Stranger Things Vs. IT: Stephen King Weighs In On The Comparisons

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: Exploring the Overlaps Between Stranger Things and IT

Both Stranger Things and IT share a core foundation of supernatural horror, built upon similar thematic elements that contribute to their lasting impact. These thematic overlaps are striking and fuel much of the comparison.

• Supernatural Horror and Childhood Trauma: At their heart, both stories feature a group of outcast children confronting terrifying, otherworldly threats. This confrontation is intricately linked to underlying childhood traumas, shaping their experiences and fueling their determination to fight back. Eleven's past in Hawkins Lab mirrors the traumatic experiences of the Losers' Club in Derry, adding layers of emotional depth to the narrative.

• Small-Town Secrets and Coming-of-Age: Both are set in seemingly idyllic small towns concealing dark and sinister secrets. Hawkins, Indiana, and Derry, Maine, serve as microcosms reflecting universal anxieties about innocence lost and the hidden evils lurking beneath the surface. The narratives weave together the coming-of-age journey of the central characters with their battles against monstrous forces, highlighting the challenges of growing up in the face of unimaginable horror.

• Friendship, Loyalty, and Overcoming Fear: The power of friendship is a central theme in both. The unwavering loyalty between the members of the Stranger Things crew and the Losers' Club is essential to their survival. Their bonds provide strength in the face of overwhelming fear, demonstrating the resilience of human connection against even the most terrifying adversaries. The "monster" in each story, whether Demogorgon or Pennywise, acts as a powerful symbol of childhood fears and anxieties, only conquerable through collective courage and friendship.

Distinct Narrative Approaches: How Stranger Things and IT Differ

While sharing thematic similarities, Stranger Things and IT employ vastly different narrative approaches. These differences are crucial in understanding their unique appeal.

• Sci-Fi vs. Horror: Stranger Things leans heavily into science fiction elements, incorporating government conspiracies, alternate dimensions, and experimental technology. IT, on the other hand, remains firmly rooted in the realm of horror, emphasizing psychological dread and the grotesque nature of Pennywise.

• Pacing and Tone: The pacing of the two narratives differs significantly. Stranger Things unfolds episodically, allowing for character development and exploration of multiple storylines. IT, in contrast, builds suspense gradually, maintaining a consistent tone of creeping dread and escalating terror.

• Character Development and Plot Structure: Character development in Stranger Things is more nuanced and extended, allowing for deeper exploration of individual motivations and emotional arcs. IT's focus is primarily on the central conflict with Pennywise, impacting the depth of character development outside the core group. The plot structure also varies; Stranger Things uses a serialized format, while IT (particularly the novel) adopts a more linear narrative approach, albeit with significant flashbacks. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, have openly acknowledged King's influence, citing his work as a significant inspiration for their show’s atmosphere and themes.

Stephen King's Stance (Inferred): What the Master of Horror Might Think

Speculating on Stephen King's perspective requires considering his known opinions on adaptations and his general approach to storytelling.

• Adaptations and Authorial Intent: King has a mixed history with adaptations of his works. While some adaptations have received his praise, others have been met with criticism. Considering his penchant for detailed characterization and atmospheric storytelling, he would likely appreciate the depth of characterization in Stranger Things, even if the sci-fi elements deviate significantly from his usual style.

• Thematic Parallels and Narrative Differences: King might appreciate the thematic similarities between Stranger Things and IT, especially the focus on childhood trauma and the power of friendship. However, he might also note the differing narrative approaches, likely finding IT's more direct horror approach closer to his own style.

• Homage or Spiritual Successor?: Stranger Things could be viewed as a sort of spiritual successor to King’s work, capturing the essence of his small-town horror with a modern twist. The show's success in channeling the atmosphere and themes found in works like IT and Stand By Me suggests a successful homage to the King's legacy.

The Enduring Power of Nostalgia and the 80s Aesthetic

Both Stranger Things and the 2017 film adaptation of IT heavily leverage the 80s aesthetic, contributing significantly to their overall impact.

• Synthwave and Retro Vibes: The nostalgic use of synthwave music, iconic 80s fashion, and pop culture references creates an immersive atmosphere. This effective use of retro elements enhances the storytelling, creating a palpable sense of time and place. This contributes significantly to the overall success of both works.

• Visual Style and Soundtracks: The visual style and soundtracks of both are carefully curated to evoke the 80s, immersing the viewer in a specific era and enhancing the overall narrative experience. The nostalgic elements create a strong connection with the audience and add another layer to the shared experience of fear and wonder.

Conclusion

This article has explored the compelling similarities and striking differences between Stranger Things and IT, examining their shared thematic elements, distinct narrative approaches, and the inferred perspective of Stephen King. While differing in genre and tone – one leaning into science fiction, the other firmly grounded in horror – both works successfully tap into universal anxieties surrounding childhood, loss of innocence, and the power of friendship, cementing their places as enduring pop culture phenomena. What are your thoughts on the Stranger Things vs. IT debate? Share your opinions on the comparisons and the influence of Stephen King in the comments below! Let's continue the conversation about these captivating works of fiction and their impact on popular culture!