Stranger Things Vs. IT: Stephen King Weighs In

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Thematic Similarities: A Shared Universe of Fear?

Both Stranger Things and IT tap into primal fears, exploring the anxieties and vulnerabilities of childhood. Key themes intertwine, creating a potent blend of supernatural horror and coming-of-age narratives.

• Childhood Innocence Lost: Both narratives feature a group of friends whose childhood innocence is shattered by the intrusion of terrifying forces. The idyllic small-town settings become battlegrounds where the children confront their deepest fears.
• The Power of Friendship: The protagonists in both stories rely heavily on the strength of their bonds to survive. Their friendship becomes a weapon against the overwhelming odds they face, highlighting the importance of camaraderie in the face of existential threats.
• Monsters as Manifestations of Fear: Vecna and the Demogorgon in Stranger Things, and Pennywise in IT, represent different aspects of childhood anxieties. They are not simply monsters; they are embodiments of trauma, fear of the unknown, and the darkness that can lurk within seemingly safe spaces. Vecna's psychic manipulation, for example, mirrors the insidious nature of psychological horror, while Pennywise utilizes the power of children's deepest fears to prey on them, a tactic deeply rooted in King's style of psychological terror.
• 80s Nostalgia: Both Stranger Things and IT (particularly the 2017 film adaptation) effectively leverage the nostalgia associated with the 1980s, creating a specific atmosphere that enhances the tension and eeriness. The retro aesthetic adds another layer to the overall impact, making the horrors even more striking in contrast to the familiar backdrop.

Differences in Tone and Style: A Tale of Two Horrors

While sharing thematic similarities, Stranger Things and IT diverge significantly in tone and stylistic approach. This is where a hypothetical King review would likely focus.

• Tone and Genre Blend: Stranger Things blends science fiction elements with horror, creating a more fantastical and adventurous tone. IT, on the other hand, leans more heavily into visceral and psychological horror, focusing on the dread and intense emotional impact on its characters. This difference might lead King to praise IT's direct approach while commending Stranger Things's successful blending of genres.
• Narrative Structure: Stranger Things utilizes an episodic structure, allowing for exploration of multiple storylines and character arcs across multiple seasons. IT, meanwhile, follows a more focused, albeit sprawling, narrative structure, concentrating primarily on the central conflict.
• Types of Monsters: The monsters themselves differ considerably. The Demogorgon and Vecna from Stranger Things are more monstrous in a physical, sci-fi sense, while Pennywise in IT is a shape-shifting entity that plays on psychological vulnerabilities.
• Character Development: Stranger Things showcases a broader range of characters with diverse emotional arcs. While IT focuses on a core group of children, their development is arguably deeper and more intimately linked to the unfolding horror.

Stephen King's Potential Verdict: A Hypothetical Review

Imagining a hypothetical Stephen King review, one might envision him praising Stranger Things's inventive use of 80s nostalgia and its compelling ensemble cast. He might also appreciate the show's exploration of complex themes like trauma and friendship. However, King, known for his immersive and psychologically unsettling horror, might find Stranger Things's occasionally lighter tone less effective than IT's raw, visceral approach to fear. He might critique Stranger Things's pacing in certain seasons, while praising IT's relentless suspense. A hypothetical quote from King might be: "Both Stranger Things and IT tap into the potent well of childhood fear, but IT delves deeper into the psychological darkness, whereas Stranger Things offers a more broadly appealing, if less intensely terrifying, experience. Each succeeds in its own way, but for sheer primal dread, IT still holds the edge."

Conclusion

Both Stranger Things and IT have left an undeniable mark on the horror landscape, exploring the universal fears of childhood and the power of friendship in the face of unimaginable evil. While they share thematic similarities, their distinct styles and tones offer unique and compelling viewing experiences. Their success lies in their ability to tap into those primal fears, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. In a hypothetical showdown judged by the Master of Horror himself, the verdict might be a tie, a testament to the enduring power of both narratives. What do YOU think? Join the conversation in the comments and let us know which horror masterpiece—Stranger Things or IT—wins your vote!