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If you've heard anything about "Stranger Things," it's that Netflix's latest show makes some interesting references. Actually, a lot.
2016-07-29
The series that's been called a "Frankenstein’s monster of '80s influences" includes nods to, among many others, "Alien," "Firestarter," "The Goonies," and most of all "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."
To see just how often "Stranger Things" tips its hat to the sci-fi, horror, and fantasy classics before it, watch the video Ulysse Thevenon edited together on Vimeo. His supercut doesn't include every scene from the series' eight episodes, nor does it feature every tiny reference, but it has the major moments that any good fan should know. And it's of course set to the ultra-'80s opening theme by Austin synth band Survive.
Get ready to see a lot of Steven Spielberg.
First and foremost, "Stranger Things" loves "E.T." Pretty much any time it uses flashlights recalls Spielberg's classic.
Netflix/ Universal
Again, "E.T." gets a lot of shout-outs.
Netflix/ Universal
The creepy terror in "Stranger Things" is right out of "Alien."
Netflix/ Fox
The ragtag group of kids in "Stranger Things" is a 2016 version of the gang from "The Goonies."
Netflix/ Warner Bros.
The similarities are uncanny.
Netflix/ Warner Bros.
The "Stranger Things" group also has a very "Stand By Me" moment.
Netflix/ Columbia
Another Stephen King shout-out can be found when Joyce (Winona Ryder) channels Jack Nicholson's famous scene in "The Shining."
Netflix/ Warner Bros.
Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) supernatural abilities on "Stranger Things" are tested just like Charlie's (Drew Barrymore) in "Firestarter."
Netflix/ Universal
Watch the full video with more side-by-side comparisons:
Meryl Gottlieb is a director of business development at Business Insider. She works across editorial, finance, legal, and tech and product to support Business Insider's social and syndication partners. Previously, she led the social video team that was responsible for all editorial video distribution. Having started as an entertainment editorial intern, she has been with Business Insider since June 2016. She is a 2016 graduate of the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.