Matt DufferandRoss Duffer, otherwise known as the Duffer Brothers, are best known for the massively popular Netflix originalStranger Things. The American twins took an interest in filmmaking at an early age, when they began making films in the third grade with a hi 8 camera that was a gift from their parents. Later in life, the creative duo took film study at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts.
The pair would eventually write the script for the horror filmHidden, 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 seriesWayward Pines.
This experience in the television industry inspired the Duffer Brothers to pitch their own science fiction seriesStranger Things. The Netflix series is anhomage to iconic 80s pop cultureand pays tribute to many works the Duffer Brothers favored in their youths, including those of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, George Lucas, and more. Here are The Duffer Brothers’ favorite 80s movies.
12The Empire Strikes Back
When asked byVoguewhich movies they would take with them to a deserted island, one of the three they listed in response wasThe Empire Strikes Back, along withBack to the FutureandHeat. The brothers selected these three movies because they are “endlessly rewatchable.” Further to their admiration for the film, theStranger Thingsuniverse is littered with references to not only theStar Warsfranchise but toEmpire Strikes Backspecifically. The most compelling is the ending of Season 4 of the series, which shows the downtrodden heroes looking off in the distance, knowing they face a tremendous fight in their future.
Related:Six Franchises the Duffer Brothers Should Enter After Stranger Things
11Fast Times at Ridgemont High
It’s not hard to see the Duffer Brothers were inspired by the 80s classicFast Times at Ridgemont High. The references toFast Timesthroughout the series are so pervasive, it’s hard not to miss them. From the design of Star Court Mall to the Scoops Ahoy uniforms, and of course, the Billy Hargrove pool entrance scene, to name a few. Not to mention all the references to the film by the characters themselves, namely Steve Harrington.
The Duffer Brothers once toldThe Guardianthat their love of movies all began with Tim Burton’sBatman, released in 1989 when the writing duo was just five years old. Ross Duffer tells the publication, “What we could see was there was someone behind the curtain controlling all of this, and you could see it from one Tim Burton film to the next, that the guy who madeEdward Scissorhandsalso madeBatman. You could connect the dots because his style was so distinct. He was the first director we became obsessed with as kids.”
9Back to the Future
Back to the Futurewas also named by the Duffer Brothers as one of the three movies they would take with them to a deserted island, and it’s not hard to see why. The 1985 science fiction film is one of the greatest popcorn movies of all time with its perfect blend of comedy, romance, and action. Not to mention the comedic pairing of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.Fox recently proposed an ideafor aBack to the Futurereboot project.
8E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrialis another film that the Duffer Brothers reference a lot in subtle and not-so-subtle ways throughout the series. From the blonde wig that Eleven wears to disguise herself, to the many scenes of kids on bikes, to the children protagonist and child-led point of view.E.T.may be one of the most referenced 80s movies in the popular sci-fi series.
7The Thing
The Duffer brothers' affinity for John Carpenter’sThe Thingis well known by its many references withinStranger Things. The pair even affirmed withEntertainment Weeklyall of the movie references present in season 3 ofStranger Things, andThe Thingwas one of the movies listed.Some examples can be seen in the movie poster that adorns Mike Wheeler’s basement, and Lucas also references it in the epic battle at Star Court Mall.
6The Goonies
The Gooniesis another classic 80s movie that audiences can’t help but love. Not only is it a fan favorite, but you can certainly see that it influencedStranger Things. The similarities include a tight-knit group of young protagonists who value friendship and loyalty while investigating mysteries in their small town. In addition to that both the movie and the film feature a group of younger kids assisted by older teens. The greatest reference to the film, however, has to be Sean Astin’s role as Joyce Byers love interest Bob Newby.
Related:The Goonies Remake Details Revealed by Producer Behind Disney+ Project
5Poltergeist
Poltergeistis another 80s movie that heavily influencedStranger Things. Particularly in Season 1 when Will is lost in The Upside Down and Joyce is overcome with grief at his disappearance. The grieving mother is reminiscent of Carol Anne’s grieving family in this 80s horror classic. The way Joyce interacts with Will through the Christmas lights is also very similar to that of Carol Anne communicating with her family through the television.
4Firestarter
It is no secret that the Duffer Brothers are fans of Stephen King’s work; one need only look at the title sequence ofStranger Thingsto put that together, and there are similarities between the Netflix series and King’sFirestarterthat bear mention.
The similarities between Charlie and Eleven inStranger Thingsare pretty quick to spot. For starters, both characters are endowed with telekinetic powers and strength beyond their years. Secondly, they are both pursued by a government agency, and finally they both share a complicated relationship with the Doctor assigned to their care.
3Stand By Me
In arguably one of the best scenes inStranger Things, Steve Harrington gives Dustin advice about girls and admits some secrets of his own, while strolling along the train tracks in search of an escaped Demogorgon. This scene is so nostalgic for viewers because it calls to mind another Stephen King classic,Stand By Me. The scenery, accompanied by the long tracking shot and compelling dialogue, makes this one of the best 80s movie references in the series.
