Stephen King's Thoughts On Stranger Things And IT Comparisons

Viktoria Ivanova

7 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Thematic Echoes: Exploring Shared Narratives

Both Stranger Things and IT delve into the unsettling intersection of childhood innocence and encroaching darkness, echoing prevalent themes found throughout Stephen King's prolific body of work. These shared narratives create a powerful resonance for audiences familiar with King's signature style of horror fiction.

Childlike Innocence and the Loss of It

A core theme in both narratives is the vulnerability of children confronted by terrifying supernatural forces. This threat to childhood innocence is a recurring motif in Stephen King's writing, manifesting in different ways across his novels.

• Stranger Things: The disappearance of Will Byers and the subsequent encounters with the Upside Down represent a direct assault on the children's safety and the idyllic nature of their small-town lives. The innocence of youth is shattered as they confront terrifying creatures and the chilling reality of a hidden dimension.
• IT: The Losers Club faces the horrifying Pennywise, a shapeshifting entity that preys on their deepest fears, twisting their childhood into a nightmare. The trauma inflicted by Pennywise leaves lasting scars on their psyches, highlighting the irreversible impact of childhood trauma.

These narratives directly connect to Stephen King's consistent exploration of childhood trauma and the enduring battle against evil that often defines his characters' journeys. The loss of innocence, a potent theme in horror fiction, is explored with chilling effectiveness in both Stranger Things and IT. The use of childhood as a backdrop for the supernatural elements amplifies the horror, tapping into primal fears of vulnerability and the unknown.

Small Town Settings and Hidden Darkness

Both Stranger Things and IT utilize seemingly idyllic small-town settings to amplify the unsettling contrast between surface normalcy and lurking darkness. This technique is a hallmark of Stephen King's style, creating a sense of unease that permeates the narrative.

• Derry, Maine (IT): Derry's charming facade masks a history steeped in sinister secrets and unspeakable horrors, creating a chilling atmosphere of gothic horror. The town itself becomes a character, actively participating in the perpetuation of evil.
• Hawkins, Indiana (Stranger Things): The seemingly ordinary town of Hawkins, with its retro 80s aesthetic, hides the terrifying reality of the Upside Down, a parallel dimension teeming with monstrous creatures and otherworldly threats. The contrast between the mundane and the monstrous underscores the unsettling nature of the narrative.

This use of setting reflects Stephen King's mastery of creating atmospheric horror, using familiar settings to breed a sense of unease and dread. The small-town setting provides a sense of claustrophobia, making the escape from the supernatural threat even more challenging. This gothic horror approach, so characteristic of King’s style, is masterfully replicated in Stranger Things.

Character Archetypes: A Comparative Look

Both Stranger Things and IT feature compelling groups of children who confront the supernatural threats, embodying common character archetypes found repeatedly in Stephen King's work.

The Underdog Heroes

The central groups of children in both narratives share crucial similarities: unwavering camaraderie, surprising bravery, and significant vulnerabilities. They are all, in their own ways, outcasts or outsiders who find strength in their shared experiences.

• The Losers Club (IT): Each member of the Losers Club possesses unique flaws and vulnerabilities, yet their friendship provides them with the strength to face Pennywise. We see clear examples of archetypes: the leader (Bill), the outcast (Ben), the skeptic (Beverly), etc.
• The Group in Stranger Things: Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will are united by their shared experiences and their willingness to confront the mysteries of Hawkins. Like the Losers Club, they represent a diverse group of children who exhibit incredible courage in the face of insurmountable odds.

The friendship and loyalty displayed by these characters are central to both stories, highlighting the importance of human connection in overcoming fear and adversity. This aspect reflects Stephen King's frequent portrayal of strong bonds between unlikely individuals facing extraordinary circumstances.

The Monstrous Antagonists

The terrifying antagonists in Stranger Things and IT share similarities in their power, impact, and symbolic representation of primal fears.

• Pennywise (IT): This shapeshifting entity embodies the fears and anxieties of childhood, adapting its form to prey on each child’s deepest insecurities. Pennywise is iconic in the horror genre, and his symbolic representation of childhood fears is arguably what makes him so terrifying.
• The Mind Flayer (Stranger Things): This otherworldly creature represents a larger threat to the existence of Hawkins, embodying the unseen evils that lurk beneath the surface of normality. The Mind Flayer's ability to control its victims and manipulate its environment adds another layer to its menace, making it a uniquely terrifying antagonist.

Both Pennywise and the Mind Flayer serve as potent symbols of the power of fear and the darkness that can reside in both the human psyche and the unknown. They are memorable villains that cement the legacies of IT and Stranger Things, respectively, while embodying the kind of iconic antagonist creation Stephen King is known for.

Stylistic and Tonal Similarities

Beyond thematic and character similarities, Stranger Things and IT share noticeable stylistic and tonal similarities reminiscent of Stephen King’s work.

Nostalgic Horror and 80s Ambiance

Stranger Things, with its deliberate 1980s aesthetic, evokes a distinct sense of nostalgia that is intrinsically linked to the unsettling atmosphere of the show. This nostalgic element contributes significantly to the horror, reminding viewers of a seemingly simpler time while simultaneously exposing the darker elements hidden beneath. Many of Stephen King's stories evoke this nostalgic setting, creating a sense of unease by juxtaposing childhood memories with horrific events. The retro aesthetic, coupled with suspenseful music and creative sound design, sets the tone effectively.

Blending Horror with Heart

Both narratives skillfully balance intense horror with surprisingly heartwarming moments of friendship and resilience. This ability to blend seemingly opposing genres – horror and heart – is a hallmark of Stephen King’s writing. The emotional depth of these stories adds to their power, making them far more affecting than simple horror pieces. The characters’ bonds of friendship, their determination to fight for what is right, and their capacity for empathy give the narrative emotional resonance. This ability to make the audience care for these characters while also simultaneously exposing them to extreme horror mirrors the storytelling approach found in various Stephen King novels and short stories.

Conclusion

In comparing Stranger Things and IT, we find significant thematic and stylistic parallels that resonate strongly with Stephen King's style and recurring motifs. Both narratives explore the vulnerability of childhood in the face of overwhelming evil, utilizing seemingly idyllic small-town settings to contrast with underlying darkness. Memorable antagonists, representing primal fears, serve as powerful driving forces in each narrative. The shared emphasis on nostalgic ambiance, effective use of atmosphere, and skillful blending of horror and heartwarming moments further solidify the connection. While Stephen King hasn't directly commented on this comparison, the thematic echoes and stylistic similarities are undeniable.

So, what are your thoughts? Do you agree with these “Stephen King's Thoughts on Stranger Things and IT Comparisons”? Share your own comparative analysis in the comments below! And for more fascinating comparisons between Stephen King's work and popular culture, be sure to check out our other articles exploring similar themes.