Films That Inspired Stranger Things 5 are finally becoming a hot topic among fans after Netflix released the emotional and action-packed first part of the final season. As expected, the Duffer brothers didn’t hold back. Instead of relying only on 80s nostalgia, they blended powerful references from different decades to create a darker, more mature, and more cinematic final chapter.
This season dives into major themes like memory, trauma, survival, and destiny—so it’s no surprise they borrowed inspiration from iconic films that shaped entire generations. I also added extra background and context to help readers understand why these particular movies influenced the show so strongly.
Just like many viewers, I immediately recognized several scenes and emotional beats that felt like deliberate homages. Below is the ultimate list of films you should absolutely watch if you enjoyed Stranger Things 5.
🎬 7 Must-Watch Films That Inspired Stranger Things 5
1. Poltergeist
One of the clearest inspirations appears in the moment Holly Wheeler is dragged into the Upside Down. This scene mirrors the eerie abduction of young Carol Anne from Poltergeist, where a supernatural force pulls her into another dimension.
The idea of a family desperately trying to retrieve their child before a closing gateway also parallels the emotional urgency of Stranger Things.
2. The Great Escape
In Episode 4, the rescue mission to free the children from the military base resembles the classic Steve McQueen film The Great Escape.
Both stories revolve around strategic teamwork, high-risk infiltration, and the tension of sneaking past heavily armed forces. It’s a nod to old-school war-movie suspense.
3. A Wrinkle in Time
This season makes several references to A Wrinkle in Time, a story about two siblings traveling across time and space to save their father from a dark, mind-controlling entity.
Holly is seen reading the book, and many visual details—like the concept of mental imprisonment—mirror the show’s handling of Henry Creel’s psychic world.
4. Terminator 2
Because Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor in Terminator 2) appears in Stranger Things 5 as Dr. Kay, the Duffer brothers confirmed the film as a direct inspiration.
Themes of unstoppable threats, parental protection, and emotional resilience heavily influence the tone of the final season.
5. Home Alone
Characters like Erika and Derek bring comedic energy similar to Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, especially through their clever defensive traps.
Only this time, the stakes are much higher—they’re defending their home from supernatural forces rather than two clumsy burglars.
6. The Cell
In The Cell, a woman enters the mind of a serial killer to navigate his memories and save a victim.
This reflects Max’s situation, as she remains trapped within Henry Creel’s memories, desperately trying to escape the psychological maze he created.
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Memory is a central theme in both this film and Stranger Things 5.
Characters like Max and Holly wander through Henry’s memories in scenes reminiscent of Jim Carrey’s journey through the erasure of his past.
Both stories use memories as emotional battlegrounds.
8. Children of Men
Though the connection may seem less direct, the Duffer brothers confirmed Children of Men as an influence.
The film’s world—where humanity is collapsing and children represent hope—mirrors the idea that the young heroes of Hawkins carry the last spark of salvation for both worlds.
🎉 Final Thoughts
The final season of Stranger Things embraces a richer cinematic language than ever before. The Duffer brothers didn’t just copy scenes—they reimagined emotional and thematic beats from classic films to expand the world of Hawkins and raise the stakes.
If you’re a fan of the series, watching these films will deepen your understanding of the show’s atmosphere, tone, and emotional weight.
This list also shows how broad the series’ influences have become—beyond 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things 5 reaches into the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, psychological drama, and existential storytelling.
