Stephen King's Thoughts On Stranger Things And IT: A Comparison

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Stranger Things' Debt to King's Horror Canon

Stranger Things owes a significant debt to the vast and varied landscape of Stephen King's horror fiction. The show masterfully incorporates many elements that are synonymous with King's work, creating a palpable sense of nostalgia and dread.

Nostalgic Elements and 80s Horror Tropes

Stranger Things perfectly captures the aesthetic and atmosphere of 1980s small-town America, a setting frequently employed by King in novels like IT and Stand By Me. This nostalgic backdrop is crucial in setting the tone and enhancing the overall eerie ambiance. The show expertly blends this nostalgia with classic 80s horror tropes, echoing the themes and styles found in King's work.

• Bullied kids facing supernatural threats: Much like the Losers Club in IT, the young protagonists of Stranger Things are often outcasts who unite to confront a terrifying, otherworldly force.
• The small-town setting hiding dark secrets: The seemingly idyllic town of Hawkins, Indiana, mirrors the seemingly ordinary settings in many King novels, masking sinister secrets beneath a veneer of normalcy.
• Coming-of-age amidst horror: The children in Stranger Things grapple with typical adolescent issues while battling supernatural forces, much like the characters in Stand By Me and IT.
• Supernatural horror elements: The Demogorgon and the Upside Down are chilling examples of the kind of supernatural horror that defines much of King's work.

These 80s horror elements, combined with the nostalgic setting and coming-of-age themes, create a narrative deeply resonant with the spirit of Stephen King's storytelling.

The Overlapping Themes of Childhood Trauma and Loss

Both Stranger Things and King's novels frequently explore the devastating effects of childhood trauma and the loss of innocence. The characters often grapple with the psychological scars of their past experiences, which significantly impact their responses to the horrors they face.

• Eleven's traumatic past: Eleven's experiences in the Hawkins National Laboratory parallel the psychological torment experienced by many of King's child protagonists.
• The impact of loss: The characters in Stranger Things, much like those in IT, face significant loss and grief, strengthening their bonds and adding to the emotional weight of the narrative.
• Exploring psychological horror: Stranger Things isn't just about jump scares; it masterfully delves into the psychological horror that defines a significant part of King's oeuvre.

This exploration of psychological horror, trauma, and loss further strengthens the connection between Stranger Things and the thematic underpinnings of King's work.

King's (Potential) Reaction to Stranger Things

While we can’t definitively know Stephen King's exact thoughts on Stranger Things, we can speculate based on his public comments about adaptations and his overall attitude towards the genre. Given his generally positive response to successful adaptations of his work, and his appreciation for well-crafted horror, it's likely he would view Stranger Things favorably.

• Positive comments on other adaptations: King has often expressed approval for faithful and well-executed adaptations of his novels.
• Appreciation for strong storytelling: His focus on character development and intricate plots suggests he'd appreciate the depth of Stranger Things.
• Understanding of nostalgic horror: King's own work often embraces nostalgia, making it probable he’d appreciate Stranger Things's skillful use of 80s horror tropes.

Based on these factors, it seems plausible that King would recognize and appreciate the nods to his work woven into the fabric of Stranger Things.

Comparing IT and its Adaptation to Stranger Things

Comparing the IT adaptation to Stranger Things provides a fascinating insight into how King's themes and narrative structures are interpreted in different contexts.

Shared Narrative Structure and Character Archetypes

Both IT and Stranger Things share a core narrative structure: a group of young friends confronts a terrifying, otherworldly threat, utilizing their collective strength and friendship to overcome the odds.

• The outcast hero: Both stories feature a character who is initially marginalized but emerges as a crucial part of the group.
• The leader figure: A central character guides and unites the group, leading them in their fight against evil.
• The skeptic: A character provides a contrasting viewpoint, offering a sense of realism amidst the supernatural horror.
• The monstrous threat: Pennywise, the dancing clown of IT, and the Demogorgon in Stranger Things represent powerful and terrifying antagonists that challenge the group's resilience.

These shared archetypes and narrative structures reinforce the thematic similarities between the two.

The Power of Childhood Friendships in Overcoming Evil

In both narratives, the power of childhood friendships is central to the protagonists' ability to overcome the terrifying elements they face. Their bonds of loyalty and support prove invaluable in the fight against evil.

• The Losers Club in IT: Their shared history and enduring friendship ultimately allow them to defeat Pennywise.
• The group in Stranger Things: Their friendship acts as a shield against the horrors of the Upside Down, allowing them to support each other through immense emotional and physical strain.

This emphasis on the resilience and power of friendship serves as a potent and heartwarming counterpoint to the terrifying events of both stories.

Differences in Tone and Scope

While sharing many thematic similarities, IT and Stranger Things differ significantly in tone and scope.

• Tonal differences: IT often explores darker themes of trauma and fear, leaning towards a more intense, psychological horror. Stranger Things, while containing terrifying elements, maintains a slightly lighter tone at times, incorporating elements of adventure and suspense.
• Narrative scope: IT focuses intensely on a single town and a specific group of characters over a period of decades. Stranger Things, while also centering on a small town, expands the narrative scope to encompass broader government conspiracies and wider supernatural implications.
• Horror Subgenres: IT leans heavily into cosmic horror and psychological thriller, while Stranger Things blends science fiction, horror, and elements of action-adventure.

Conclusion

Stranger Things stands as a compelling testament to the lasting influence of Stephen King's horror legacy. While differing in tone and scope, both Stranger Things and IT share core narrative elements, character archetypes, and thematic concerns, reflecting the enduring power of King's storytelling. The utilization of nostalgic elements, explorations of childhood trauma, and the unwavering strength of friendship create resonant narratives that continue to captivate audiences.

Share your thoughts! What are your favorite Stephen King adaptations, and how do you see the legacy of his work influencing modern horror? Join the discussion using #StephenKing #StrangerThings #IT #HorrorComparison #Adaptations. Let's explore the world of horror and adaptations further!