There's also a more subtle reference to "The Thing" when Will first wakes up after being possessed by the Mind Flayer the camera lingers in front of and behind him like he's an object impersonating a person, rather than the character we've grown to love. (Probably not, but its a cool song.). Every season thus far has seen the group breaking off into small parties, much like a "D&D" session, and going on an adventure. A big hit, it was directed by Jerry Paris, whos best remembered as Rob and Lauras next-door neighbor on The Dick Van Dyke Show and who died just over a week after Police Academy 3s release. Lite-BriteOnce again, an action-filled episode doesnt allow our heroes to spend a lot of time watching TV or listening to the radio. This is, of course, natural as "Star Wars" merchandise was a major staple for kids growing up in the late '70s and early '80s. The Tobe Hooper-helmed 1980s haunted house flick definitely played an influence on this season's Hawkins-based events. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne, that Hellfire Club is a (usually) villainous group first introduced trying to seduce and control Jean Grey in 1980s classic Dark Phoenix Saga, a story with some parallels to Elevens journey in this series. Both are punk outcasts fighting against the Man (in "Stranger Things," this is perfectly epitomized by a suspicious cop with a note-perfect '70s mustache, along with all those pesky government spooks) by committing crimes and using mind-bending psychic powers. As is the case for a lot of kids their age, it likely gave the Hawkins gang one of their first glimpses of naughty grown-up humor (and nudity). The heiress turned reality star died of a stroke, her family confirmed. When youre stuck, why not try a vent? Is I Was a Teenage Werewolf, its name taken from a 1957 movie starring Michael Landon, some kind of clue? These books give us a record of our times via the moments best comic minds. journal of analytical psychology stranger things references in other show's. September 11, 2022 ignition cable specification. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy The filmography of John Carpenter has most definitely received some love from the Duffer Brothers in "Stranger Things." When Did Art Fairs Become Painting Fairs? Joe and Strawberry Shortcake. By flipping through the channels of her beloved television, Eleven has all sorts of reflections of her life, but likely none that resonate as strongly as the "Punky Brewster" episode that flashes briefly by in "The Lost Sister" as Punky, a little girl adopted by a gruff older man, is scared of seeing the doctor. Speaking to the technology website, the brothers revealed that there are no less than 27 sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and 1980s action film references in Stranger Things. The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Taylor Swift and Matty Healys Relationship. Speedwagon kept the lighters burning with this 1984 hit. The numbing sameness of the art worlds tent-city souks. As always, the hit sci-fi-horror series continues to frolic in a nostalgic sandbox of references to the pop culture of the time in which it is set, which this season is 1986. Another of the kids' favorites is"Dig Dug," a classic game about a player navigating strange, unexplained tunnels as he's menaced by mysterious monsters. (Look for Nightmare star Robert Englund to show up later in the season, too.). Mike and Will even reject a chance to catch a screening of the third Police Academy. Attentive viewers wouldn't have been surprised, though That's the group that includes Max, the current high score record holder of "Dig Dug.". Speedwagon figured out the value of a well-timed power ballad even sooner than Foreigner. ), Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)The gangs too busy worrying about El to dwell much on pop culture in this episode. He applied that mixture to pizza in 1962 and it spread from there, making its way into pizza chains across the world in the decades that followed (and dividing pizza enthusiasts ever since). The movie has also got a larger influence on the show because, like in "Ghostbusters," an otherworldly evil has invaded their town and even possesses one of the characters to help open a mysterious gate in order to force itself into our world. The show also shares in the notion of a bittersweet cliffhanger, especially with season four's recent finale. Not only is this chapter about an immortal being who can enter peoples minds to kill them, but the actor who plays Freddy Krueger, Robert Englund, shows up as the tormented Victor Creel in Episode 4. Firestarter (1984) Firestarter is among the most often cited movies like Stranger Things, mainly due to parallels with Eleven and the U.S. government in the Netflix show. And then theres the corridor, which feels designed to recall the one that houses Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) at its end, complete with a brick wall on one side and a jittery patient in one of the three cells that precede Victors. ", the Clashs Should I Stay or Should I Go?. This season leans on John Carpenter even more heavily than previous seasons, particularly with the gross Mind Flayer effects inspired by Carpenters 1982 remake of The Thing (a film referenced by characters in this season and in previous seasons, almost as if the Duffers were trying to tell us they liked it). Hanging in Maxs room: a not-so-subtle reminder that Max comes from California via this poster for Bruce Browns documentary about the 60s surf scene. Ghostbusters (1984) Netflix . The Hawkins moms lust over Billy to the tune of the Cars 1978 song Moving in Stereo. Never released as a single, it found a second life when it appeared in Fast Times at Ridgemont High over a Phoebe Cates scene thats probably the most-paused moment of the VHS era. Perhaps the most obvious eighties movie reference in Season 4 is Wes Craven's A Nightmare On Elm Street. Stranger Things usually isnt subtle with its needle drops, but the song playing as Nancy and Jonathan frantically make their way to work is a deep, deep cut from the Arizona band Gentlemen Afterdark, a regional favorite that never quite broke big, despite an EP co-produced by Alice Cooper. Speaking of DC Comics, this reference to Victor Stone, a.k.a. As El and Mac go shopping, Stranger Things goes with the obvious choice of setting the moment to Madonnas era-defining Material Girl, the second single from Madonnas hit 1984 album Like a Virgin. The creepy hospital scenes owe a bit to the first Halloween sequel, which largely takes place in an understaffed, under-lit medical facility. Headed Back to Court for Civil Rape Trial. 10 '80s Movie References In 'Stranger Things' Season 4 - Collider The moment in which Dustin is freaked out by his telepathically controlled toys draws from a number of similar famous scenes in films by John Carpenter, Steven Spielberg, and Tobe Hooper. Tell us about them in the comments section. An example of the latter would arrive in season four during the Hawkins-centered plot involving the Upside Down. The creepy, cymbal-clapping monkey doubles as a reference to the Stephen King story The Monkey, found in the 1985 collection Skeleton Crew. Would Back to the Future have happened without it? Whether it's the first season's nod to The Goonies and Stand By Me, or the third season's Back to the Future mentions, the Netflix show knows its audience (which is again, everybody). By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. The Demodogs almost move like Velociraptors, and Bob's quest to reboot the system without getting eaten has some painful familiarity for Samuel L. Jackson's character Ray Arnold in "Jurassic Park." He even watches a crew of heavily armed mercenaries on camera as they invade a labyrinthine series of corridors in order to fight multiple versions of the creatures that appeared in the original exactly like Burke in "Aliens.". A Lite-Brite does play a major role, however, aiding communication with the Upside Down. However, Season 3 sees these homages take center stage, especially through the season's returning threat of the Mind Flayer. Influences & references | Stranger Things Wiki | Fandom Eleven's nickname subverts expectations, as Kali is one of the few characters to call her by her birth name for all intents and purposes, "Jane" is the codename for Eleven, since that's how the audience and the other main characters know her. When Henry Creel (also known as 001) is thrust into the Upside Down by Eleven, he is mutated. Like the boys in Season 1 of "Stranger Things," Max's personality is shaped by the pop culture she enjoys, but it also reflects her own character. Additionally, Vecna's backstory as Victor Creel's disturbed son brings with it a slew of other homages and references, not the least of which is the fact that the older version of Victor is played by none other than Robert Englund, the actor who brought Freddy to life. Throughout Season 4, especially in the latter half, audiences are reminded of an unfortunate cultural development of the decade: the Satanic Panic that gripped the nation back in the '80s and has never truly gone away. details "Stranger Things" got wrong about the '80s. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Only sort of. The Extra Terrestrial," a guiding light for the first season. Subtitled A Salute to 60s Rock, this stirring song from John Mellencamps 1985 album Scarecrow (released under the name John Cougar Mellencamp) pays tribute to scrappy 60s kids with musical dreams and namechecks James Brown, Martha Reeves, Jackie Wilson, and others. As Steve drives everyone to Cerebro, this soul hit by Jackie Wilson, referenced in R.O.C.K. However, much like in "Star Wars," we can expect our heroes to put up a fight and win the day. Thomas Magnum er, Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), the Sam and Diane of Hawkins, IN. The King references run rampant throughout the second season: Bob talks about living in Maine, terrified of a clown that haunted his dreams a la "It," while Steve's "Goonies"-esque expedition into the tunnels (kind of like sewers in a way, hm?) With that in mind, heres an episode-by-episode guide to Season 3s key references, from Corey Hart songs to New Coke to Red Dawn. The Complete History of Ezra Millers Controversial Career, The 100 Hardest Video-Game Bosses, Ranked. There's his heavy "Top Gun"-esque homoerotic rivalry with Steve (including his penchant for open shirts and oiled chests), his "St. Elmo's Fire"-inspired wardrobe (even using the same name as Rob Lowe's character Billy), but the deepest cut is probably his connection to Joel Schumacher's cult classic "The Lost Boys." Since we're talking about blatant hints at famous actors' past roles, we'd be remiss not to mention Sean Astin as Bob Newby, Joyce's new beau in Season 2. The Stranger Things kids would doubtlessly love it if they could sneak into a show. Huey Lewis and the News dominated mid-80s airwaves thanks to the mammoth 1983 album Sports and the groups contributions to Back to the Future. Terms of Service apply. Most of these need no further explanation, but you might not have heard of Return to Oz, a Wizard of Oz sequel directed by famed editor Walter Murch. Once again, the story has been a reference point since the beginning, but it feels even richer this season given how much of Els arc involves nefarious government organizations trying to harness her power, much as the Shop chases down its superpowered creation in Kings book. Stranger Things has its own will-they-or-wont-they couple with Hopper and Joyce, but Joyce doesnt seem to be making that connection here. Dustin and Mike of course dispute this, but one of their attempted recruits notes that "60 Minutes begs to differ." If you've watched Stranger Things (which you probably have), you know the entire show is full of iconic movie references. 1 hit in the U.K. at the age of 19 with Wuthering Heights, Bush has determinedly done her own thing and expected listeners to follow. Privacy Policy and Caroline Suh directed the feature about the comedians return. (Steve, on the other hand, has a much tougher time producing a list.). 'Stranger Things' Has Too Many References to Other Movies Meanwhile, Eleven has a lot in common with both Carrie in "Carrie" and Charlie in "Firestarter." But the references are also more explicit. Stranger Things 4's Most Significant '80s References - Vulture The scene ends with Lucas telling Dustin, "You'll get there someday. in the U.S.A. plays. This coincides with Joyce and Murray Bauman traveling to the Soviet Union to help Hopper escape. In it, William Hurt, in his film debut, plays a Columbia University psychopathologist who experiments with the potential of the human mind within giant flotation tanks, a likely influence on Elevens arc this season. But they left behind a legacy of stoner-friendly movies like Up in Smoke waiting for each new generation of comedy/cannabis enthusiasts to discover. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. For starters, the kids refer to the tentacled monster at the center of this season as Vecna, a D&D monster. This gets a bit fuzzy, however, since the regular series wouldnt debut until 1986, though some animated specials preceded it. Commodores successor to the Commodore 64, it first became widely available in early 1986, making Suzie and her family early adopters. Amidst the chaos, Team Hawkins Dustin, Erica, Max, Lucas, Steve, Robin, and Eddie make a startling discovery. Like Carrie, she's dealing with puberty, crushes, and telekinetic powers. "The Lost Sister" has more in common with "The Invisibles" than codenames and visual references, however the overall goals of Kali's group line up perfectly with the Invisibles. Of course, Steve also mentions the film in the season premiere, noting that a girl Robin is interested in returned the VHS tape cued to precisely 53:05, a key moment for admirers of Phoebe Cates. Theres also a standee of Freddy at Family Video, and the death of Chrissy (Grace Van Dien) in the premiere flung to the ceiling of Eddies trailer is clearly meant to mimic the death of Tina (Amanda Wyss) in the Craven film. A sanitized version sung by children (with a dash of U Browns Gimme the Music). The 14 best Stranger Things references: how many did you spot?! Besties Halsey and BTSs Suga Follow Each Other to Hell, Woody Harrelsons Vegetarianism Was the Villain of the. One more for good measure: Max, Lucas, Dustin, and Steve build a tricked out school bus out of junkyard materials, which is a pretty Mad Max thing to do. But sometimes it goes for obscurities, like the season premieres Gentlemen Afterdark track and this song from Black Market Baby, a staple of the early 80s D.C. hardcore scene that never found much of an audience outside the District. Featuring Hayley Williams and Fall Out Boy. We also get another sweet reference in Steve Harrington's journey into the tunnels with the kids (minus Will) as he wears a red bandana. In fact, visitors to the Starcourt Mall would have the chance to check out Pee-wees Big Adventure alongside a bunch of other memorable 1985 titles advertised on the theaters marquee. In 1980, Ken Russell released this sci-fi horror film about sensory deprivation research. The final Season 4 episodes continued to pack in more nods to and Easter eggs from 1970s and 80s pop culture. The mid-80s were a kind of golden age, if thats the right term, for licensed cereals. If this plot element seems at all familiar, that's because it's right out of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," which has already been referenced in the series but gets even more direct nodding in Season 3. Given its setting in the 1980s, "Stranger Things" has seen fit to reference social issues relevant to the decade. Weve left out some foundational texts by Stephen King, Steven Spielberg, John Hughes and John Carpenter, which have been endlessly identified and discussed with earlier seasons (lets just say that It, E.T., Sixteen Candles and The Thing continue to be influences), but weve scooped up as many others as we could. Who was Jack Flash?) (Woody makes another, much more tragic appearance alongside Alexei later in the season.) Remarkably, this seems to be the first time a song by Mellencamp, an Indiana native and state hero, has appeared in Stranger Things. When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl. Though included on a 1983 album, this Pointer Sisters song didnt become a hit until it appeared on the soundtrack to Beverly Hills Cop in 1984. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. posters in his room. A minor example of this is Max's Halloween costume as Michael Myers. It recently resumed that practice via a special edition devoted to, you guessed it, Stranger Things. (Renting them too often, however, risks blowing your cover as a drug dealer, this episode implies. This is apparently Hoppers go-to when hes feeling good, whether that means teaching El what real music is or celebrating keeping her away from her boyfriend. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. First appearing in The Uncanny X-Men in 1980, the Hellfire Club was a group of supervillains with the world power of the wealthy elite. It's really no surprise that it's the episode that pushes Eleven back towards her own gruff adopted father, Hopper. takes a lot of visual inspiration from King's terrifying novel. But its definitely the sort of music douchebags listened to in 80s movies. This 1982 film from Tobe Hooper has been an influence on Stranger Things for years. You dont have to recognize all of them to enjoy the show, but a little context never hurt anyones appreciation of anything. (The albums big hit: Hot Girls in Love.) Is this the sort of music douchebags listened to in real life in the 80s? The soundtrack signals that locale none too subtly, with the Beach Boys 1986 cover of the Mamas and the Papas 1965 hit California Dreamin, a new track included on the 1986 compilation Made in U.S.A. Its video will be extremely familiar to anyone who watched VH1 in the early days, when it started out as an older-skewing companion channel to MTV. Tolkien. The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Taylor Swift and Matty Healys Relationship. This is very similar to when Pinhead is first corrupted by the Lament Configuration, which horrifically transforms him into a cenobite. Ripley's not the only black-haired protagonist battling monsters like the one that almost killed her before, and who nonetheless descends an industrial elevator prepared to battle a massive mother creature that's trying to kill the only people she loves. "Stranger Things" has been a hodgepodge of cultural references since the very first episode, and the show has only continued to supply fans with Easter eggs and winks to various bits of pop culture throughout its run as a Netflix Original hit series. Like Charlie, Eleven is holed up in a cabin with her father figure as they attempt to evade the nefarious government operatives looking for them. When Joyce goes to visit science teacher Mr. Clarke, hes enjoying the breakthrough song of parodist extraordinaire Weird Al Yanokovic, a send-up of The Knacks My Sharona recorded while Yankovic was still in college. Given the show's previous use of ideas and tones similar to that of Stephen King's bibliography, it definitely feels appropriate. Stranger Things. And while this might not be the most creative choice, its also probably the song playing in the girls heads in the moment. 1. Its a fun bit for the two characters, but it also feels intentional that the film takes place in the snowy climate of Russia, a major setting for Stranger Things 4.. The surf-inspired brand had been around for years in 1986 and is still very much in business. Terms of Service apply. By the way, for anyone thinking it's a stretch to connect "The Invisibles" with "Stranger Things," take a look at the graffiti in the above picture. Teena Marie was only 28 when she had her biggest pop hit with Lovergirl, but shed already seen her share of ups and downs in a career that dated back to her childhood. The Hidden Fortress is a great samurai adventure film directed by Akira Kurosawa that George Lucas frequently cites as one of the many inspirations for Star Wars. Eleven's abilities telekinesis, entering people's minds, and even levitation have always evoked shades of Jean Grey. It wouldnt come out for another year (1987) but the slatted wood of Vecnas attic lair, along with his attachment to the house he grew up in has the feel of this disturbing sadomasochism-inspired horror flick by Clive Barker. 'Stranger Things' Movie References: Films Mentioned in the Show - J-14 17-Across, Four Letters: 2010 title role for Angelina Jolie. From his first moments on screen, Vecna is most definitely a force to be reckoned with far different than the threats before him. Me Too Documentary Dropped by Showtime. This definitely evokes shades of "Rocky IV," the goofiest entry of the "Rocky" series which sees Rocky fight the Soviet Union's Ivan Drago. Though a much bigger hit in the U.K. than the U.S., the song helped solidify her fandom in the States among cool alternative kids like, well, Max, and its recent surge to the top of the iTunes chart suggests it could win her a whole new generation of fans. It worked in Alien and Die Hard, after all. You have a Tom Cruise poster!Nancys had a Tom Cruise poster up in her room for a few seasons. This stands in contrast to the second film's location: an abandoned but still functional shopping mall. John WatersSuzies family home is filled with activity and screaming kids, including a pint-size aspiring filmmaker making a movie while wearing a pencil-thin mustache reminiscent of the kind favored by cult-favorite filmmaker John Waters. But, as Argyles fondness suggests, while the altered lyrics might have fooled the general public, stoners got it. The first transatlantic success to come from Britains Stock Aitken Waterman songwriting and production house (soon to send Kylie Minogue, Bananarama, and Rick Astley up the charts), You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) introduced Americans to their top-40-friendly, club-inspired dance pop. There have been more than 40 film adaptations of Kings work how does, Louis C.K. The role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, Hellfire Clubs reason for living, influences the storytelling this season more than ever. For reading material, Max offers El a couple of era-appropriate issues of DC Comics titles. But the Duffers take it a step further in Episode 5 when Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Jonathan call a mysterious number and realize its a computer. Just in time for July 4 weekend, Netflix on Friday dropped the final two episodes of Season 4 of "Stranger Things," each the length of a feature film. Despite his youthful appearance, Macchio was already 21 when he first played the aspiring karate star Daniel LaRusso, a role he reprised in two sequels and the ongoing YouTube Premium series Cobra Kai. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), Dead or Alive (1984)Rock Me Amadeus, Falco (1985)Tarzan Boy, Baltimora (1985)El, Will, and Mikes roller rink of choice seems to specialize in playing 80s one-hit wonders. In the films opening moments, a pair of soldiers are asked to turn a key in unison to launch a missile but lose their nerve. As in Zemeckiss film, Stranger Things 3 features bad guys who use a mall for their dirty deeds. Hopper's main escape attempt is predicated on pulling off a series of very specific steps all while avoiding detection. This is also evident through the shared trope of using bed sheets as safety ropes to enter the gateway. Oh, and we almost forgot Hopper going back for his hat after being attacked by vines in the Mind Flayer tunnels. Phoebe Cates in Fast Times at Ridgemont High., Doug Bradley in a scene from Hellraiser., New World Pictures, via Amazon Prime Video, Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in his boiler room, in the original "A Nightmare on Elm Street. Privacy Policy and Now they can also complain about this 1989 cut from the first album by glam-metal favorites Extreme, later to produce the prom-night-favorite ballad More Than Words. But while Extremes Van Haleninspired licks couldnt have actually soundtracked a 1986 D&D session, Kisss 1976 Detroit Rock City certainly could (and undoubtedly often did). Stephen Kings 1974 novel, Carrie, and the Brian De Palma 1976 screen adaptation have been touchstones for El since the beginning, but the bullying aspect of the original tale amplifies the connection to Els journey through the first two episodes of Stranger Things 4. Just as Carrie White suffered tormentors at her school, El is viciously abused in class, the halls, and eventually the roller rink. Undoubtedly one of the core references used for the story of Season 4 is Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street." There have been more than 40 film adaptations of Kings work how does, Louis C.K. Eleven enters the Upside Down by listening to static on the television a nod to poor Carol Anne while Joyce presses her face up against the TV while trying to figure out what happened to her son on Halloween. Is Another Taylor Swift Backlash Brewing? A couple who submitted to . The previously mentioned Creel house takes clear inspiration from the home in the classic horror movie, The Amityville Horror. Once again, Steves workplace provides a plethora of references to movies of the era, particularly films that would have been advertised at such a business in early 1986. (Who was the Jester? (Among the teens: Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey, and others.) On one level, the Season 4 plot plays out like a D&D story, as a search party embarks on a fantasy quest to defeat a powerful supernatural villain especially when the kids go into the Upside Down after Steve. Watch the video above to see just how they found their way into the Netflix series. When Did Art Fairs Become Painting Fairs? In Season 3's first episode, the Hawkins crew has Steve sneak them into the movies for free. This has manifested in overt visual references or lifting a minor element from another film's plot for their own needs. "Stranger Things" paid homage to the 1984 film "Firestarter." Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for "Stranger Things." Netflix's series "Stranger Things" is a love letter to the '80s, with references to movies like "Jaws." "Stand By Me", "E.T.," and "Firestarter" also inspired themes . Finally, when Hopper mispronounces Chianti as he imagines a date with Joyce, its difficult not to think of Lecters plans for that particular beverage. California Dreamin, the Beach BoysAs Stranger Things 3 ended, Joyce, Will, Jonathan, and honorary Byers kid Eleven left the seemingly cursed town of Hawkins, Indiana, for parts unknown. Its also possible Hopper is simply referring to the famed Russian vodka brand of the same name, but it seems unlikely Hoppers definitely more of a scotch kind of guy. Even the characters pick up on the corollary between their enemy and Freddy; Dustin suggests in Episode 5 that perhaps Vecna has a boiler room, a place like Kruegers which is to say, a mental lair where he can be defeated.
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