If you have ever fallen in love with the eerie charm, nostalgic glow, and monster-hunting madness of Stranger Things, you already know the feeling of wanting more. With the final season arriving soon and the world of Hawkins slowly closing its gates, fans everywhere are searching for their next obsession, something with the same spark of mystery, emotional warmth, supernatural chills, or small-town chaos. Luckily, there are plenty of equally gripping, addictive, and atmospheric shows that deliver those same vibes.
This article dives deep into the ten best series like Stranger Things that you absolutely need to watch next. Whether you crave retro aesthetics, supernatural threats, teen friendships, dark secrets, thrilling mysteries, or world-ending stakes, these shows have it all. Each carries its own flavour while still tapping into the energy that made Stranger Things a global phenomenon. Let’s step into alternate dimensions, cursed towns, twisted realities, and ghost-filled worlds as we explore your next binge-worthy adventure.
Wayward Pines
Before Stranger Things was even a concept, the Duffer Brothers honed their suspense storytelling skills on Wayward Pines. This chilling Fox series dives into the bizarre and unsettling secrets of a seemingly normal small town. The story follows Secret Service agent Ethan Burke, played by Matt Dillon, who arrives in Wayward Pines to search for two missing agents. What he finds instead is a strange town where nothing makes sense, communication with the outside world is impossible, and a ruthless sheriff keeps everyone terrified and under control.
As Ethan digs deeper, the town’s disturbing truth unfolds, including how time inside Wayward Pines flows differently than in the real world. Though the first season adapts Blake Crouch’s novels faithfully and ends with an explosive twist, the second season expands the mythology and pushes the stakes into global territory. What truly makes Wayward Pines comparable to Stranger Things is its eerie atmosphere, mysterious rules, and the haunting sense that something catastrophic lurks beneath the surface. It’s claustrophobic, thrilling, and filled with revelations that feel like puzzle pieces snapping into place, perfect for fans craving a suspense-heavy small-town mystery.
Riverdale
Archie Comics may have always represented wholesome Americana, but Riverdale flips that image into something dark, moody, and delightfully wild. Debuting in 2017 on The CW, Riverdale begins as a teen murder mystery before spiralling into a world of cults, serial killers, alternate realities, paranormal events, and musical episodes that feel like fever dreams.
Set in a fog-covered small town constantly hiding secrets, Riverdale centres on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead as they try to make sense of the sinister events unfolding around them. While the show becomes increasingly unpredictable and chaotic with each season, that unpredictability is part of its charm. Riverdale blends teen drama with noir suspense, supernatural undertones, and heightened emotional stakes.
If you love Stranger Things for its teen-focused storytelling, atmospheric tension, and escalating madness, Riverdale gives you all of that, with an extra layer of unapologetic weirdness.
Dark
Dark is often described as the German equivalent of Stranger Things, but it quickly evolves into something much deeper, more intricate, and more mind-bending. Set in the quiet town of Winden, the story revolves around four interconnected families whose lives are upended when a child disappears near a mysterious cave. What starts as a missing-person case slowly unravels into a multi-generational, time-bending web that spans several decades.
With timelines jumping between 1953, 1986, 2019, and beyond, Dark delivers a narrative that is as emotionally powerful as it is intellectually challenging. The series explores fate, trauma, identity, and the terrifying consequences of time manipulation. Every episode is filled with revelations that force the viewer to rethink everything they thought they understood.
If Stranger Things fascinated you with alternate dimensions, portals, or complex sci-fi elements, Dark takes those concepts and amplifies them into an extraordinary, apocalyptic, and unforgettable masterpiece. With only three tightly written seasons, it is one of the most rewarding viewing experiences you can have.
The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy reimagines the superhero genre with quirkiness, heart, and chaotic creativity. Based on the comic series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, the story follows a dysfunctional family of super-powered siblings adopted by the mysterious billionaire Reginald Hargreeves. Reuniting after years of estrangement, the siblings discover that they alone can stop an impending apocalypse, but their attempts to save the world only trigger alternate timelines and even more disasters.
From time-travelling assassins to bizarre villains and surreal sequences like the iconic Footloose dance battle, The Umbrella Academy thrives on originality. Its mix of comedy, emotional complexity, and sci-fi weirdness gives it the same charm fans love in Stranger Things. Both shows balance world-ending stakes with deeply personal character arcs, making the emotional moments hit just as hard as the action.
Across four seasons, The Umbrella Academy crafts a story that is strange, stylish, and remarkably heartfelt, perfect for viewers who enjoy supernatural chaos anchored by lovable misfits.
Alice in Borderland
If you’re looking for high-stakes action, mind-bending games, and psychological tension, Alice in Borderland will keep you hooked from the first episode. Based on Haro Aso’s popular manga, the series follows Ryōhei Arisu and his friends as they are mysteriously transported to an empty, alternate version of Tokyo. To survive and escape, they must compete in deadly games that test their intelligence, teamwork, and courage.
The series stands out for its creative game design, gripping battles, and surprisingly emotional storytelling. Arisu’s evolving dynamic with Yuzuha Usagi adds heart and depth to the otherwise brutal, suspense-driven narrative. While the show contains intense violence, it never loses sight of character development, a balance that keeps audiences deeply invested.
Fans of Stranger Things will appreciate Alice in Borderland for its otherworldly setting, life-or-death stakes, and exploration of friendship under extreme pressure. It’s one of the best Japanese Netflix originals for a reason.
Locke and Key
Locke and Key combines fantasy, mystery, and supernatural horror into a compelling story about a family discovering magical powers hidden within their ancestral home. Adapted from Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez’s acclaimed comic series, the story begins when Nina Locke and her children move into Keyhouse after a family tragedy. Soon, the kids uncover enchanted keys that unlock extraordinary abilities, from stepping out of their own heads to travelling through doors with impossible destinations.
But magic always attracts danger, and Keyhouse is no exception. Dark forces seek the keys, leading to escalating threats that put the entire family at risk. What makes the show resonate with Stranger Things fans is its focus on younger characters navigating trauma, supernatural threats, and coming-of-age struggles all at once.
With its mix of wonder, tension, and emotional storytelling, Locke and Key offers a magical yet menacing experience that feels both cozy and chilling.
Paper Girls
Paper Girls is one of the most underrated gems for fans of retro sci-fi storytelling. Adapted from Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang’s comic series, the story begins on November 1, 1988, when four newspaper delivery girls start their morning route. What begins as a normal day turns into a life-changing adventure involving time travel, futuristic warriors, and dangerous conspiracies.
The show beautifully captures the nostalgic charm of the late '80s while maintaining a fresh, modern narrative style. The chemistry between the young cast members adds emotional weight, especially when the girls encounter their future selves in unexpected and sometimes heartbreaking ways.
Like Stranger Things, Paper Girls thrives on friendships, retro aesthetics, and sci-fi mysteries. Although it only ran for one season, it remains a warm, thrilling, and character-driven adventure worth adding to your watchlist.
The Midnight Club
From the mind of horror maestro Mike Flanagan comes The Midnight Club, a haunting and emotional series that mixes supernatural elements with deep personal storytelling. Set in 1994, the show follows Ilonka, a terminally ill teenager who enters Brightcliffe Hospice searching for answers and hope. There, she joins a group of teens who meet every night to share scary stories, but the real horror begins when Ilonka discovers that the hospice may be hiding dark secrets.
The Midnight Club resembles Stranger Things in many ways: a tight-knit group of young characters, an unfolding mystery, emotional stakes, and supernatural danger lurking beneath everyday life. The series is both spooky and heartfelt, dealing delicately with themes like mortality, friendship, and courage.
Though the show was cancelled after one season, Mike Flanagan later revealed the planned continuation, giving fans closure. It remains a beautifully crafted tale that blends fear with empathy, offering a unique viewing experience for Stranger Things lovers.
Lockwood and Co.
Lockwood and Co. offers a fresh, atmospheric take on the ghost-hunting genre. Set in an alternate version of Britain where ghosts have terrorised the population for 50 years, the government depends on psychic children and teens to fight spirits, as adults cannot sense them.
At the heart of the story is Lockwood and Co., a tiny independent agency run by three talented teens: Anthony Lockwood, George Karim, and the fiercely gifted Lucy Carlyle. They face dangerous hauntings, cursed objects, and shadowy conspiracies while trying to make a name for themselves and survive.
The series blends supernatural adventure with witty dialogue, emotional depth, and dynamic action. Its focus on a young trio saving the day despite adult incompetence aligns closely with the spirit of Stranger Things. While fans were disappointed by its cancellation, Lockwood and Co. remains a standout supernatural teen series with exceptional world-building and charm.
Goosebumps (2023)
The beloved Goosebumps franchise receives a modern makeover in this 2023 Disney+ and Hulu adaptation. Unlike the original anthology series from the 1990s, this version uses a continuous storyline stretched across its episodes while still adapting elements from R. L. Stine’s most iconic books. The plot follows a group of teens who accidentally unleash supernatural chaos connected to a tragic event from decades earlier. Each episode incorporates a different Goosebumps story, blending nostalgia with fresh scares.
The tone is spooky yet family-friendly, making it perfect for younger audiences or anyone who enjoys a mild horror vibe. With classic threats like haunted masks, cursed objects, and a sinister ventriloquist dummy, Goosebumps captures the eerie fun that defined the books. Its teen-focused cast, paranormal storyline, and combination of humour and horror make it a light yet engaging option for Stranger Things fans.
Though the show concluded after two seasons, it remains a fun and accessible supernatural adventure that blends mystery, heart, and playful terror.
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
Over the years, I have developed a keen ability to analyze matches, players, and sports trends, turning raw information into reader-friendly narratives that spark conversation and build engagement. My work balances insightful analysis with entertainment value, making it appealing to both casual fans and dedicated sports enthusiasts.
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