If you enjoy the atmosphere of Stranger Things but prefer something more compact, these movies are the perfect alternative. They combine mystery, adventure, and teenage friendship in the face of the supernatural, offering thrilling stories in just a couple of hours instead of multiple seasons.
Super 8 (2011)
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Set in 1979, a group of teenagers witnesses a train crash while filming a homemade movie. After the accident, strange events unfold in their town, linked to a mysterious creature that escaped from the wreckage. The local sheriff steps in to help uncover the truth.
It (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
An adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. In the small town of Derry, a group of kids encounters an ancient evil that takes the form of Pennywise the Clown. They must face their fears and work together to save their town from the terrifying entity. One of the main roles is played by Finn Wolfhard, a star of Stranger Things.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
IMDb Rating: 7.9
A classic film by Steven Spielberg about the friendship between a young boy, Elliott, and a lost alien. Hiding their new friend from the adults, the children try to help him return home while overcoming various challenges.
Stand by Me (1986)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
An adaptation of another Stephen King novella, The Body. Four friends embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. Their adventure becomes a test of friendship and coming-of-age, revealing their deepest emotions and struggles.
Gremlins (1984)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
A young man receives a mysterious creature, a Mogwai, as a gift. But after breaking the rules of its care, he accidentally unleashes a horde of mischievous and dangerous creatures — Gremlins — who wreak havoc on the town during Christmas night.
