ryder ( Joyce ) et David Harbour ( Hopper ). Si on mais appare les quelques effets moyennement réussi et les mort réticule c’est une des meilleurs séries que j’ai vu.… Expand
  77. funnymystical
    Sep 15, 2022
    5
    weak writing
    weak characters
    weak cgi
    weak promotion
    weak realism
    weak horror
  78. ComandanteCobra
    Sep 19, 2016
    4
    I find it a little hollow.
    Certainly isn’t a bad production , but I find it linear and predictable.
    This dullness it is not caused by old school tv homages but it is caused by one dimensional characters laking interiority and growth....the fact that almost all of the "thriller" sequences are easily spotted way before they happens on screen...some plot holes....some overacting. 80's    I find it a little hollow.
    Certainly isn’t a bad production , but I find it linear and predictable.
    This dullness it is not caused by old school tv homages but it is caused by one dimensional characters laking interiority and growth....the fact that almost all of the "thriller" sequences are easily spotted way before they happens on screen...some plot holes....some overacting.
    80's reference are there but aren't well integrated into the story and they feels inessential.. so they did not trigger a Nostalgia Effect on me    … Expand
  79. Kool4Kats
    Jul 17, 2016
    4
    Pays homage to the 1980's movies which featured science fiction themes and young kids. Also shows like "Eerie Indiana" and "Twilight Zone" were big influences. As far as the acting goes, it is generally good except for Winona Ryder who is constantly shrieking her lines and brings the entire production down.
  80. pwholmes
    Aug 4, 2016
    4
    I watched this show due to the positive buzz it's gotten (including the ratings from this very site), but given the high expectations I had as a result, I found Stranger Things to be profoundly disappointing.

    The show is simplistic enough that you can completely sum it up with a short mathematical equation: Stranger Things = (Poltergeist + Super 8)/10. It's completely unoriginal and    I watched this show due to the positive buzz it's gotten (including the ratings from this very site), but given the high expectations I had as a result, I found Stranger Things to be profoundly disappointing.

    The show is simplistic enough that you can completely sum it up with a short mathematical equation: Stranger Things = (Poltergeist + Super 8)/10. It's completely unoriginal and vastly inferior to its obvious "inspirations", if one may be gracious enough to call them such. "Total ripoff" is the phrase that comes more easily to my mind.

    Other than the visual effects, which are actually surprisingly good, the show is inferior in every respect: writing, directing, casting, music... you name it. The acting is especially atrocious. In particular Winona Ryder is simply unbearable. I always want to like her, but she always lets me down. In this case almost every scene she's in consists of her constantly shrieking, to the point where I want to reach for the mute button whenever she's on-screen. Many of the other actors are children so maybe it's a little harsh to be too hard on them -- but other shows and films have proven that it is possible to find quality child actors, and in this case, frankly, they did not. With just one exception (the gap-toothed kid) the young actors all pretty much stink. Sorry, kids.

    The soundtrack has also been getting a lot of buzz, but I have to believe that's just nostalgia talking. It literally sounds like it was composed on a vintage Casio keyboard. That fact alone seems to be enough to make many people absolutely love it. I, on the other hand, would also have liked the music to be... you know... good. It isn't. It sounds like something your 10-year-old nephew came up with. Sure, he worked hard on it and you have to tell him it's great, but let's be honest: you can't wait for him to stop playing.

    They were obviously going for 80's nostalgia in this show and I think that objective is what people are responding to. If you have very low standards, you might enjoy this show just for the atmosphere it tries (IMO unsuccessfully) to achieve. But If you're looking for that sort of thing, you're much better off renting Super 8 instead and sparing yourself many hours of disappointment.    … Expand
  81. Minaseminatorel
    Aug 27, 2016
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Strangest Things is one of those shows that exhibits clichés upon clichés. This is a series that brings nothing interesting to the table and for some reason it's universally acclaimed. The character development is beyond atrocious, you don't even care about the kid that goes missing which is also the MAIN plot of this TV show, you don't know anything about him, except when the show tells the viewer "Oh alright, now you need to know this, here's a flashback of something, because you know, you better know this right NOW!" feels so plastic and unnatural altogether.

    This shows utilizes one of the cheapest tricks in the book, using children to try to make the viewer feel pity, or uncomfortable, or try to steal them a sad emotion, how people never address this child exploits in TV shows, is beyond me.

    Eleven is one of the worst characters in Strangest Things, and also one of the most important ones, her story revolves around telekinesis experiments, and she barely talks, she's one of those characters that are "great characters" because she has supernatural powers, really? that's it? how original...

    All in all Strangest Things is a disappointing and mediocre in general, that's why I'll give it a 4, exploiting the cheapest tricks in the book to make the audience feel something is horrible, the main plot is ridiculous, the monster is cheesy, and the character development is weak. But still it can be entertaining to the weak minded.    … Expand
  82. JUSTsMoE
    Nov 4, 2016
    4
    The plot is incredibly shallow. The show is a loveletter to the the 80's. That's about it. It's honestly the most overrated show i have ever seen.So don't bother unless you want to dwell in nostalgia.
  83. hopippolla
    Dec 28, 2016
    4
    If Stranger Things were a 3 part series with 20 minutes episodes, I think it might've been good.
    My main problem was with the characters and acting.
    After the second episode, the kids stop being cute, and every time there is a joke between them it feels extremely forced. The whole thing seemed too artificial for me to get inside the story and actually root for the characters or to let    If Stranger Things were a 3 part series with 20 minutes episodes, I think it might've been good.
    My main problem was with the characters and acting.
    After the second episode, the kids stop being cute, and every time there is a joke between them it feels extremely forced.
    The whole thing seemed too artificial for me to get inside the story and actually root for the characters or to let the story take me wherever it wanted.
    Suddenly, you find yourself surrounded by 80s references but without content and/or creativity to actually keep you engaged with the story.
    Just boring and easily forgetful.    … Expand
  84. bradcheng
    Aug 2, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I only manage to accomplish that by "purge watching." It's my new term. It's the opposite of "binge watching" where you're apparently so enraptured by a show you can't stop watching. "Purge watching" is when you can't wait for a series to be over, so you use the fast forward button during the throw-away, tempo-killing scenes. A number of critics thought 8 hours devoted to the somewhat thin story of "Stranger Things" was excessive. I was thinking about the story in my head, and if it hadn't been given the soap opera drag out treatment, condensed down to a 2-hour movie it would have been even worse -- exposing more clearly the basic silliness and retread plot. The watered-down tempo helped what otherwise would have been Cream of Condensed Crap. You could claim running the same old numbers is in the name of "homage" or you could argue there's really not a lot of new ideas in the show. It's okay. But everyone seems to need to think they've found the next big buzz word (most of the times those are websites angling to stir up excitement) when maybe they've found an okay little show. Which is what Stranger Things is to me: an okay little show. From the first scene where the scientists get pulled upward into the elevator, dangled by an unseen beast, I went "ho hum." Like I haven't see that visual in a million monster films. An old clever show like the X-Files would have had a pair of eyes creepily material in the wall of an elevator and then maybe the doors close and a scream. That show as extremely creative at coming up with original ideas and images -- which is why it was a great show. But immediately I wasn't that impressed with the "Duffer Brothers" mise en scene. I need more "things I've never seen before" from Sci-fi. And little touches like the elevator scene are where true originals and moderate talents separate themselves.
    I nearly bailed completely on the series. Episode 3&4 were sluggishly directed by Shawn Levy, who is pretty much an incompetent as a stylist. By episode 4, it has completely lost the "vintage feel" and leaning on the influences of contemporary cable: Let's play a moving piece of rock music over a montage of the different actors staring thoughtfully into space. The music swells... It's the HBO Method of audience intercourse. A directorial cliche. Sorry, but this doesn't have the "feel" of a 70s or 80s production at all, maybe a bit in the opening episode or two, but it pretty much is quickly replaced by a run-of-the-mill cable show feel. Vintage Spielberg always had a very kinetic feel. 70s and early 80s films were riffing off the vibe of Altman, Pennebaker, Penn, but sanitizing them a bit and joking them up. The vibe of this series is probably closest in spirit to the lousy cheapie Steven King films, and not in a good way. It's a leaden feel. I'm still skeptical of the "tribue" aspect of this show The Winonna"Poltergiest" ripoff/tribute is the worst bit so far. So stupid. Where's the dwarf psychic? As I also noted they managed to pay "homage" to "Under the Skin" :Alien" "The Twilight Zone: and "Pan's Labyrinth" That's nostalgia? Hmmm. Honestly, is this really a tribute or is just the ultimate recycling job. If your pose a show as a tribute (and make sure to let people know up front to cover your tracks) does that eradication the icky "borrowing." I think a couple of producers (the Duffers you would assume) sat down and saidL "Yeah, I like the kid with powers from FireStarter, let's use that. (And also I hadn't gotten to the part where they even steal David Keith's nosebleeds from "Firestarter" at the time of my last comment) And the kids from "It". The whole kid thing from King. "Alien" was a great movie. How about goo? And we'll stay away from the afterlife and just make it a portal to another dimension...." Add Shaw Levy's teleplay staging (someone should let him know the camera moves) and it's all a bit snoozy. By the way, I also notice that the Duffer Brothers didn't write the series. They farmed out the episodes to a bunch of writer. Right there, their auteur status goes down the drain, IMO.    … Expand
  85. TBall
    Aug 2, 2016
    3
    Welcome to ET meets Stephen King via The Breakfast Club. Nothing but ideas stolen from better films and shows. Winona Ryder has one level, manic turned up to eleven (no pun intended) and never dials it back. The kids are good but this is crap.
  86. EludiumQ36
    Aug 4, 2016
    2
    Wow, this User Review section is full of SHILLS! Anyone gushing that this is great and rates it 9 or 10 is out and out lying. This is a boring, slow-paced Goonies / X-Files rip-off that features Winona Ryder having a nervous breakdown episode after episode. So it's an awful combination of boring and aggravating. It's 8-eps long, about 50 long drawn out minutes each, and was clearlyWow, this User Review section is full of SHILLS! Anyone gushing that this is great and rates it 9 or 10 is out and out lying. This is a boring, slow-paced Goonies / X-Files rip-off that features Winona Ryder having a nervous breakdown episode after episode. So it's an awful combination of boring and aggravating. It's 8-eps long, about 50 long drawn out minutes each, and was clearly designed to watch as a VERY long movie rather than as a satisfying episode-by-episode serial. But seriously, you can feel yourself age due to the oh so slow pacing. Don't believe the shills and don't waste your time.… Expand
  87. CateTr
    Feb 10, 2018
    2
    This is a very good show because it has Horrid Henry story in it and basically that means its a rip off of horrid henry 2/10 the 2 is for horrid henry
  88. f2250255
    Aug 7, 2016
    2
    I don't know. I wanted to like it but the cliché characters and their cliché dialogues are too much to try to ignore. You got the same characters from every film here. It's like ET meets some common thriller meets It Follows meets Goonies. I mean there is Chunk (the fat stressed out kid), token, the smart leader kid that is perfect and beyond his intelligence level, bullying at school, theI don't know. I wanted to like it but the cliché characters and their cliché dialogues are too much to try to ignore. You got the same characters from every film here. It's like ET meets some common thriller meets It Follows meets Goonies. I mean there is Chunk (the fat stressed out kid), token, the smart leader kid that is perfect and beyond his intelligence level, bullying at school, the sister that is involved with a jock trying to get some action, the drunk cop guy who lives alone because of some marriage break up ...... zzzzzzzzz so done. OH but an 80s score and theme makes it hipster so now its new and creative ? zzzzz Foff give me a break how much BS can one deal with seriously. I get it, if some Silver Lake/ Echo Park hipster saw this then, yes, I understand that it will be successful because hipsters never lived in the 80s so now they are obsessed and super cut they didnt llive in the best era, but for the rest of us who did live the 80s this show S U C K S...… Expand
  89. reelsight
    Aug 2, 2016
    1
    Winona Ryder came back from no where to display her lame, wooden acting technique. The acting and script are so hackneyed in the first episode, I couldn't continue watching. Don't know how anyone could give this stinker a postive review.
  90. darkrock999
    Aug 8, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It had so much potential and they butchered them and instead we get to see a bunch of cliches that we could see a mile away which is the first of many problems. Another big problem is the character development which is a joke! I have not lived a long Life yet but it is still a bad sign if I say that the character development is the worst that I've seen and Will Byers is a great example of that. What I mean is that most adults and even less kids would make it out completely sane but not in this show! In the end he acted like nothing happened to him.

    This show was also afraid to kill anyone. I mean by the end of this show every good guy made it to the end. I was almost hoping for something bad to happen just so we could have one emotional moment. They attempted to have one moment when Eleven sacrificed herself (No,as far as we know she did not die since the hint at the end of the show.) but then Three month later no one that was with her the most even cared.

    The fourth biggest problem is the bad guys and I have to say that the bad guys are the biggest joke of them all. All that the writers revealed was that they do these things to compete with Soviet but would it not be interesting if the main villain revealed that he did it for another reason? But no,they killed him off. They could easily make the good guys surround the villain and to save his skin he would reveal why he did what he did but no.
    I could go on but I will say why it at least got one score,they managed to keep it exciting.    … Expand
  91. Gustavito
    Feb 13, 2017
    1
    There were only 2 of the 20 characters I remotely wanted to watch. The other 18, starting with a very whiny Winona, and including brat kids trying to be cute, were painful. I don't sit in front of the tube to be irritated.

    Crappy plot: even if one tries to suspend belief and go with the flow, there are too many inconsistencies that do not add up logically.
  92. Artas
    Apr 8, 2017
    1
    There is nothing new in this!.
    maybe some say it nostalgiacal but problem is in this process of show. story become repetitious and after e3 or 4 !! it lost any advantage to making a greate show and become surprising .
    because slowly you gone to have this fill (or maybe just me !!) the story gone end well and all problems resolved Without any special cost. for start is notbad . but    There is nothing new in this!.
    maybe some say it nostalgiacal but problem is in this process of show. story become repetitious and after e3 or 4 !! it lost any advantage to making a greate show and become surprising .
    because slowly you gone to have this fill (or maybe just me !!) the story gone end well and all problems resolved Without any special cost.

    for start is notbad . but for nex seasons this way is not somthing can use all the potential.    … Expand
  93. Mojo1972
    Jul 4, 2019
    1
    If you liked Harry Potter, you'll love Stranger Things.
    If you thought Harry Potter would've at least been watchable had he developed a blow habit then you'll probably strongly dislike Stranger Things.

    I thought Harry Potter was pure dogshiite.
  94. AryamanS
    Feb 16, 2017
    0
    Overrating shows has a limit and STRANGER THINGS has crossed it. From the characters, to the grim settings and the dark story line. Though, the performances are top notch. I would not suggest this as 'must-see TV'.
  95. Max_Headroom
    Jul 26, 2016
    0
    Not good. Am I the only person that things this show was horrible? I never write reviews for movies, but seeing all the glowing reviews, I had to put my two cents in. I watched Stranger Things over the weekend. I can't mince words, this movie sucked! Winona Rider is terrible!!! No one has even spoken about her since she stole that stuff from that store. It has B and C list actors. TheNot good. Am I the only person that things this show was horrible? I never write reviews for movies, but seeing all the glowing reviews, I had to put my two cents in. I watched Stranger Things over the weekend. I can't mince words, this movie sucked! Winona Rider is terrible!!! No one has even spoken about her since she stole that stuff from that store. It has B and C list actors. The plot and dialog are so lame. The arguing between the young boys is dumb. The scientist and the people that work at the lab and their relationship with the girl and the back story is just stupid.… Expand
  96. KyleBroflovski
    Aug 3, 2016
    0
    I'm truly baffled as to why anyone thinks this show is good even in the slightest. Maybe nostalgia has clouded our judgement. This show is terrible, apart from the soundtrack, which is phenomenal, there's nothing good about this show. It's a really bad show that heavily copies elements from a lot of movies and tv shows.
  97. benjaminoteko
    Aug 5, 2016
    0
    I do not understand why the hype is so much. This series is very predictable and uses all the clichés we expect in such films. I do not see anything ground-breaking in this TV show and I guess people like it because they haven't been exposed to great TV show.
  98. mariaj21
    Oct 31, 2017
    0
    Everything love in the story, except that the kids are using too much profane language unnecessarily. I'll give a 9 out of 10 just for the language used for the kids.
  99. johnpaulwhois
    Dec 1, 2017
    0
    Even though it is only 9 episodes in the second season, Stranger Things is incredible from the surprising plot, to the incredible actors. Stranger Things is a show everyone should watch.
    The child actors in this show are incredible and they surprise me with every episode. Also the plot writers did such an amazing job; you will always be wanting more. This is definitely a show I would    Even though it is only 9 episodes in the second season, Stranger Things is incredible from the surprising plot, to the incredible actors. Stranger Things is a show everyone should watch.
    The child actors in this show are incredible and they surprise me with every episode. Also the plot writers did such an amazing job; you will always be wanting more. This is definitely a show I would push anyone too watch. Just take a few hours out of your life and delve into this show. Believe me you will not regret it.    … Expand
  100. MyNameIsTristan
    Jan 5, 2018
    0
    Totally loved this season, first day I watched the first ep I was addicted until the end, I re-watched it quite a lot too, but the newer season sadly didn't amuse me as much, it was just like they watered down the show and just added too much of what they didn't need. I want the characters to be the same you know? They all sorta changed.
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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best TV Season of 2016
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
15
#15 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Aug 16, 2016
    80
    This is astoundingly efficient storytelling, eight hours that pass in a blink, with even minor characters getting sharp dialogue, dark humor, or moments of pathos.
    Read full review
  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Lenika Cruz
    Jul 26, 2016
    60
    There’s a higher bar for original stories--even homages--to clear when it comes to incorporating the lessons Hollywood has learned recently about depicting female characters who are as layered as their male counterparts. For all its charms, Stranger Things doesn’t quite meet that standard.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Molly Eichel
    Jul 22, 2016
    80
    You'll turn on the first episode and mysteriously find yourself sitting in the same spot on your couch eight episodes later, never having moved an inch.
    Read full review
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