Weird and wonderful

A round up of cool films, TV shows and books to quell your Stranger Things pangs

August 16, 2016 03:29 pm | Updated 03:41 pm IST

A still from 'ET'

A still from 'ET'

One of best things on TV this year has been Netflix's Stranger Things with its eight-episode first season, one that felt too short and yet incredibly satisfying. Everything, right from the time period it’s set in, to the series’ texture (reminiscent of a Spielberg film) and right down to its nostalgia-evoking abilities has been absolutely amazing. If you feel Stranger Things left you wanting more, you've come to the right place.

Why is Stranger Things so good?

The stars of the show are the kids during a time where technology didn’t take over lives. Those who grew up in the 80s and 90s will remember the freedom and the motivation to explore new things and invent a good time. It’s something Stranger Things has perfectly captured.

Then there’s the classic horror with a science fiction skew to it. Again, those who grew up before the Noughties will remember Spielberg films and Stephen King books with fond memories. They all had one theme in common: where the bravery of a few individuals saved everyone; where the monster often had a rich fantastical background. Not far behind is the 80s synth music with all its neon-y goodness.

It came from outer space

If conspiracy theories of being taken thrill you instead of making your eyes roll to the back of your head, here’s what you ought to check out.

ET - The Extraterrestrial

This one is a no-brainer. So much of Stranger Things has been inspired by Spielberg’s famous film. There were times in the show where we half expected Eleven (Stranger Things’ ET counterpart) to levitate bikes. Either way, ET is a fantastic watch or re-watch with some of the best movie history moments all condensed in one package.

Super8

In 2011, Steven Spielberg along with JJ Abrams (Lost, Fringe, Felicity, Alias) decided to try and recreate the same magic of ET and the 1985 film, The Goonies. Super8 is almost identical to Stranger Things. A monster is let lose in a small town and it's up to a bunch of kids to save everyone. A gripping film that’s fun from start to the end with a generous dollop of nostalgia and great performances.

Attack the Block

Before John Boyega (who plays Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens) became famous, he was in a little film called Attack the Block. Set in urban London -- a far cry from Stranger Things’ eerie woods -- a group of kids have to use their street smarts to defend their block from an invasion from outer space. With a similar tone with a hard-hitting edge of British filmmaking, Attack the Block should be on your must-watch list if you miss Stranger Things.

Ready Player One

This Ernest Cline book seems like it was made for the big screen with a premise of being set in the 80s but looking into the future. A billionaire who created the virtual world called The Oasis has died, leaving behind a massive treasure. Whoever can find the prize first wins his entire estate. It’s a fantastic story with references to games and movies of the 80s. The protagonists are a bunch of teens who find the clues, while being pursued by an evil corporation with enough firepower and resources that can kill a generation. Unsurprisingly, Spielberg is adapting the book into a major motion picture.

Young heroes forever

The group of kids in Stranger Things have all proved themselves to be the stars of the show. If you love groups of children solving mysteries, searching for treasure and being pitted against overwhelming forces winning at the end of the day, then you will love these movies.

The Goonies

This movie has all the Stranger Things feels. For instance, the character Barb in the Netflix original is styled exactly like Stef played by Martha Plimpton in The Goonies. The 80s film is about four kids in their quest to find a long-hidden pirate treasure. Another Spielberg urban fantasy, the film captured that rush and energy of a group of young people on the move with danger lurking around every corner. Plus, you get to see a young Josh Brolin, (No Country for Old Men) and Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) in childhood glory.

Harry Potter

With the exception of the latest book, which is actually a screenplay, Harry Potter and his friends combine what we love about groups of kid heroes. JK Rowling’s world is filled with monsters, wizards, schools of magic and adventures on broomsticks. While this is more of an epic fantasy as compared to the urban storytelling of The Goonies, ET and Stranger Things, it's still an incredible adventure.

Stand By Me

Another movie that inspired Stranger Things is the coming of age flick Stand By Me. Which incidentally celebrates it's 30th Anniversary. The film focuses on four boys and thair search for a dead body and their adventures and misadventures along the way. An intense piece of filmmaking which inspires most of the boy's friendship in Stranger Things.

Explorers

Riding on bicycles, talking on walkie talkies and strategising attacks: if that part of Stranger Things excited you, then Explorers you should watch. This sci-fi adventure has a group of kids who set out to build a spaceship in order to explore outer space. Here comes the weird part: the components for each part of the spaceship appear in the protagonist’s dreams. There's no monster but our little heroes are at their inventive best and that’s a treat to watch. Also, young Ethan Hawke

Get your share of the heebie-jeebies

The scary part of Stranger Things goes beyond its monster. There’s so much to be afraid of, especially what’s beyond that thin veil between our world and the other. Here’s how you can fear going to bed for the rest of your life.

It

If you hate clowns, you will love Stephen King's It where the central monster is a clown that hides in the sewers. Our protagonists must face Pennywise the Clown, a horror movie character that will make your blood curdle. The book is a superb read and there is a new movie coming out soon, with Bill Skarsgard (Hemlock Grove) as Pennywise. In fact, IT was one of Stephen King's books the creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, desperately wanted to make.

Alien

A lot of Stranger Things ’ upside-down world has been inspired by the cult classic Aliens series. While it does not have the trademark HR Gieger artwork, the show did pay homage. For instance, there’s a scene where a character’s exploring the other world, a straight-up Aliens reference at its creepy best. Even the Netflix show’s monster is similar to Sigourney Weaver’s nemesis from outer space. There is a scene where the monster’s gaping mouth is close to another female character’s face inspired by the iconic 80s scene.

Silent Hill

If the upside down world of Stranger Things intrigued you, Silent Hill is up your alley. It's got none of the fun of Stranger Things, but its mysterious town and alternate dimension will surely chill your bones. It started off as a series of videogames eventually ending up as a major motion picture.

Wayward Pines

All that Stranger Things shares with Wayward Pines is the same suburban setting, a monster and something weird happening in the town. Everything else is different. But it’s a thrilling watch nonetheless. Matt Dillon plays a Secret Service agent stuck in an idyllic town he cannot seem to escape.

The freaky Science Fiction

Government agencies always meddle and because of that they make the best boogeyman behind all those other scary monsters.

Midnight Special

A 2016 sci-fi, supernatural thriller about a boy on the run with special powers who has a mysterious energy emanating from him. Obviously, the government’s chasing him especially since they believe he’s some sort of God.

Firestarter

Stranger Things bought together several elements from several books and movies into one big melting pot. The one that stood out the most was Eleven the show’s telekinetic protagonist. Firestarter, a book by Stephen King is about one such girl with the same abilities. Another book worthy of mention here is Carrie, which also telekinesis, but used in a very different way.

Fringe

Stranger Things would be at home as an episode of the TV show Fringe which deals with extreme science. The cast works together to solve science crimes that range from government experiments, forays into parallel universes, shape shifters, telekinetic powers and more.

The author is a freelance tech and lifestyle writer

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.