Stranger Things: Government Conspiracies, Horror Authors, and 80s Vibes

With the release of its last season, Stranger Things produced by the Duffer Brothers has been a major success with fans of all ages eagerly awaiting the final episodes. Eleven, a teenage girl with supernatural powers, had a plotline of government experimentation that immediately drew in sci-fi lovers and regular fans alike. Whether it was Dustin’s comedic relief, or the overall creepy conspiracy thrill the show presented, Stranger things is considered an iconic show for all watchers to remember. But all things need to start somewhere; a sudden spark of inspiration. So what exactly possessed the brothers to create these delightfully eerie episodes?

The most obvious source of inspiration is the table-top roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons, a game prominently in the show in things such as the initial group of Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas holding nights reserved for the game, Hellfire Club, and of course, the creatures and monsters from the game that exist in the Stranger Things world. In an interview with “Tudum” by Netflix, Matt Duffer states, “Everything about their D&D game mirrors very much the reality and how they function in the real world.” From strategies the gang comes up with to the way they refer to things in their plans, D&D started it all.

The Duffer Brothers also drew inspiration from authors Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. In the article, “What Actually Inspired Stranger Things In the First Place?” by Anthony Breznican, the author states that both Matt and Ross Duffer grew up reading King and watching Spielberg’s work. The author and filmmaker actually made comments on inspiring the Duffer Brothers. In one of King’s interviews with The Guardian in 2025, King stated, “...But [the Duffer Brothers are] very talented guys and the story they have developed has a lot more to it than Stephen King. It’s got a lot of Duffer Brothers in it. It’s good. I’ve seen all the episodes. I like it a lot.” This quote really shows King’s support of the Duffers and praise for Stranger Things. Spielberg has also shown support of Stranger Things and stated while talking to fellow director, James Cameron, “The worst films just refer to other movies. The best films connect you to something that you've actually experienced. Stranger Things has done that very well. It touches on a lot of movies that you and I and others have made, but it does it brilliantly.”

In conclusion, Stranger Things has so many references from authors and directors, to table-top roleplaying games, 80s songs and media, and even government conspiracy that no one could possibly tell them all in one article. Next time you see Stranger Things, you’ll know a tiny bit about how it was made, but until then, they are always stranger things to discover.