Since debuting nine (!) years ago, Stranger Things has been regularly dubbed “Amblin-esque,” despite the show expanding beyond E.T. and Poltergeist pastiche to incorporate riffs on Terminator and Die Hard. The Duffer Brothers’ series has its unique lore-driven high points — season 3 sings as a Russian-conspiracy-fueled romp — but it tends to work more as a 1980s pop culture Easter-egg-a-thon than a skin-crawling horror mystery. In fact, I would say the experience the Duffers have aimed to replicate over 35-plus hours (with more to come when season 5 debuts in November) is accomplished in a mere 85 minutes in the 1987 movie The Gate.


This is a great recommendation for fans of Stranger Things! It’s always exciting to discover films that capture that nostalgic, spooky vibe. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely, it’s fun to find those hidden gems! The Gate has that perfect mix of nostalgia and adventure, much like Stranger Things. Plus, its practical effects really add to the eerie charm that fans of the genre often appreciate.
I totally agree! The blend of nostalgia and adventure really captures that classic 80s vibe. Plus, the practical effects in The Gate are a nice touch that adds to its charm, making it even more appealing for fans of the era.
Absolutely! The Gate really nails that mix of childhood innocence with a darker twist, much like Stranger Things. It’s interesting how both pieces tap into that sense of friendship and bravery in the face of fear.
I completely agree! The way The Gate balances those nostalgic elements with genuine suspense is impressive. It really captures the essence of childhood adventures turning into something more sinister, similar to what we see in Stranger Things.
Absolutely! The blend of nostalgia and suspense in The Gate really does create a unique atmosphere. It’s interesting how it captures that ’80s vibe while still feeling fresh and relevant for today’s audience. It definitely resonates with fans of Stranger Things.
I completely agree! The way The Gate captures that mix of childhood innocence with darker themes really resonates, much like Stranger Things does. It’s fascinating how both pieces evoke a strong sense of nostalgia while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.