Why Stranger Things Feels So 80s

Trend Radar

You need 4 min read

·

Post on Jan 24, 2025

32 visitor like this post

Share

Why Stranger Things Feels So 80s: A Totally Rad Nostalgia Trip

Hey everyone! So, you love Stranger Things, right? I mean, who doesn't? That show totally nails the 80s vibe, and I've been thinking a lot about why it feels so authentic. It's not just the clothes and the music, although those are definitely key. It's something deeper, man. Something in the soul of the show.

The Soundtrack to My Childhood (and Yours?)

Let's start with the obvious: the music. The Duffer Brothers, the show's creators, absolutely killed it with the soundtrack. Seriously, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. It's not just a random collection of 80s hits; they carefully curate each song to perfectly match the mood and tension of each scene. Remember that scene in Season 1 where Eleven is riding her bike, and "Should I Stay or Should I Go" blasts? Chills, I tell you, chills. They used so many iconic songs from The Clash, Journey, and many others. These songs aren't just background noise; they are integral to the storytelling. That's masterful level stuff, right?

I remember making mixtapes back in the day – yeah, I'm that old – and painstakingly crafting the perfect playlist. Stranger Things taps into that same feeling of carefully chosen songs, each one carrying its own weight of emotion and memory. I spent hours, literally hours, trying to get the perfect fades between songs. Technology has made it so much easier, but it was a true labor of love. The care and detail with which they choose the songs is something that really makes the show feel authentic.

Beyond the Music: Visuals That Scream 80s

But the music isn't the only thing that makes Stranger Things feel so 80s. The visuals are spot on. I mean, the hairstyles alone are enough to transport you back to that decade. Those awesome big hairdos and teased bangs... omg. My older sister, bless her heart, used a mountain of Aqua Net back then. Let's just say my mom was not a fan of the hairspray fumes.

The clothing, the cars, the sets – everything is meticulously designed to evoke a specific time and place. It's not just about recreating the look; it's about capturing the feel of the era. The color palettes, the lighting, even the graininess of the filming – it all contributes to that nostalgic 80s aesthetic.

The Storytelling: More Than Just Nostalgia

But it's not just the aesthetics that make Stranger Things feel so 80s. The storytelling itself feels very much in line with films of that era. Think about classic 80s movies like "E.T." or "The Goonies." They often blended adventure, sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age elements, just like Stranger Things does. There's a sense of wonder, a sense of danger, and a group of kids who are thrown into extraordinary situations.

This is something the show does exceedingly well. It evokes a lot of 80s nostalgia that I think many of us forgot existed or maybe we never even noticed until now. There's something in the storytelling, a sense of adventure, and a kind of childlike wonder that I think resonated with audiences.

The Power of Nostalgia: Why it Works

And that's the real magic of Stranger Things. It’s not just a nostalgic trip; it’s a masterful creation that taps into our shared memories and feelings about the 80s. It’s nostalgia done right. For those who lived through the 80s, it's a powerful wave of reminiscence. For those who didn't, it's a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. It's a show that doesn't just look like the 80s; it feels like the 80s.

It successfully blends elements that appeal to a wide audience while staying authentic to the period. That is, in my opinion, the main ingredient in its success.

Pro Tip: If you want to really dive into the 80s vibe, check out some documentaries about the era. You'll find yourself appreciating the details and references in Stranger Things even more!

So, there you have it. My totally rad take on why Stranger Things feels so 80s. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!