Stephen King's Thoughts On Stranger Things And IT: A Comparison

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

4.2

Share

Stephen King, the master of horror, has influenced countless works, and Netflix's Stranger Things stands as a prime example. While the show draws inspiration from various 80s classics, its undeniable debt to King's own IT is frequently discussed. This article will delve into a comparative analysis, exploring Stephen King's likely perspective on the parallels and divergences between Stranger Things and his seminal novel IT.

Shared Thematic Elements: Exploring the Overlaps Between Stranger Things and IT

Both Stranger Things and IT resonate with audiences due to their shared thematic elements, creating a powerful connection between the two works, despite their differences. King himself likely appreciates the thematic resonance between his work and the popular Netflix series.

Nostalgia and Childhood Innocence

Both Stranger Things and IT effectively utilize 80s nostalgia to create a sense of comforting familiarity that sharply contrasts with the underlying horror. This juxtaposition heightens the impact of the scares and makes the stories more emotionally resonant.

• Stranger Things's setting, soundtrack, and fashion choices meticulously evoke a specific 80s aesthetic, immersing viewers in the era. Think of the iconic arcade games, the synthwave music, and the distinctive clothing styles.
• IT uses the fictional town of Derry, Maine, as a character in itself, steeped in its own specific history and reminiscent of a bygone era. This carefully crafted setting contributes significantly to the story's atmosphere of creeping dread.
• Both stories feature child protagonists facing terrifying threats that challenge their innocence. This element creates a powerful emotional core, allowing the audience to connect with the characters' vulnerabilities and struggles on a visceral level. The loss of innocence is a central theme in both narratives.

The Power of Friendship and Coming-of-Age

The importance of friendship and the challenges of adolescence are central themes in both narratives. The bond between the characters is crucial to their survival and their personal growth.

• The "Losers Club" in IT and the core group of friends in Stranger Things mirror each other, relying on their bonds to overcome extraordinary circumstances. These friendships serve as a source of strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.
• Both narratives explore the complexities of growing up and confronting adult realities. The characters must grapple with not only external threats but also the internal struggles of adolescence and the transition into adulthood. This coming-of-age narrative is a significant element of both stories' appeal.

The Horror of the Unknown and the Supernatural

Both Stranger Things and IT utilize elements of the supernatural and the uncanny to instill fear and suspense. The unknown, the unseen, is the most potent source of terror in both narratives.

• Pennywise's terrifying transformations and the Upside Down's monstrous creatures share a similar level of otherworldly dread. Both deploy classic horror tropes effectively, playing on primal fears.
• Both tap into the primal fear of the unknown, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. This blurring of boundaries is a hallmark of effective horror, creating a sense of unease and suspense that persists long after the viewing or reading experience.

Key Differences: Where Stranger Things Diverges from IT

While sharing key thematic elements, Stranger Things and IT differ significantly in their execution, scope, and overall tone. This creates two distinct, yet equally compelling, narratives.

Scale and Scope of the Threat

While IT focuses largely on a single, central antagonist, Pennywise the Dancing Clown, Stranger Things presents a more sprawling, multifaceted threat emanating from the Upside Down.

• Pennywise is a singular, terrifying force, embodying the ultimate evil. His power is deeply rooted in the collective fears and traumas of Derry's inhabitants.
• Stranger Things features a variety of monstrous creatures, each with its own unique abilities and motivations. This expands the scope of the threat and complicates the narrative, introducing elements of sci-fi adventure alongside the horror. The stakes also extend beyond the immediate threat to the children, impacting the entire town and even potentially the world.

Tone and Style

Although both are horror stories, Stranger Things often leans towards a more sci-fi-infused adventure, balancing scares with moments of levity and heartwarming friendship, whilst IT maintains a darker, more intensely psychological horror atmosphere.

• The tone of Stranger Things is more broadly appealing to a wider audience, incorporating elements of humor and nostalgia to balance the horror.
• IT, in contrast, tends toward more graphic and disturbing depictions of violence, creating a more intense and unsettling experience for the viewer or reader. This difference in tone reflects the distinct styles of the creators.

Character Development and Complexity

While both feature well-developed child characters, IT delves deeper into the psychological complexities of its characters, exploring their trauma and the lasting impact of their experiences in Derry, Maine.

• IT's characters grapple with deeply rooted childhood trauma and its long-term consequences, shaping their adult lives and relationships. This psychological depth adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
• Stranger Things, while featuring strong child characters, focuses more on the immediate threat and their reactions to it. The long-term psychological impact is less central to the story.

Conclusion

Stephen King's probable take on Stranger Things would likely acknowledge its thematic similarities to IT, particularly in its use of nostalgia, childhood friendships, and the exploration of supernatural horror. However, he might also note the significant differences in scope, tone, and character depth. Ultimately, both Stranger Things and IT are powerful narratives exploring the vulnerability of childhood and the enduring power of friendship in the face of terrifying adversity. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Stephen King or a newcomer to the world of 80s-inspired horror, examining the similarities and differences between these two works offers a fascinating exploration of the horror genre. Dive deeper into this compelling comparison by exploring more articles analyzing Stephen King's works and their influence on popular culture. Understanding the intricate relationship between Stephen King, Stranger Things, and IT provides a richer appreciation for both.