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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User Reviews

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  1. Arfington
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    Another brilliant, A+ show from Netflix. You can tell it was made with love. Likeable characters, great actors and some genuinely frightening scenes, all wrapped up in 80's nostalgia.
  2. Killercaden
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is amazing!!! Im already watching the first season again. This show is the perfect Thriller and sci-fi show. Maybe even a little horror also.… Expand
  3. Robsferic
    Aug 11, 2016
    9
    If you want to watch something entertaining and powerful, this is the show for you. A great direction and cast makes this love letter to the 80s a wonderful series to watch. I can only recommend everyone, even those not fans of the genre, to support this great creation.
  4. Simonsays42
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    If your idea of a good show is Spongebob Squarepants, or your favorite movie is Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, then WARNING! Do not watch this!
    Everyone else, on the other hand, should watch this and have a great time. Awesome Show. It's not "Game of Thrones" awesome, but it's just a darn good time from start to finish.
  5. SaintOzz
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    I have to say I have been loving the quality of some of the recent TV series. It seems that Stranger Things has been crafted with a lot of love for the genre and story. The character interactions for the most part are right on and believable for the time. Juliette Lewis tends to annoy me but she is passable with most other characters being very good in their roles. The editing of theI have to say I have been loving the quality of some of the recent TV series. It seems that Stranger Things has been crafted with a lot of love for the genre and story. The character interactions for the most part are right on and believable for the time. Juliette Lewis tends to annoy me but she is passable with most other characters being very good in their roles. The editing of the episodes is first rate. You will be hooked by the first ep or so and cant wait to see the next episode if you are like me. I like how the stupid boyfriend is not your usual one note dummy but he is shown evolving into a more complex role than most one note tv written young males - very nuanced and well done IMHO. And that is just one example, the rest of the characters in the series inhabit their roles with ease and ring true in the way they act. There are suspense elements that are almost dare I call on the trope legend Hitchcockian in their well done pacing. I find horror movies that transmit dread to be some of the better ones as anyone can do lots of fake blood and STs pulls this technique off brilliantly. There will be times you wont know exactly what direction the series is going and that is a sign of good mystery so lots of good film making techniques go into this first rate production. Treasure this series as it is an unusual tv gem that will certainly grow on you.… Expand
  6. Seubricio
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    Photography, script, soundtrack, production and characterization of the characters, everything was perfect. Can not wait for next season. Thank you Netflix.
  7. dancewithoutme
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    It is quite difficult to describe how spectacular this series is in words, really. There are so many nods to other great sci-fi series and movies, but instead of just referencing them, they weave them in such a wonderful, magical way to tell a wonderful central story, weaving in several subplots along the way that make the series feel so vital and new. It's not perfect, from my ownIt is quite difficult to describe how spectacular this series is in words, really. There are so many nods to other great sci-fi series and movies, but instead of just referencing them, they weave them in such a wonderful, magical way to tell a wonderful central story, weaving in several subplots along the way that make the series feel so vital and new. It's not perfect, from my own perspective, but I think this deserves a perfect score in just how great of a story it tells. The primary story and message the series has conveyed over 8 episodes is perfect, even if it is imperfectly told.… Expand
  8. ke3bz
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    From the first episode, there was an addictive intensity but also an attractive lightness to this show that quickly wrapped me tightly in its old-school charm with its brand new take. From cinematography to SFX, there was never a moment that took me out of the pulse of this show and not one character that didn't add to the whole. I was on the edge of my seat, I was laughing, I was cryingFrom the first episode, there was an addictive intensity but also an attractive lightness to this show that quickly wrapped me tightly in its old-school charm with its brand new take. From cinematography to SFX, there was never a moment that took me out of the pulse of this show and not one character that didn't add to the whole. I was on the edge of my seat, I was laughing, I was crying and at the end I was absolutely astonished by the quality of what I had just watched.… Expand
  9. JamesVonDoom
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    This show is really a "one in a million" kind of show. While watching this show, I felt apart the their world. I went on a journey with cast. Aside from all the wonder, this show proves that nostalgia does not mean reboot.
  10. kevinjc13
    Aug 8, 2016
    9
    It teeters on the fine line of plagiarism and inspiration. For the most part, all the inspired motifs and themes from Spielberg and King are to the betterment of the show. If you're going to judge it on it's inspirations and claim that it's borrowing too much, then you're going to hate the show. However, if you watch it as an independent show and not give a **** about it's influences thenIt teeters on the fine line of plagiarism and inspiration. For the most part, all the inspired motifs and themes from Spielberg and King are to the betterment of the show. If you're going to judge it on it's inspirations and claim that it's borrowing too much, then you're going to hate the show. However, if you watch it as an independent show and not give a **** about it's influences then you'll love it. I think it's bringing enough 'new' to the table and it's goddamn entertaining...… Expand
  11. 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.
  12. AljosaO
    Aug 14, 2016
    9
    If you are looking for horror, monsters, great 80s homages, amazing acting, directing and writing be sure to watch The Duffer brothers' TV series debut, Stranger Things. Due to great internet popularity(and overall greatness!), we can already call it an instant cult classic.

    The series, which gets its inspiration from 80s fantasy and horror film(and book) hitmakers like John Carpenter,    If you are looking for horror, monsters, great 80s homages, amazing acting, directing and writing be sure to watch The Duffer brothers' TV series debut, Stranger Things. Due to great internet popularity(and overall greatness!), we can already call it an instant cult classic.

    The series, which gets its inspiration from 80s fantasy and horror film(and book) hitmakers like John Carpenter, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Stephen King is set in a fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. On the surface, the premise seems simple(ish) and quite familiar. A group of young friends battle a big monster, which is a result of conspiracy-like military experiments. But the show is much much more.

    Stranger Things starts immediately, with the cold open. It features series' main plot device - mysterious disappearance of Will Byers. Ever since then, the story has been fast moving, interesting, but at the same time just enough careful to explore the characters(and their development). It follows different people, whose storylines become combined in the end.

    The show benefits from great performances. On the one hand, we have an experienced, older cast members(Winona Ryder's performance as a single mother who is trying(despite everyone and everything against her) her best to find her missing son is deep and equally amusing, David Harbour is there as a anti-pole to Ryder's character, as a warm, but calm police chief) and on the other, we have less-experienced cast, who all gave a moving and original performances(especially Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, whose chemistry is special, to say the least)
    .
    Though not renewed(yet)-I wonder what would the show do for its sophomore season. It left itself an open door to continue the same story, on the other hand, the Hawkins storyline seems to be(at least for now) concluded.

    However, that does not really matter. Stranger Things is more than just a great refreshing summer watch, its a deep and meaningful series, which deserves wide(r) recognition    … Expand
  13. Said01
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    One word: Nostalgia. It takes me back to the 80s and i love it. Back when kids communicate trough walkie-talkies and not smart phones and when we went biking trough the woods with friends, not search for a Pokemon on your own. It's a good story and I enjoyed it. It had everything the classic sci-fi/horror movies used to have.
  14. EpsilonSigmaMu
    Aug 12, 2016
    10
    The acting, the cinematography, the writing and pacing, the directing, and the killer music are all the key qualities of this short, sweet, amazingly produced love letter to the timeless sci-fi and mysteries of the 70's and 80's. Do yourself a favor, it's not a long show. Just bloody watch it.
  15. wael_marawi
    Aug 15, 2016
    10
    Best show ever. Everything about this show is amazing: the cast, the Duffer Brothers, the score, the story, the 80s nostalgia. It is fantastic; the kids were great, and the combination of mystery, horror, adventure, comedy, romance, and grief is perfect. I really enjoyed the show so much.
  16. Shaqfu75
    Aug 24, 2016
    10
    Great new netflix show that has an exciting plot and excellent acting... especially from the kid actors they all were believable .....,...., 10/10!!!!
  17. kmom5
    Aug 18, 2016
    10
    Perfection. Capturing everything that was great about film in the 80's. Stunning visually... like it stepped out of time. This is great story-telling. Completely engaging from the opening scene to the ending credits.
  18. LoyalMonster
    Aug 19, 2016
    10
    Amazing show! ii waiting for season 2!! it left us on a cliff hanger~!! we must know!! Bring us season two! this show i highly recommend to everyone to watch!
  19. ecrankshaw
    Aug 21, 2016
    10
    Ambitious and excellent. And a great blast of nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the '80's. Completely binge-worthy; fingers-crossed for a sequel. Great casting, movie-caliber cinematography.
  20. joaobeltrao
    Aug 22, 2016
    10
    One of the best tv shows I've seen. It really is "must see tv". The story is great, the acting is great, from both kids and adults and the series duration (8 episodes for Season 1) is just right.
  21. reviewer101
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    Ugh! I LOVE this show! Watching it for the second time as I write this. The acting in this show is superb and I'm blown away with how awesome it's filmed. I recommend this show to EVERYONE! One of my favorite shows!!!!
  22. gameoakesy
    Sep 4, 2016
    10
    I had been looking for a to show to watch ever since game of thrones s6 finished but couldn't seem to find one that caught my interest,then I found "stranger things".I watched the first episode and straingt away I was hooked.The whole atmosphere that the show creates is amazing,it felt like I was watching "et" or "the goonies" for the first time.An amazing show that I would recommend toI had been looking for a to show to watch ever since game of thrones s6 finished but couldn't seem to find one that caught my interest,then I found "stranger things".I watched the first episode and straingt away I was hooked.The whole atmosphere that the show creates is amazing,it felt like I was watching "et" or "the goonies" for the first time.An amazing show that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a sci fi adventure full of twists and turns.… Expand
  23. ladyady34
    Sep 11, 2016
    10
    This show was an absolute hit at our home. Our family loves science fiction movies. We also love to be scared. With two adults, a fifteen year old who isn’t impressed by anything and a 10 year old who will watch any scary thing you put in front of her (think X Files or My Haunted House) this show had all of us hooked by the end of the first episode. We were just so excited to see WinonaThis show was an absolute hit at our home. Our family loves science fiction movies. We also love to be scared. With two adults, a fifteen year old who isn’t impressed by anything and a 10 year old who will watch any scary thing you put in front of her (think X Files or My Haunted House) this show had all of us hooked by the end of the first episode. We were just so excited to see Winona Ryder. Had no idea she was in it! Her character, the kids, the cop, they all did such a great job in the show. It is the best show we have watched as a family, in such a long time.… Expand
  24. alejandro970
    Oct 1, 2016
    9
    Una idea fresca y original del genero de terror. Los 8 capitulos tienen la dosis correcta de suspenso para capturar el interes del espectador, por no mencionar los multiples guiños a los iconos de los 80s.
  25. wicker771
    Sep 28, 2016
    10
    Flawless. The acting is great, from everyone. The story is scary, emotional, hopeful, compelling. The writing is accurate and feels real. The music is fantastic and feels perfect for the times (80's). I thought The Night Of was good, then I watched this. The Night Of can't even touch Stranger Things.
  26. thobsie
    Oct 4, 2016
    10
    This show is perfect for watching in autumn, as leaves start to fall and Halloween is approaching. The atmosphere of the show is comfortable and cozy, but still spooky. Modern but still vintage.
    The special effects (such as the monster) are not overdone to the point they become extremely unrealistic. I feel like the makers found the perfect balance for it all. The characters are    This show is perfect for watching in autumn, as leaves start to fall and Halloween is approaching. The atmosphere of the show is comfortable and cozy, but still spooky. Modern but still vintage.
    The special effects (such as the monster) are not overdone to the point they become extremely unrealistic. I feel like the makers found the perfect balance for it all. The characters are interesting and brought to life with an amazing cast. There are also some scenes and small things from previous episodes that might seem pointless at the time, but later on you realise that they had a meaning and it all falls into place. Everything is well connected and the length of the first season is perfect. The show is fast paced and without "filler" episodes which is great. The last episode leaves you craving more. I'm looking forward to the next season.    … Expand
  27. 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.
  28. nestoryavith
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    Let me go all caps on this... I LOVE IT! 10/10 all in. Excellent setting, location, cast, visuals, and not to mention the kids have amazing character arcs. This season doesn't only give you horror sci-fi but makes you understand childhood friendship.
  29. eva3si0n
    Dec 6, 2017
    9
    Fine history, perfectly given plot and good acting. Excellent story about friendship of teenagers and eccentric woman. Action looks live and captures literally you. It is impossible to come off. Perhaps the best series of Netflix in 2016.
  30. doglover5253
    Dec 22, 2016
    10
    I really did love this show! It kept me thinking and wanting to know more, at first I was confused on what was going on. I highly think they need to make more seasons and make it a big series. I want to watch more.
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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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