Stranger Things is a treasure trove of nostalgia – pop culture references – and hidden details that fans love to uncover. Throughout its four seasons, the show has sprinkled countless Easter eggs, paying homage to 80s movies, music, and video games while weaving subtle hints about its plot and characters.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a just viewer, there’s always something new to discover in the town of Hawkins. Let’s dive into the Easter eggs you might have missed in Stranger Things.
Season 1: The Start of the Journey
1. The E.T. Connection
The first season is heavily inspired by E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
One clear Easter egg is when the boys dress Eleven in a blonde wig and pink dress, mimicking how Elliott disguises E.T. in the movie.
Additionally, the boys’ bike ride to escape the agents mirrors Elliott’s iconic bike scene with E.T.
2. Dungeons & Dragons Foreshadowing
The Demogorgon that was the kids’ first major enemy, gets its name from their Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
This isn’t just a nod to their favorite game—it foreshadows the monster’s role in the story.
Similarly, the Mind Flayer in later seasons is named after another D&D creature. Hows that! 😀
3. The Thing Poster
In Mike’s basement, you can spot a poster for John Carpenter’s The Thing. This classic 80s horror film influenced Stranger Things’ blend of sci-fi and terror, particularly in the design of the Demogorgon.
4. Stephen King Nods
The show owes much to Stephen King’s works, and the first season includes several nods.
For instance, Eleven’s escape from the lab resembles scenes from Firestarter, where a girl with psychic powers flees a government facility.
Stranger Things Season 2: Bigger Threats and More Easter Eggs
1. Ghostbusters Costumes
The boys dress up as the Ghostbusters for Halloween, a fun nod to the 1984 film. Their excitement about the costumes reflects the cultural impact of the movie at the time. Yes! true 🙂
2. Dig Dug Reference
Secondly, one episode is titled “Dig Dug,” referencing the popular 80s arcade game. Hope you know it well :p. The title ties into the subplot where Hopper literally digs underground tunnels to uncover the Upside Down’s spread.
3. Mad Max and Arcade Games
The introduction of Max, nicknamed “Mad Max,” is a reference to the Mad Max movie franchise.
Her high score on the arcade game Dig Dug further connects her character to 80s pop culture.
4. Bob’s Goonies Connection
The Bob Newby, played by Sean Astin, is a lovable character introduced in Stranger Things Season 2. Astin is famous for his role in The Goonies, another 80s classic.
Bob’s adventurous spirit and his line about “pirate treasure maps” are subtle callbacks to the film.
Season 3: Summer in Hawkins
1. Back to the Future Homage
Season 3 takes place in 1985, the same year Back to the Future was released. The movie is featured prominently when the kids hide out in the theater, and Dustin’s makeshift radio tower is nicknamed “Cerebro,” a nod to X-Men comics.
2. The Terminator Inspiration
The Russian assassin chasing Hopper and Joyce throughout the season bears a striking resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s robo character in film/movie The Terminator.
3. New Coke Product Placement
Lucas drinks New Coke, a product that was i think introduced in 1985. The characters even debate its taste, referencing the real-life controversy around the drink.
4. Day of the Dead Poster
The movie theater in Hawkins features a poster for Day of the Dead, a zombie movie released in 1985.
5. Hopper’s Magnum P.I. Look
Hopper’s Hawaiian shirt and mustache in Season 3 are a direct nod to Tom Selleck’s character in the 80s TV show Magnum P.I.
Season 4: The Darkest Chapter Yet
1. Freddy Krueger and Vecna
The season’s villain, Vecna, is inspired by Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
2. Eddie Munson’s Metallica Moment
Eddie’s epic guitar solo in the Upside Down features Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.”
3. Kate Bush’s Comeback
Max’s favorite song, “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, becomes a main part of the season.
Its use not only saves her from Vecna but also brought the 80s hit back to the top of music charts in real life.
4. Dungeons & Dragons Villains
Vecna is another nod to Dungeons & Dragons, where the character is a powerful lich.
This ties back to the show’s ongoing theme of blending fantasy elements with its storyline.
5. WarGames Arcade Game
The arcade features the game WarGames, referencing the 1983 film about hacking and global threats, which parallels the season’s Russian subplot.
Recurring Easter Eggs Across Seasons
1. Eggo Waffles
Eleven’s (role played by actress Millie Bobby Brown) love for Eggo waffles is a recurring motif and one of the show’s most iconic symbols.
It also serves as a subtle product placement there.
2. X-Men References
The show frequently nods to the X-Men comics, particularly in Eleven’s powers and her origin story. Somehow, it mirrors that of Jean Grey/Phoenix.
3. Hawkins National Laboratory
The secretive lab is reminiscent of many government conspiracy stories from 80s films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Manhattan Project.
4. Will’s Drawing of Castle Byers
Will’s artistic talent is a recurring detail, and his drawings often hold deeper meaning, such as his map of the Upside Down or his sketches of Castle Byers.
5. The Number Eleven
The number “11” pops up frequently, from Eleven’s name to the clock striking 11 during significant moments. It’s a subtle way to emphasize her importance to the story.
Why Easter Eggs Matter
The Easter eggs in Stranger Things do more than just add layers to the story.
They create a sense of nostalgia for viewers, especially those who grew up in the 80s. They also encourage fans to watch episodes again and again and engage in discussions about hidden details, making the show an interactive experience.
End Conclusion
- The creators of Stranger Things have carefully crafted a show that’s as much about storytelling as it is about celebrating pop culture.
- From subtle nods to 80s movies to foreshadowing future events, the Easter eggs in the series add depth and fun for viewers.
- Whether you’re spotting a Ghostbusters costume or noticing a reference to Dungeons & Dragons, these hidden gems make the world of Hawkins even more immersive.
So, the next time you rewatch Stranger Things, keep an eye out—you might just spot something new!
