10Predator
One ofStranger Things subtlest sci-fi movie references is to John McTiernans man-versus-beast action-adventure classicPredator.
The name can only be seen on a set of dog tags in a blink-and-miss-it close-up shot.
There are four Ghostbusters and there are four of them, so it lined up perfectly.
Coincidentally, a couple of years later, Finn Wolfhard would join the officialGhostbustersuniverse.
Primarily, the character of Eleven inStranger Thingshas a lot in common with the titular hero inAkira.
BothAkiraandStranger Thingsrevolve around children with psychic powers, who have been experimented on in a secret government project.
In both stories, the government is planning to use these psychic kids for military purposes.
InStranger Things, the Department of Energy uses Elevens powers to spy on the Russians.
Both Eleven and Akira use their powers to fight back and essentially become superheroes to protect their friends.
Robin is pretty sure that mom was trying to bang her son.
Shes technically not wrong, but the fact that Lorraine doesnt know Marty is her son is crucial context.
Stranger Thingsborrowed the basic concept of pod people fromInvasion of the Body Snatchersfor its season 3 story arc.
The source of the pods is different, but the result is the same.
But there are more specific parallels with the Spielberg classic, too.
And much like E.T.
with Elliott, Eleven uses her powers to help Mike when hes in trouble.
Rob Bottins iconic special effects fromThe Thinginfluenced the Duffers decision to use practical methods to create their monsters.
Bottin was just 22 years old when he designed and created the groundbreaking special effects forThe Thing.
The Duffers honored the influence ofThe Thingby including its poster on the wall of Mikes basement.
Dustin uses Lando Calrissian as an example of someone known for betraying his friends.
Joyce usesStar Warstoys to jog Wills memory when hes suffering from amnesia.
Eleven likely wouldve been powerful enough to lift Luke Skywalkers X-wing out of the swamp, too.
When hes showing her around his house, a miniature Yoda figure can be spotted amongst his toys.
1Altered States
One of the biggest aesthetic influences onStranger Thingsis Ken Russells mind-bending sci-fi thrillerAltered States.
The most obvious visual reference is the use of flotation tanks.
Altered Statesdidnt just influence the look ofStranger Things; it also lent the series a key plot point.
Terry Ives backstory as a test subject in Dr. Brenners Project MKUltra experiments was taken fromAltered States.
During these experiments, much like inAltered States, she was subjected to sensory deprivation and mind-altering psychedelic drugs.
