Matt Duffer And Ross Dufferalso known as the Duffer Brothers, are best known for the hugely popular Netflix original Stranger things. The American twins became interested in filmmaking at an early age, when they started making films in third grade with a Hi 8 camera that their parents had given them. Later in life, the creative duo studied film at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts.
The pair would eventually write the script for the horror movie Hidden, about a family hidden in a bomb shelter from the horrors of a mysterious outbreak. The film caught the attention of famed horror director M. Night Shyamalan, who hired them as writers and producers for the television series. Quirky Pines.
This experience in the television industry inspired the Duffer Brothers to pitch their own science fiction series Stranger things. The Netflix series pays homage to iconic 1980s pop culture and pays homage to many of the works the Duffer brothers loved in their youth, including those by Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, George Lucas and more. These are The Duffer Brothers’ favorite 1980s movies.
12 The Empire strikes back
When asked by Fashion which movies they would take to a desert island was one of three they listed in response The Empire strikes backtogether with Back to the future And Heat. The brothers chose these three films because they are “endlessly watchable”. Following their admiration for the film, the Stranger things universe is littered with references to not only the Star Wars franchise but to Empire strikes back specifically. Most riveting is the end of Season 4 of the series, where the downtrodden heroes can be seen in the distance, knowing that they’re in for a great fight in their future.
11 Fast times at Ridgemont High
It’s not hard to see that the Duffer brothers were inspired by the ’80s classic Fast times at Ridgemont High. The references to Fast times throughout the series are so pervasive it’s hard not to miss them. From the Star Court Mall design to the Scoops Ahoy uniforms and of course the Billy Hargrove pool entrance, just to name a few. Not to mention all the references to the movie by the characters themselves, namely Steve Harrington.
10 Batman
The Duffer Brothers once told The protector that their love of movies all started with Tim Burton’s Batman, released in 1989 when the writing duo was only five years old. Ross Duffer tells the publication: “What we could see was that there was someone behind the curtain controlling all of this, and you could see from one Tim Burton movie to another that the guy who Edward Scissorhands also made Batman. You could connect the dots because his style was so outspoken. He was the first director we became obsessed with as a kid.”
9 Back to the future
Back to the future was also mentioned by the Duffer brothers as one of three films that would take them to a deserted island, and it’s not hard to see why. The 1985 sci-fi movie is one of the best popcorn movies of all time with its perfect mix of comedy, romance and action. Not to mention the comedic pairing of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Fox recently came up with an idea for one Back to the future restart project.
ET the alien is another movie that the Duffer Brothers reference a lot throughout the series in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. From the blonde wig Elf wears to disguise herself, to the many scenes of kids on bikes, to the kids’ protagonist and kid-led point of view. ET is arguably one of the most referenced 80s movies in the popular sci-fi series.
7 The thing
The Duffer brothers’ affinity with that of John Carpenter The thing is known for its many references within Stranger things. The pair even confirmed with Weekly entertainment all movie references present in season 3 of Stranger thingsAnd The thing was one of the listed films. Some examples can be seen on the movie poster adorning Mike Wheeler’s basement, and Lucas also references it in the epic battle at Star Court Mall.
6 The Goonies
The Goonies is another classic 80s movie that audiences love. Not only is it a fan favorite, but you can definitely tell it’s made an impact Stranger things. The similarities include a close-knit group of young protagonists who value friendship and loyalty as they investigate mysteries in their small town. In addition, both the movie and the movie feature a group of younger kids assisted by older teens. The biggest reference to the film, however, is Sean Astin’s role as Joyce Byer’s love interest Bob Newby.
5 Poltergeist
Poltergeist is another 80s movie that has been heavily influenced Stranger things. Especially in Season 1, when Will is lost in The Upside Down and Joyce is overcome with grief over his disappearance. The grieving mother is reminiscent of Carol Anne’s grieving family in this 1980s horror classic. The way Joyce interacts with Will through the Christmas lights is also very similar to Carol Anne’s communicating with her family through television.
4 Fire starter
It’s no secret that the Duffer Brothers are fans of Stephen King’s work; you just have to look at the title sequence of Stranger things to put that together, and there are similarities between the Netflix series and King’s Fire starter call that bear.
The similarities between Charlie and Eleven Stranger things can be recognized quite quickly. For starters, both characters are gifted with telekinetic powers and strength beyond their age. Second, they are both being pursued by a government agency, and finally, they both have a complicated relationship with the doctor entrusted to their care.
3 Stay with me
In perhaps one of the best scenes in Stranger things, Steve Harrington gives Dustin advice on girls and admits some secrets of his own, as he strolls along the train tracks in search of an escaped Demogorgon. This scene is so nostalgic for viewers because it is reminiscent of another Stephen King classic, Stay with me. The scenery, accompanied by the long tracking shot and compelling dialogue, makes this one of the best 80s movie references in the series.
2 Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is another 80s movie that gets a lot of screen time Stranger thingseven going so far as to be authentic Ghostbusters costumes on the young cast during a Halloween-themed episode in Season 2. Matt Duffer recounted Weekly entertainment that securing the costumes was not an easy task, stating that they had to speak directly to director Ivan Reitman and star Dan Aykroyd. Duffer also admits that he was “geeked out” about the encounter.
“[Reitman] said it was flattering,” says Matt Duffer. “He read the scripts. He had seen the first season or at least heard of it or pretended to. But they really wanted to be part of the show. Then they sent us all these Ghostbusters toys at the end of the shoot. That’s one of my top 5 most worn VHS tapes.” Ironically, one of the cast members of Stranger things also stars Ghostbusters: Afterlife and actor Finn Wolfhard poses Ghostbusterskept him from quitting acting.
1 A nightmare on Elm Street
It is quite difficult to ignore the similarities between Stranger things Season 4 villain Vecna and the king of nightmares himself, Freddy Krueger. Both can attack their victims in their dreams and memories. Oddly enough, they even look the same in appearance, each with burns. Let’s not forget Robert Englund’s epic role as Victor Creel.
It’s a pretty safe assumption that the Duffer Brothers are fans of Nightmare on Elm Street. The pair also confirmed the horror influences in Season 4 in a recent interview with NME, stating, “The biggest influences would probably be A nightmare on Elm StreetA And Three, Clive Barkers Hellraiserweird The cellstarring Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn.“