Stephen King's Comments On Stranger Things And IT Similarities

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Thematic Parallels Between IT and Stranger Things

Both IT and Stranger Things explore profound themes that resonate deeply with audiences. The shared use of keywords like "childhood trauma," "small town setting," "monster," "fear," "friendship," and "supernatural elements" points to a clear thematic kinship.

• Childhood Trauma's Lasting Impact: Both narratives powerfully depict how childhood traumas shape adult lives. In IT, the Losers Club's experiences with Pennywise leave lasting scars, impacting their relationships and mental health years later. Similarly, Stranger Things explores Eleven's horrific past at Hawkins National Laboratory and Will's terrifying ordeal in the Upside Down, showing how these formative events continue to affect their lives.

• The Claustrophobia of Small-Town Life: Derry, Maine, in IT, and Hawkins, Indiana, in Stranger Things, are not just settings; they are characters in themselves. Both towns foster a sense of claustrophobia and isolation, intensifying the horror by trapping the characters within a seemingly inescapable nightmare. The familiarity of the small-town setting contrasts sharply with the unsettling, supernatural events, heightening the sense of dread.

• Monsters as Manifestations of Fear: Pennywise, the shape-shifting entity in IT, preys on the deepest fears of its victims. The Upside Down in Stranger Things, with its grotesque creatures and otherworldly horrors, similarly acts as an externalization of the characters' internal anxieties and the societal anxieties of the time period. Both monsters aren't simply terrifying creatures; they represent the unseen forces that threaten to overwhelm the characters and their worlds.

• The Power of Friendship: In both stories, friendship is the ultimate weapon against unimaginable terror. The Losers Club in IT and the group of friends in Stranger Things rely on their bonds and loyalty to face their fears and overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds presented by the supernatural horrors they encounter. Their collective strength underscores the power of human connection in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Stylistic Similarities: A Nod to King's Horror Legacy

Beyond thematic echoes, Stranger Things bears a striking resemblance to Stephen King's stylistic approach, solidifying its position as a modern homage to the master of horror. The use of keywords like "supernatural horror," "coming-of-age story," "80s nostalgia," "nostalgic setting," "creepy atmosphere," and "King's style" highlights this connection.

• Classic Horror Tropes: Stranger Things masterfully employs classic horror tropes reminiscent of King's work, including effective jump scares, a consistently eerie atmosphere, and unsettling imagery that lingers in the viewer's mind long after the episode ends. These techniques create suspense and dread, effectively mirroring the building tension found in King's novels.

• The Allure of the 80s Setting: The 1980s setting of Stranger Things isn't just a stylistic choice; it's integral to the show's atmosphere. This nostalgic setting evokes a specific aesthetic and cultural context, mirroring the era in which many of King's most famous works were set and published. This choice evokes a sense of both familiarity and unease, perfectly capturing the essence of King's blend of nostalgia and horror.

• Gradual Build of Dread: Stranger Things mirrors King's style in its gradual build of dread. Instead of relying solely on shocking moments, the show meticulously crafts suspense through careful character development, atmospheric details, and subtle foreshadowing. This deliberate pacing builds anticipation and heightens the impact of the terrifying moments when they do arrive, echoing King’s signature technique of slow-burn horror.

Direct King Quotes (If Available):

Unfortunately, there are no publicly available direct quotes from Stephen King explicitly comparing Stranger Things to IT. However, the numerous thematic and stylistic similarities strongly suggest an implicit acknowledgement of the series' debt to his work. The critical consensus widely recognizes the influences of King’s style and storytelling techniques on the show.

Conclusion

The numerous thematic and stylistic parallels between Stranger Things and Stephen King's IT are undeniable. From the shared exploration of childhood trauma and the power of friendship to the use of small-town settings and the creation of a palpable sense of dread, the Netflix series clearly draws inspiration from King's masterful storytelling. Stranger Things serves as a modern tribute, capturing the essence of King's horror while forging its own unique identity. This analysis showcases how the show successfully blends classic horror tropes with contemporary storytelling, creating a captivating and chilling experience for audiences. Delve deeper into the world of Stephen King and discover more uncanny similarities for yourself! Explore the chilling connections between Stephen King's IT and the captivating world of Stranger Things.