Stephen King's Comments Comparing Stranger Things To IT

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

4.7

Share

Shared Thematic Elements: Childhood Fears and the Power of Friendship

Both Stranger Things and IT delve into the universal anxieties of childhood, expertly weaving together tales of fear, friendship, and the struggle against inner demons. The underlying themes are strikingly similar, making for compelling comparative analysis regarding Stephen King's potential influence.

• The Power of Friendship: In IT, the Losers Club’s bond is their ultimate weapon against Pennywise. Similarly, the core group of friends in Stranger Things consistently relies on their friendship to navigate the terrifying supernatural threats they encounter. This emphasis on the strength found in camaraderie is a key element in both narratives, showcasing how friendship can be a bulwark against the darkness.
• Confronting Childhood Fears: Both narratives cleverly utilize common childhood fears—monsters under the bed, bullies, the fear of the unknown—to build suspense and relate to a wide audience. The Demogorgon in Stranger Things and Pennywise in IT represent not only external threats but also internalized fears and traumas, making them both deeply unsettling and relatable.
• Allegorical Representation of Societal Evils: Beyond personal fears, both Stranger Things and IT use their monstrous figures as allegorical representations of societal evils and trauma. Pennywise embodies the darkness lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic town, mirroring the ways in which trauma can manifest. The Mind Flayer in Stranger Things similarly serves as an external representation of societal pressures and the insidious nature of manipulation.

The Horror Genre: Supernatural Elements and Small-Town Settings

The skillful use of supernatural elements and small-town settings is another crucial similarity between Stranger Things and IT. This shared approach contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere of suspense and dread.

• Monster Comparisons: While vastly different in appearance, both Pennywise and the Demogorgon/Mind Flayer function as powerful symbols of the unknown and the lurking horror just beneath the surface of normalcy. They represent the fear of the other, the things that go bump in the night, and the terrifying possibilities that lurk beyond our understanding.
• Nostalgic Imagery: Both narratives effectively utilize nostalgic imagery of seemingly idyllic small towns, creating a stark contrast between the familiar and the terrifying. The picturesque setting serves to heighten the horror, as the idyllic façade is undermined by the supernatural events unfolding.
• Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense: Both Stranger Things and IT masterfully build suspense through a slow burn approach, gradually revealing the full extent of the horror while maintaining an atmosphere of mystery and uncertainty. This gradual reveal keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats.

King's Direct Comments (if available): Quotations and Interpretations

While Stephen King hasn't explicitly compared Stranger Things to IT in a widely publicized statement, the thematic similarities strongly suggest a potential influence. Analyzing his broader comments on horror and the power of nostalgia allows us to infer his potential reaction. His consistent focus on small-town settings and the exploration of childhood trauma strongly resonates with the core elements of Stranger Things.

Differences in Tone and Style

Despite their shared thematic elements, Stranger Things and IT differ significantly in tone and style.

• Writing Styles: King's prose is characterized by its descriptive richness and visceral imagery, creating a deeply immersive reading experience. Stranger Things, while visually rich, employs a different narrative style suited to the television medium.
• Level of Horror and Violence: IT is known for its graphic depictions of violence and horror, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Stranger Things, while frightening, maintains a slightly more restrained approach to violence, catering to a broader audience.
• Overall Themes and Messages: While both explore themes of friendship and confronting fear, IT delves deeper into the psychological impact of trauma and the enduring nature of childhood experiences. Stranger Things while exploring these themes, also focuses on broader ideas of government secrecy and the dangers of unchecked power.

Conclusion: Drawing Parallels and Celebrating King's Legacy

Both Stranger Things and IT demonstrate the enduring power of horror to explore universal themes of childhood fear, the strength of friendship, and the confrontation of inner demons. While they differ in tone and style, the striking similarities suggest a clear potential influence of Stephen King's work on the creators of Stranger Things. Explore the eerie parallels between these two iconic works and delve into the world of Stephen King to appreciate the rich tapestry of horror and his lasting legacy. Discover the connections between these iconic works and experience the thrill of confronting your own inner monsters!