Shows like Stranger Things
15 picks with a similar feel
What defines Stranger Things, going by its Boxlist taste profile: Expect an otherworldly, original fantasy series, intricate rather than simple. Best if you like surprises over comfort. Its strongest markers on Boxlist are themes of troubled leads, unlikely connections and mysteries that are not what they seem, plus tags such as government conspiracy, telekinesis and parallel world.
Here are 15 shows with a similar feel, ranked by how closely they match that profile. Treat them as picks to try, not a definitive list.
Based on Stranger Things (2016).
- 1
Servant (2019)
TV7.7Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also inventive and heightened, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller, horror.
- 2
Cruel Summer (2021)
TV7.6
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also inventive and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: missing person, psychological thriller.
- 3
Behind Her Eyes (2021)
TV7.5
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and unlikely connections. Common ground: psychological thriller, supernatural, friendship.
- 4
Black Mirror (2011)
TV8.3Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 5
Constellation (2024)
TV7.3
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 6
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025)
TV8.2Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: horror.
- 7
Clickbait (2021)
TV7.4Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also inventive and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller, horror.
- 8
Dexter (2006)
TV8.2
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also inventive and weighty, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 9
American Horror Stories (2021)
TV7.9Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem and resilience and survival. Common ground: horror.
- 10
You (2018)
TV8.1Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also inventive and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and unlikely connections. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 11
Nancy Drew (2019)
TV7.9Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem and resilience and survival. Common ground: supernatural.
- 12
Luther (2010)
TV7.9Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also inventive and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 13
Yellowjackets (2021)
TV7.6Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller, horror.
- 14
Marianne (2019)
TV7.7Slower burn
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem and resilience and survival. Common ground: horror.
- 15
Them (2021)
TV7.6
Why it's like Stranger Things: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem and resilience and survival. Common ground: horror.
Boxlist compares Stranger Things with every show in its catalogue on ten taste scores (pace, tone, weight, realism and more), story themes, genres and TMDB keywords, and ranks the closest. Every pick has a TMDB rating of 7.2 or more from at least 150 votes, new releases wait until their ratings settle, and only one title per franchise makes the list. It is an approximation of feel, so treat it as a starting point. Ratings are TMDB audience scores out of 10.
Which of these suit you?
Take the taste test and every pick shows how well it matches you.
Take the taste testQuestions
- What should I watch if I like Stranger Things?
- Picks with a similar feel include Servant, Cruel Summer, Behind Her Eyes and Black Mirror. Each shares part of Stranger Things's taste profile, themes or tags; the full list has 15 shows.
- How are these shows like Stranger Things chosen?
- Boxlist compares Stranger Things with every show in its catalogue on ten taste scores (pace, tone, weight, realism and more), story themes, genres and TMDB keywords, and ranks the closest. Every pick has a TMDB rating of 7.2 or more from at least 150 votes, new releases wait until their ratings settle, and only one title per franchise makes the list. It is an approximation of feel, so treat it as a starting point.