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What to watch after Stranger Things 3

What to watch after Stranger Things 3
Alex LaFreniere

Alex LaFreniere

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Clocking in with just 8 episodes, “Stranger Things 3” came to an end depressingly quickly. If you’ve already finished your binge but aren’t yet ready to say goodbye to the world of weird science, pre-teen adventurers, gruesome creatures, and Russian agents, check out this list! It consists of shows and movies to watch after you’ve finished up with the spectacular third season of Stranger Things.

Stranger THings

What to watch after Stranger Things 3

The Goonies

the goonies stranger things
Image courtesy Warner Bros.

This one might be a bit obvious, but “The Goonies” was clearly an integral part of the DNA of “Stranger Things.” A younger Sean Astin (who played the lovable Bob Newby in Season 2) takes on a starring role as part of a group of young kids hunting for a legendary pirate treasure. The treasure is rumored to be hidden somewhere in the woods around their small town.

Things get serious when a group of dangerous (albeit bumbling) crooks takes up the hunt for the same treasure. The kids enlist the help of their older siblings to find the treasure so they can save the town from unscrupulous real estate developers. As a bonus, you can even spot a young Josh Brolin (the legendary Thanos from the MCU) as part of the cast.

Dark

stranger things dark netflix
Image courtesy Netflix

Another Netflix original, “Dark” is a German import that hits a lot of the same notes as “Stranger Things.” The series focuses on the different generations of several families in a small German town. Seemingly supernatural events start to occur, including mysterious disappearances and some strange time-bending aspects as well.

“Dark” takes on a decidedly… well, darker tone than “Stranger Things,” but the interweaving stories of the families and the flashbacks to different periods in the town’s history will doubtless have you hooked. Currently, Seasons 1 & 2 are available on Netflix, and a third and final season is currently filming.

8

Super 8

super 8 stranger things
Image courtesy Paramount Pictures

“Super 8” is set in 1979, a few years before “Stranger Things.” Aside from that, the two couldn’t be more similar. A group of kids shooting a home movie happens to witness a massive train crash outside their town, and soon after seemingly unexplainable events start occurring.

The military arrives to put the town on lockdown and a local deputy starts investigating the phenomena. Meanwhile, the group of kids starts an investigation of their own, and it soon becomes apparent that something otherworldly is behind the events. Does any of that sound familiar…?

“Super 8” comes from director J.J. Abrams and is produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg. It has all the same magic and feel from classic Spielberg films, but it, unfortunately, does not get the recognition it deserves. If you like “Stranger Things,” you’ll love “Super 8.”

The Terminator

terminator stranger things
Image courtesy Pacific Western

We can’t be the only ones who got definite Terminator vibes from this season’s Soviet subplot, right? Grigori, the Russian assassin who stalks Hopper and Joyce for most of the season, could have been a long lost son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dolph Lundgren.

Everything from the guy’s fashion sense to his haircut to the music that played when he appeared was a total Terminator homage. The knockdown, drag-out fights between Hopper and Grigori were easily some of the season’s best moments, and if you’re looking for more of that 80s action movie goodness, we definitely recommend giving “The Terminator” franchise a rewatch.

The Thing

stranger things the thing
Image courtesy Universal Pictures

“Stranger Things 3” really leaned into the body horror nastiness, with some stomach-churning moments involving the Mindflayer. We’re never going to look at rats (or garden fertilizer) the same way again.

If you’re not squeamish, check out John Carpenter’s classic horror film “The Thing.” Kurt Russell stars as part of a crew on a remote research base in the Arctic that finds themselves being stalked by a bloodthirsty alien creature. Here’s the twist: the alien can shapeshift, meaning it’s never quite certain that everybody is who they seem. The alien’s true form is a masterclass in the grossest of special effects, and the synth-heavy soundtrack gives us definite Stranger Things vibes.

VIDEO IS NSFW

The Neverending Story

stranger things neverending story
Image courtesy Constantin Film

“Turn around, look at what you see….” One of the most hilarious and heartwarming moments of the season was when Dustin and long-distance girlfriend Susie shared a musical montage duet to the sounds of Limahl’s theme song to this classic fantasy movie. It’s easily one of the sweetest and somehow most epic moments of the season, providing a weirdly fitting soundtrack to the climactic battle at the Starcourt Mall.

We can totally picture the two lovebirds bonding while watching this movie, and it’s worth watching again if only to hear that classic 80s theme tune one more time. Artax, rest in peace.

If you’ve never seen it, “The Neverending Story” is a timeless movie. You’ll get a lot of the same feel that you get when you watch a film like “The Princess Bride.” There’s magic, adventure, heart, and an incredibly original fantasy world. 

Wrapping up

Just because Season 3 is over doesn’t mean that your retro binge-watching has to be. Whatever your favorite moment of the season was, these movies and shows will satisfy any craving you might have until Season 4 drops… and maybe take your mind off of wondering what’s going on with that mind-blowing post-credits scene.

Alex LaFreniere

Alex LaFreniere

Alex's first experience with video games came at the tender young age of 12, when his parents gave him and his brothers a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. They’ve probably been regretting that mistake ever since, because as soon he finished his first lap in Gran Turismo 3, Alex was hooked for life. In addition to writing for Softonic, Alex has turned that love of games into a voice acting career, and has voiced everything from grizzled old soldiers to vampire lords. When he's not gaming or getting behind the microphone, Alex can probably be found wandering the woods around Boston or putting together some new culinary delight in his kitchen.

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