The new television series “Stranger Things” has been out on Netflix for about a week now, and it has been getting rave reviews, even grabbing the number one spot on IMdB’s most popular TV Shows and ranking in the top 20 on IMDb’s top 250 TV shows. That’s quite impressive for a TV show that’s not even a month old. Although I didn’t love it as much as other people, I still really enjoyed it.

One of the most apparent factors in the show is its homage to classic '80s cinema, inspiring the mystery, the horror and the sense of adventure the series holds. Now, I know there are many other movies that influence the show, some older than the ‘80s and some even contemporary, but these five films I feel are the biggest influences on the series.

Now, right here, I’m issuing a spoiler warning because it’s a bit difficult to talk about the show’s influences without talking about some events in the show. So, if you have not finished “Stranger Things,” I highly recommend coming back to this once finished. Unfortunately, none of these movies are available to stream on Netflix. So, you may have to rent them, borrow them from a friend or obtain them some other way.

1. "John Carpenter's The Thing" (1982)

To be quite honest, a lot of Carpenter’s movies have a good influence on the show. From “Halloween” to “They Live,” the show sure draws quite the influence. However, none of his other movies are quite as influential as “The Thing.” Although the monster effects in “Stranger Things” were fairly minimal, it looked to pay homage to the horror classic which is considered to be a landmark in particle effects. There’s even a scene in the show where two characters are watching Carpenter’s classic and one character -- who’s a science teacher -- points out how the practice effects are done. It’s also clear that they are watching one of the film’s most iconic scenes. “The Thing” is a movie that always keeps its audience on its toes and waiting for the scene to explode at any given moment, and when it does it will surly scare the living hell out of you.

2. Stephen Spielberg's "E.T. The Extraterrestrial" (1982)

One big aspect that “Stranger Things” has going for it is the Spielberg feel that is apparent throughout out the first season. You have the humor, but you also have that huge sense of mystery that Spielberg put in his 1982 film “E.T. The Extraterrestrial.” As the character, Eleven, mysteriously shows up in the town of Hawkins, Indiana, it is by far influenced by the alien and the mystery surrounding it in “E.T.” Just like E.T., the mystery surrounding Eleven becomes unraveled and becomes a very respectful homage to Spielberg. There’s also an incredible chase scene toward the end of the show that’s very reminiscent of the 1982 classic.

“E.T.” is a movie that is very hard to dislike. In the '80s, Spielberg had a knack for putting a lot of charm and charisma into his films that make them so re-watchable even by today’s standards, and “E.T.” is definitely no exception. It also features a very early performance by Drew Barrymore, and a spectacular child performance by Henry Thomas. This is definitely a must watch even if you liked “Stranger Things” only a little bit.

3. "Poltergeist" (1982)

(This is where I spoil some events in the show.)

Now, we have the paranormal aspect of the show, and a huge part of that is influenced by the 1982 film, “Poltergeist.” With the disappearance of the character Will in the show and the events that follow, it immediately made me think of “Poltergeist.”

In the show, Will is caught in The Upside Down, a vision of a different detention from the real world, and in this he is able to communicate with his mother in the real world. This is much like the movie “Poltergeist,” as little Carol Ann is put into another dimension through her television. However, it is a bit different than “Stranger Things,” but it’s something that’s best unexplained and going into blind.

“Poltergeist” is a movie that makes some infamous childhood horrors come to life in the best way possible. There are a few scenes that are genuinely terrifying even for a rated PG movie. The movie uses practical effects to its full advantage, even though some are a bit outdated by today’s standards, but this Spielberg written movie is definitely worth a look.

4. "The Goonies" (1985)

What else would an '80s inspired series be without the sense of adventure that was defined with the 1985 movie “The Goonies?” One of the main influences of the charm in “Stranger Things” not only comes from Spielberg, but it also comes from the unforgettable movie, “The Goonies,” which has inspired so much beyond its release. Although the child group aspect from “Stranger Things” is most influenced from “Stand By Me,” “The Goonies” has a sense of adventure and charisma that is incredibly played out in the series. If you have not watched “The Goonies,” you are missing out on a classic! It’s a fun adventure movie that pretty much any age can enjoy!

5. "Stand By Me" (1986)

Now, there is one classic movie that defined friendship and that is Rob Reiner’s “Stand By Me.” A lot of Stephen King inspired stuff is shown in “Stranger Things," but the excellent chemistry between this group of friends in the show is very much inspired by this 1986 film.

In “Stand By Me,” you have a group of kids, played by Wil Wheaton, River Pheonix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’ Connell who set off to find the body of a missing boy. Although the plot seems somewhat simplistic, the film presents one of the best examples of growing friendship put to screen, and “Stranger Things” pulls this off remarkably as well with excellent performances all around from the child actors.

It’s exciting to watch a highly inspired TV series like “Stranger Things” that has so many great influences. I didn’t really even scratch the surface of what other movies inspired the series. The movies I listed off, though, in my opinion, are absolutely spectacular and some great examples to showcase how cinema was in the ‘80s. If you have some movies that I didn’t touch on, put them down in the comments; I need new movies to watch.