If you’re a fan of Stranger Things and looking for new shows that offer a similar blend of supernatural intrigue, nostalgic vibes, and gripping storytelling, you’re in luck. This list of 25 series like Stranger Things includes a mix of eerie mysteries, thrilling sci-fi adventures, and dark fantasies that promise to captivate and entertain. Whether you’re drawn to intricate plots, nostalgic settings, or supernatural elements, these recommendations are sure to provide your next binge-worthy experience.
Best TV Series Like Stranger Things
1. The X-Files
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery
- Premise: FBI agents investigate paranormal phenomena and unsolved cases.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Complex Mythology: Delve into a rich universe of alien conspiracies and government cover-ups.
- Iconic Monster-of-the-Week Episodes: Enjoy a mix of standalone and serialized stories.
- Strong Character Development: Explore the evolving dynamics between Mulder and Scully.
2. Dark
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Premise: A German town’s mysterious disappearances uncover a complex time-travel conspiracy.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Intricate Plot Twists: Experience a labyrinthine narrative that keeps you guessing.
- Atmospheric Tension: The show’s dark and moody atmosphere enhances the suspense.
- Deep Exploration of Time Travel: Engaging and thought-provoking treatment of time travel concepts.
3. Twin Peaks
Overview
- Genre: Mystery, Drama
- Premise: A small town is shaken by the murder of a young woman, revealing dark secrets.
- Where to Watch: Paramount+, Showtime, Hulu
- Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Eccentric Characters: Unique and memorable characters drive the narrative.
- Surreal Storytelling: Experience a blend of mystery, drama, and surrealism.
- Blend of Crime and Supernatural Elements: An intriguing mix of genres.
4. The OA
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery
- Premise: A missing blind woman returns with her sight restored and claims to have supernatural abilities.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Complex Narrative Structure: The story unfolds in non-linear ways, enhancing the intrigue.
- Themes of Identity and Belief: Thought-provoking exploration of philosophical and existential themes.
- Engaging and Thought-Provoking: Keeps viewers engaged with its unique premise.
5. Black Mirror
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Anthology
- Premise: Each episode explores dark, dystopian themes related to modern technology.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Standalone Stories: Enjoy different tales with each episode.
- Social Commentary: Provokes thought about the impact of technology on society.
- Varied Genres and Tones: Each episode offers a unique experience.
6. The Haunting of Hill House
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Drama
- Premise: A family confronts their traumatic past and supernatural experiences in a haunted house.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Psychological Depth: Explores deep emotional and psychological themes.
- Emotional Storytelling: Balances horror with compelling family drama.
- Eerie Atmosphere: Creates a chilling and immersive experience.
7. Wayward Pines
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery
- Premise: A Secret Service agent finds himself trapped in a small town with dark secrets.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 7.3/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Suspenseful Plot: Keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns.
- Unraveling Mysteries: Gradually reveals the town’s dark secrets.
- Strong Lead Performances: Engaging performances from the cast.
8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Overview
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama
- Premise: A teenage girl is chosen to battle supernatural forces and protect her town.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
- Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Witty Dialogue: Known for its clever and humorous writing.
- Strong Character Arcs: Follows the growth and development of its characters.
- Blend of Horror and Humor: Combines scary moments with light-hearted humor.
9. Fringe
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Premise: A team investigates unexplained phenomena and uncovers a parallel universe.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Complex Narrative: Engages with its intricate and evolving storyline.
- Blend of Science Fiction and Procedural Elements: Offers a mix of genres.
- Engaging Character Relationships: Focuses on character dynamics alongside the sci-fi plot.
10. Stranger Things
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror
- Premise: A group of kids uncover supernatural occurrences in their small town.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 8.7/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- 80s Nostalgia: Celebrates 80s pop culture with references and style.
- Strong Ensemble Cast: Features a talented group of young actors.
- Supernatural and Government Conspiracy Elements: Combines thrilling and mysterious elements.
11. The 100
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
- Premise: Survivors of a nuclear apocalypse return to Earth to see if it’s habitable.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Post-Apocalyptic Setting: Offers a gripping exploration of survival in a changed world.
- Moral Dilemmas: Engages with ethical and philosophical questions.
- Strong Character Development: Features evolving relationships and personal growth.
12. Teen Wolf
Overview
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama
- Premise: A high school student gains werewolf abilities and must navigate a world of supernatural creatures.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Supernatural Mythology: Delves into werewolf lore and other mythological creatures.
- Teen Drama Elements: Combines supernatural elements with relatable teen issues.
- Action-Packed Scenes: Offers thrilling and dynamic sequences.
13. Lost
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery
- Premise: Survivors of a plane crash find themselves on a mysterious island with strange occurrences.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Character-Driven Narrative: Focuses on character development and relationships.
- Intriguing Mysteries: Engages with numerous island mysteries and secrets.
- Flashback Storytelling: Uses flashbacks to deepen character backstories.
14. The Terror
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Historical Drama
- Premise: Based on true events, a ship’s crew encounters supernatural dangers in the Arctic.
- Where to Watch: Hulu
- Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Historical Setting: Combines real historical events with supernatural elements.
- Chilling Atmosphere: Creates a tense and eerie environment.
- Strong Performances: Features a compelling cast and performances.
15. Channel Zero
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Anthology
- Premise: Each season adapts a different “creepypasta” or internet horror story.
- Where to Watch: Shudder, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Anthology Format: Offers different horror stories each season.
- Unique Horror Stories: Features fresh and innovative takes on internet horror.
- Psychological Horror Elements: Focuses on psychological and unsettling horror.
16. The Magicians
Overview
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama
- Premise: College students discover that the magical world they read about is real and poses a threat to humanity.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Magical Adventures: Offers a rich and imaginative magical world.
- Dark Themes: Engages with mature and complex themes.
- Character Development: Features dynamic character arcs and growth.
17. Castle Rock
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Premise: Set in the world of Stephen King’s novels, the series intertwines various characters and stories.
- Where to Watch: Hulu
- Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Stephen King’s Universe: Explores the interconnected world of King’s works.
- Creepy Atmosphere: Creates a haunting and suspenseful environment.
- Interconnected Stories: Features a web of linked characters and plots.
18. Salem
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Drama
- Premise: A reimagining of the Salem witch trials with supernatural elements.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Historical Setting: Offers a dark twist on the historical witch trials.
- Dark Magic: Features compelling supernatural themes and dark magic.
- Intriguing Characters: Focuses on complex and morally ambiguous characters.
19. Penny Dreadful
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Drama
- Premise: Classic literary characters like Dr. Frankenstein and Dracula are reimagined in Victorian London.
- Where to Watch: Showtime, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Gothic Atmosphere: Creates a rich and atmospheric Victorian setting.
- Literary References: Features a mix of classic horror literature characters.
- Complex Characters: Offers deep and nuanced character development.
20. American Horror Story
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Anthology
- Premise: Each season presents a new horror story with a different theme and setting.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Anthology Format: Enjoy a new horror story each season.
- Varied Horror Themes: Explores different types of horror with each season.
- Strong Performances: Features standout performances from its cast.
21. The Leftovers
Overview
- Genre: Drama, Mystery
- Premise: After a global event causes 2% of the population to vanish, the survivors deal with their grief and confusion.
- Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Emotional Depth: Explores deep emotional and existential themes.
- Mystery Elements: Keeps viewers intrigued with its central mystery.
- Unique Narrative Approach: Offers a distinctive and thought-provoking narrative style.
22. Marianne
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Premise: A famous horror writer returns to her hometown where her fictional nightmares become real.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- French Horror: Offers a fresh perspective on the horror genre.
- Creepy Atmosphere: Creates a genuinely unsettling and eerie experience.
- Psychological Tension: Focuses on psychological horror and suspense.
23. Hannibal
Overview
- Genre: Horror, Crime
- Premise: A psychological thriller focusing on the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.5/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Psychological Depth: Explores complex psychological themes and character interactions.
- Unique Storytelling: Features distinctive and innovative narrative techniques.
- Dark and Atmospheric: Offers a chilling and immersive experience.
24. The X-Files
Overview
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery
- Premise: FBI agents investigate paranormal phenomena and unsolved cases.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
- Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Iconic Storytelling: Known for its groundbreaking approach to sci-fi and mystery.
- Strong Lead Performances: Features memorable performances by Mulder and Scully.
- Blend of Mythological and Standalone Episodes: Offers a mix of serialized and episodic content.
25. Umbrella Academy
Overview
- Genre: Superhero, Fantasy
- Premise: A dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings reunites to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch
- Superhero Elements: Features a unique and unconventional take on the superhero genre.
- Dark Humor: Balances serious themes with darkly comedic moments.
- Complex Character Dynamics: Explores the intricate relationships within the family.
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Conclusion
For fans of Stranger Things seeking new series that blend supernatural intrigue with compelling storytelling, this list provides a diverse array of options. From eerie mysteries and dark fantasies to sci-fi adventures, these shows offer thrilling experiences and rich narratives. Whether you’re drawn to the 80s nostalgia of Stranger Things or eager to explore new realms, these series promise to captivate and entertain.