By now, you've surely heard of the Netflix phenomenon that is 'Stranger Things'. The show that was turned down by every major network before being picked up by Netflix has become the obsession of everyone I know. The show is incredible from beginning to end. Who doesn't love those five adorable little kids, the 80's music, clothes and hairstyles and my favorite Tim Burton collaborator Winona Ryder? This show is a must see for all ages. So if you're like me and have already binge-watched the show four times already. I'm here with some suggestions for what you should watch next.
1. Donnie Darko
This is a movie that came out in the early 2000's but is set in the 80's. It is full of some 'Stranger Things' vibes. Donnie Darko is a high schooler who is plagued with dreams of a creepy rabbit named Frank. He warns Donnie that doomsday is coming in 28 days. The soundtrack is full of 80's and 90's gems and if you loved the science and theories of time travel and parallel universes in 'Stranger Things', you'll love this movie. It stars a very young and adorable Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze and more.
2. Stand By Me
This movie is based on a novella called 'The Body' by Stephen King. It's about these four childhood friends who go on a journey to find the body of a missing boy in the hopes of becoming local heroes. The film is full of their adventures as they fight off bullies and travel to find the body. If you liked the kids in 'Stranger Things', you'll love this classic 80's film.
3. Beetlejuice
'Beetlejuice' came out in 1988, was directed by the creepiest person ever Tim Burton and stars Winona Ryder aka Joyce Beyers from 'Stranger Things'. Winona plays Lydia Deetz, a lovable goth from New York who discovers that two ghosts (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) are living in the attic of her new house. She quickly befriends them but accidentally summons a creepy troublemaker named Beetlejuice who wreaks havoc on Lydia and her family. The film is quick-witted and funny. If you liked the Upside-Down in 'Stranger Things', Winona Ryder, and the Demogorgon, you'll love it this supernatural comedy.
4. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
If you haven't already seen 'E.T.' then I'm just going to go ahead and say that you've been missing out. This movie is so sweet and fun. It will make you laugh and cry. The movie tells the story of a little boy named Elliot who discovers an alien is hiding in his backyard. He and his sister Gertie, (played by the adorable 4 year old Drew Barrymore) keep E.T. in their home and discover that the alien they name E.T. has been stranded on Earth after his family accidentally leaves him behind. Elliot has to keep his friend safe from parents, bullies and government agents. If you are like me and think Mike and Eleven's friendship in 'Stranger Things' is the most adorable thing ever then you will adore 'E.T'. Pay attention to the scene where Gertie and Elliot dress E.T. up in a wig, the Duffer Brothers who created 'Stranger Things' have admitted they modeled Eleven's transformation scene after this.
Maybe this list can hold you over until 'Stranger Things' season two premieres on Netflix next year. And if not, what could be the harm in watching it all over again for a fifth time?
