Stranger Things And IT: Stephen King's Perspective On The Comparisons

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: Nostalgia, Childhood Trauma, and the Power of Friendship

Both Stranger Things and IT expertly weave together several powerful thematic elements that resonate deeply with audiences.

The Power of Nostalgia: A Retro Aesthetic

Both productions masterfully leverage the potent power of 80s nostalgia. The retro aesthetic isn't merely a backdrop; it's integral to the suspense and adventure.

• Stranger Things: Think of the iconic synthwave soundtrack, the ubiquitous arcade games (like Dig Dug and Pac-Man), the fashion choices, and the overall atmosphere of small-town Americana. These elements evoke a potent sense of longing for a seemingly simpler past.
• IT: The novel and film adaptation transport us back to the quaint town of Derry, Maine, in the 1950s and 1980s, showcasing the aesthetic of the time, from classic cars to specific cultural references. This nostalgic setting perfectly complements the timeless themes of childhood and fear.
• Keywords: 80s nostalgia, retro aesthetic, nostalgic horror, 1980s, 1950s, synthwave.

Childhood Trauma and the Monsters Within: Psychological Horror

At their core, both Stranger Things and IT explore the vulnerability of children and the lasting impact of trauma. The supernatural elements often serve as metaphors for the inner demons children grapple with.

• Stranger Things: Eleven's traumatic past in the Hawkins National Laboratory fuels her powers and shapes her journey. The other children also face personal struggles that add depth to their shared fight against the Upside Down.
• IT: Pennywise preys on the children's deepest fears, exploiting their insecurities and past traumas to feed his power. The trauma experienced by the Losers Club fundamentally shapes their relationships and their fight against the entity.
• Keywords: childhood trauma, psychological horror, coming-of-age, inner demons, fear, insecurity.

The Importance of Friendship and Courage: Teamwork Against the Odds

Friendship is the driving force in both narratives, providing the strength and courage necessary to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

• Stranger Things: The core group of friends—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Eleven—support and protect each other, relying on their unique skills and unwavering loyalty to defeat the threats from the Upside Down. Their bond deepens through shared experiences and hardship.
• IT: The Losers Club, bound by their shared childhood trauma and the fear of Pennywise, demonstrates the power of friendship in facing adversity. Their individual strengths complement each other, enabling them to confront the ancient evil lurking beneath Derry.
• Keywords: friendship, courage, teamwork, overcoming fear, loyalty, support.

Differences in Tone and Approach: Horror vs. Sci-Fi Horror

While sharing thematic similarities, Stranger Things and IT diverge significantly in their tone and approach to horror.

The Nature of the Horror: Cosmic Dread vs. Supernatural Sci-Fi

IT leans heavily into cosmic horror, a genre emphasizing the insignificance of humanity against vast, incomprehensible forces. Stranger Things, meanwhile, blends supernatural horror with elements of science fiction.

• IT: Pennywise, as an ancient, otherworldly entity, embodies cosmic horror, tapping into primal fears and existential dread. The sheer scale and unknowable nature of the creature are terrifying.
• Stranger Things: The Upside Down and its various creatures represent a blend of the supernatural and scientific, with hints of government conspiracies and otherworldly dimensions. The fear evoked is more grounded in the immediate threat, while still containing an element of the unknown.
• Keywords: cosmic horror, supernatural horror, sci-fi horror, psychological thriller, existential dread, otherworldly.

Narrative Structure and Pacing: Episodic vs. Linear

The narratives unfold in contrasting ways. Stranger Things, as an episodic television series, allows for a slower build-up and exploration of character arcs. IT, on the other hand, follows a more linear narrative structure.

• Stranger Things: The episodic format allows for multiple storylines and a gradual unveiling of mysteries, creating suspense and intrigue over several seasons.
• IT: The narrative in IT progresses more directly towards its climax, focusing on the central conflict and the journey of the Losers Club.
• Keywords: narrative structure, storytelling techniques, pacing, episodic television, linear narrative.

A Hypothetical Stephen King Perspective: Praise, Critique, and Comparisons

If Stephen King were to assess Stranger Things, what would he think?

King's Potential Appreciation: Homage and Shared Themes

King would likely appreciate Stranger Things' homage to the 80s aesthetic, its skillful blending of genres, and its focus on the power of friendship and childhood experiences—themes prevalent in many of his own works. The show's exploration of small-town secrets and the underlying darkness within seemingly idyllic settings would resonate with his established style.

King's Potential Critique: Tropes and Narrative Choices

King, known for his intricate and often morally ambiguous characters, might offer some critiques. He might find some plot points overly simplistic or reliant on familiar horror tropes. He might even question the balance between the supernatural and the sci-fi elements in Stranger Things.

Conclusion: Stranger Things, IT, and the King's Legacy

Stranger Things and IT, while vastly different in their approaches to horror, share compelling thematic connections: the power of nostalgia, the exploration of childhood trauma, and the importance of friendship. Our hypothetical Stephen King would likely appreciate the homage to the 80s and the focus on relatable themes, while potentially offering constructive criticism on narrative choices. Both productions stand as testaments to the enduring power of storytelling, capturing the imagination and prompting endless discussion.

What are your thoughts on the comparison between Stranger Things and IT? Do you think Stephen King would agree with this analysis? Share your opinions in the comments below!