Stranger Things And IT: Stephen King's Perspective On The Comparisons

Rajiv Sharma

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: Nostalgia, Childhood Trauma, and the Power of Friendship

Both Stranger Things and IT expertly weave together elements that resonate deeply with audiences. Central to both narratives are the evocative power of nostalgia, the lasting impact of childhood trauma, and the unwavering strength of friendship.

Nostalgia as a Central Theme:

The 1980s serve as a vibrant backdrop for both Stranger Things and IT, shaping their respective aesthetics and atmospheres. The synth-heavy soundtracks, the iconic fashion, and the overall retro feel contribute significantly to the sense of unease and wonder.

• Stranger Things: The show meticulously recreates the look and feel of small-town America in the 80s, from the arcade games to the fashion choices of the characters.
• IT: While not explicitly set in a particular year of the 80s, the book and its adaptation capture the spirit of the decade, evoking a similar sense of nostalgic longing and underlying dread.
• The use of nostalgia isn't just stylistic; it creates a sense of familiarity that contrasts sharply with the terrifying events unfolding, heightening the overall impact.

Childhood Trauma and Its Impact:

Both stories powerfully depict the vulnerability of children facing terrifying situations and the lasting impact of trauma. The experiences faced by the young protagonists shape their personalities, their relationships, and their ultimate destinies.

• Stranger Things: Eleven's traumatic past at Hawkins Lab informs her powers and her emotional struggles. The other children also grapple with their own personal traumas, influencing their interactions with each other and the supernatural elements in their lives.
• IT: The Losers Club confront their deepest fears and insecurities, exacerbated by Pennywise's exploitation of their past traumas. Their childhood experiences fundamentally shape their adult lives and their ultimate confrontation with the demonic entity.
• The exploration of childhood trauma adds layers of depth and complexity to both narratives, making the characters relatable and their struggles deeply affecting.

The Importance of Friendship and Loyalty:

The unwavering bonds of friendship are central to overcoming adversity in both narratives. The groups of children – the Hawkins crew in Stranger Things and the Losers Club in IT – rely on each other for support, courage, and survival.

• Stranger Things: The friendship between Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will is the heart of the show, fueling their determination to protect each other and unravel the mysteries of the Upside Down.
• IT: The Losers Club's deep-rooted friendship proves crucial in their battle against Pennywise, their bond transcending time and adversity. Their loyalty to each other is a testament to the enduring power of childhood connection.
• In both cases, friendship serves as a source of strength and resilience, highlighting its vital role in conquering fear and facing unimaginable challenges.

Differences in Tone and Approach: Horror vs. Sci-Fi Horror Hybrid

While sharing thematic commonalities, Stranger Things and IT differ significantly in their tone and approach to horror.

The Nature of Horror:

IT leans heavily into cosmic horror and psychological dread, utilizing Pennywise's ability to manipulate the children's fears. Stranger Things, on the other hand, presents a unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and supernatural elements, creating a distinct atmosphere.

• IT: The horror in IT is visceral and deeply unsettling, utilizing imagery and psychological manipulation to create a sense of creeping dread. The explicit depictions of violence, though less frequent than expected in modern horror, are nonetheless impactful.
• Stranger Things: The horror in Stranger Things is more often atmospheric and suspenseful, relying on a sense of mystery and dread. While there are violent moments, the show focuses more on the overarching mystery and the emotional struggles of its characters.

Narrative Structure and Pacing:

IT uses a more episodic structure, alternating between the children's experiences as kids and their adult lives. Stranger Things adopts a more serialized, season-long narrative approach, gradually unfolding its mysteries.

• IT: The episodic structure of IT allows for a broader exploration of the characters' lives and the evolution of their relationship with Pennywise.
• Stranger Things: The serialized format of Stranger Things builds suspense and allows for a more intricate plot with interconnected storylines across multiple seasons.

Stephen King's Potential Perspective: A Hypothetical Analysis

Considering Stephen King's extensive body of work and his known opinions on adaptations, we can speculate on his potential reaction to Stranger Things.

King's Known Influences and Themes:

Many themes and styles present in King's works resonate with Stranger Things. His focus on small-town settings, the power of imagination, and coming-of-age narratives are all echoed in the Netflix series.

• Shared Themes: The sense of isolation in small towns, the exploration of childhood trauma and its lasting effects, and the power of friendship against overwhelming odds are all prominent elements in King's work and Stranger Things.
• Examples: Stand By Me, It, and The Body (the novella that inspired Stand By Me) all explore similar themes of childhood friendship and facing fear.

King's Potential Reactions to Specific Aspects of Stranger Things:

It's likely that King would appreciate Stranger Things' homage to the 80s aesthetic and its exploration of childhood trauma. He might also acknowledge the show's successful blending of genres, while possibly offering some constructive criticism on specific plot points or character arcs. His known preference for a more direct, less ambiguous style of horror might lead him to comment on the show’s more subtle approach.

• Potential Positive Reactions: He might praise the show's strong character development, its skillful use of nostalgia, and its ability to generate genuine suspense.
• Potential Critical Observations: He might offer suggestions for amplifying the horror elements or streamlining certain plot complexities.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Kingian Influence on Stranger Things

Stranger Things and IT, while distinct in their approach to storytelling, undeniably share common thematic ground rooted in the enduring legacy of Stephen King. Both masterfully explore the power of nostalgia, the enduring impact of childhood trauma, and the strength found in friendship. While differing in tone and narrative structure, the undeniable influence of King's style and themes on Stranger Things is clear. What are your thoughts on the Stranger Things and IT comparison? Share your perspectives on Stephen King's influence in the comments below!