Since the release of its first volume on the 27th of May, season 4 of Stranger Things has found itself as a huge topic of conversation, with many fans noting the show has taken on more horror elements. However, perhaps the biggest talking point of Stranger Things is the show's depiction of the 1980s, which has since led some viewers to take up rollerskating and dive into Kate Bush's back catalog.
The show's '80s setting has definitely left its mark on viewers, encouraging many to search for other modern movies that create that much-loved '80s nostalgia. Here are 10 movies guaranteed to fill that void before the second volume of Stranger Thing's fourth season.
The Sandlot (1993)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video & Disney+
The Sandlot adopts the same focus on friendship as Stranger Things whilst also portraying the very same '80s vibe the drama series gives off. Through clever costume design, the movie transports many fans, particularly those who grew up in the 1980s - a time of bright colors, rectangular glasses, and the decade's most important shoe brand: Converse. The movie showcases '80s fashion, with many characters rocking cuffed jeans and the stripy boxed tees that dominated that time era.
The Sandlot is one of the best childhood movies to watch when seeking nostalgia, as viewers reflect on their own childhood friendships and the popular styles of the 1980s.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Stream on HBO Max & AMC+
This fantasy movie is one that continues to stir up conversation even today, with many fans sharing their own theories about Donnie Darko. Despite the freaky flick being released in 2001, the movie was set in the '80s and contained many elements of that era of cinema and culture, through costume and its incredible musical score.
The movie sought to recreate something similar to the horror genre in the '80s and definitely left fans with stirrings of nostalgia thanks to its hazy VHS visual style. Donnie Darko found success upon its release, with many fans fond of its eerie soundtrack that was the perfect match for Donnie's hallucinations as well as containing musical numbers from INXS and Tears For Fears.
Blinded By The Light (2019)
Stream on Tubi
Blinded By The Light was a welcome gift for film and music fans as the movie features the music of Bruce Springsteen. The movie provided fans with a poignant story that handles important topics like racism and family honor, issues faced by the central character Javed.
Much like Stranger Things, this musical movie perfectly captures the '80s through fashion, with the return of retro gear including double denim and outrageous hairstyles. However, arguably the most important '80s aspect is the use of Bruce Springsteen's musical stylings, which provide the perfect accompaniment to Javed's story.
Drive (2011)
Stream on FuboTV, Tubi, & DIRECTV
Drive might have had one of the most misleading movie trailers of all time, but this action-packed flick also confused fans when it came to the era in which it was set. The movie had fans analyzing the subtle references to the 1980s until it was made clear the film was actually set in the present day.
Through costuming, including the embroidered bomber jacket sported by lead actor Ryan Gosling, choice of cars, and architecture, the movie has a definite '80s vibe. It's reminiscent of the '80s aesthetic captured in series like Knight Rider, despite not being set in the decade.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Stream on Hulu
Napoleon Dynamite has become a cult classic in recent years, with many fans sporting merchandise related to the movie nearly two-decades after it was released. The movie is a great comedy that pays homage to the '80s in every sense. It mimics '80s movies through its hazy tone, permed hair, and outrageously bright colors.
This funny flick even includes an awkward prom scene littered with handmade decorations and a disco ball alongside many references to moon boots, crimped hair, and unique clothing choices, making it one of the best movies for that dose of '80s nostalgia.
It Follows (2014)
Stream on Netflix
It Follows doesn't rely on costumes to create a nostalgic vibe, instead, the movie cleverly intertwines '80s culture through its use of props and subtle references to past horror flicks. The movie doesn't have a confirmed time period - it combines elements that embody '80s culture with more modern features - but it still has a nostalgic vibe.
Like any good horror movie, It Follows has a great musical score that mirrors the same ambient yet terrifying musical mix seen in '80s movies. So, while containing far more horror and not as firmly entrenched in the '80s as Stranger Things, It Follows is guaranteed to give viewers the same nostalgic fix.
Jumanji (1995)
Stream on Tubi
The original Jumanji has become a well-known classic that holds that feeling of nostalgia for many fans due to its focus on board games, imagination, and childhood fears.
Despite being released in 1997, the movie takes inspiration from '80s movies. It shares a similar concept to Labyrinth by bringing to life people's fears. The movie's fantasy elements are synonymous with the 1980s and its fascination with the world of fantasy as seen through iconic '80s flicks like Gremlins, Back To The Future, and The Neverending Story.
Adventureland (2009)
Stream on HBO Max
Adventureland provides viewers with a much more light-hearted watch than Stranger Things whilst simultaneously giving that same retro vibe. The movie captures the joys of summer jobs, as the characters begin working at an amusement park, which mirrors Billy's summer job as a lifeguard in season 2 of Stranger Things.
Despite being released in 2009, Adventureland captures summer in the 1980s, particularly the popularity of amusement parks in the decade. It contains many clever pop culture references through costuming (leotards, scrunchies, and jazzy shirts, to name a few elements) and allows fans to reminisce about family days out or their own summer jobs of years past.
Super 8 (2011)
Stream on HBO Max
Super 8 has been labeled the movie version of Stranger Things by many fans, with the sci-fi flick emanating '80s nostalgia from the offset. The movie follows a group of young friends and their film equipment as they seek to uncover the bizarre goings-on in their small American town. In terms of storyline, Super 8 is very similar to the likes of Stranger Things, but it is its '80s nostalgia that really cements their likeness.
Whether it's the chunky radio headphones or the' 80s handheld camera, the movie emanates an '80s vibe that encourages fans to reflect on iconic movies from their childhood like ET. Super 8's infinity with retro style is also subtly worked into some of the character's clothing, with Charles often being seen in a bright yellow rain jacket synonymous with popular '80s shell suits.