One of Stranger Things’ best-known pop-cultural references is to The NeverEnding Story. Who can forget Dustin and Suzie’s duet to save the world in Stranger Things 3? But there seems to be something even more deeply resonant to that choice. Because indeed, Stranger Things seems to be a never-ending story of its own. Only a few months after the main series concluded, we already have a new entry into Stranger Things‘ world: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. And, hey, we’re not saying that’s a bad thing. In fact, we really enjoyed Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.
Although the series misses a bit when it comes to recapturing the deep lore and nuanced storytelling of the original series, it does return to us some of our favorite characters, relationships, and vibes—letting us step back into a world we’ve loved for a really long time, and now can stay steeped in, just a little longer. Join us as we dive into our full (and spoiler-free) review of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is an animated adventure that takes place between Stranger Things seasons two and three. Since there aren’t truly any gaps that need to be filled during that time, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 tells a sort of stand-alone story, although one that will likely need more than one season of its own to finish. We know that whatever happens during this show will not in any way impact or change the overall plot of the main Stranger Things series. And, for now, Tales From ‘85 doesn’t really touch any of Stranger Things’ core lore in a meaningful way, sticking largely to what it builds for itself. In a way, that’s probably for the best, because the last thing Stranger Things needs is MORE complex lore. But in a different way, it does limit how textured this story can get.
While there is a larger overarching story thread to Stranger Things: Tales From ’85‘s first season, most of the episodes end up taking on a sort of Monster of the Week format, with offshoots of the main monster occupying different configurations of The Party. This allows this show to deal largely in short vignettes of story, having our characters focused on lower-stakes tasks. And that feeling pervades into the show at large. While danger exists in Tales From ’85, I would say these are some of the most light-hearted episodes of Stranger Things to ever grace our screens, including those in the earliest seasons—which, incidentally, were super dark.
Stranger Things‘ main series has a distinctive Amblin-esque feel, and it also draws heavily on horror and slasher films. The Amblin inspiration does evoke a certain younger, coming-of-age perspective. But being from the ’80s, Amblin movies are also, by nature, totally dark. Layer horror and slasher elements onto that, and we can all agree that Stranger Things has never really been “for kids.”
The darkness and tension always lurk and feel very real. The suspense is always taut. Fans never know what might happen to their favorite characters. Whether that’s because of its animated medium or because Stranger Things simply wanted to go in a different direction, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 absolutely feels like it’s truly for a younger demographic—designed with a more modern perspective on childhood in mind. Tales From ’85 is happier, more colorful, and less adult than the series has ever been.
Again, this is not necessarily a flaw. Stranger Things is a show whose core premise is supposed to be about the adventures of a group of young friends. But somewhere along the way, the main show grew into much more than that, following many different characters and storylines and not always focusing on what was originally its heart. For the sake of the varied audiences who ended up enthralled by Stranger Things, this was a good move. But, in a sense, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85‘s distillation of the story gives the true subject matter of the series, younger kids and teens, an entry point into the franchise that suits them.
While I am not part of those demographics, I appreciate that it makes sense to have Stranger Things content tailored to that crowd. In a way, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 reminds me of my days playing pretend as a child. Although the monsters are real in this story, there’s that fantastical sheen of childhood whimsy to its episodes that doesn’t exist in the much bleaker main world of Stranger Things. Although, I will say that, coming directly off Stranger Things 5, this might be a harsh tonal shift for some older fans. But despite this truth, I still had a fun time on Tales From ’85‘s adventures.
Because ultimately, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 DOES give us what some fans felt that Stranger Things 5 did not. And that’s time with The Party. The older kids and adults that we’ve grown to love (and sometimes even care more about than the kids) wander in and out of the story, but they are almost never the focus of it. While Steve and Nancy do occupy a greater role than anyone outside The Party, they aren’t in the narrative for long.
This animated Stranger Things spinoff is all about the gang. And for some, that energy has been sorely lacking. In this way, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 lets us focus on Mike and Eleven’s relationship, Will and Mike’s friendship, Lucas and Max’s early days, Lucas and Dustin’s friendly competitiveness, and other important aspects of The Party’s relationships in more depth than the main show had time to do. Especially as the team more often than not ended up separated, and the lore of the Upside Down took up more and more real estate in the Stranger Things story.
Will, especially, receives more time to shine as an individual with a personality in this spinoff series, letting him have a personality beyond just existing as Vecna’s agency in the world. (We have to say, Mileven, Byler, and LuMax shippers will all be pretty pleased with this series… Stancy fans might also enjoy the goings on, regardless of how Stranger Things 5 ended.)
Even though I just noted that it was nice to see The Party’s story focus on one another, I will say there are two Steve-and-Dustin-focused episodes in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. And they are WONDERFUL. Steve and Dustin, you will always be famous.
New character Nikki is also a fun addition to the group, even though we know she won’t be around forever. She definitely ends up as Will’s good pal, and that is an incredible, endearing dynamic to see. Again, it’s nice to see Will with relationships and feelings that belong to him, not to Vecna or Mike. Nikki additionally brings a loud, punk-rock presence to The Party and some much-needed muscle. (Although we know Lucas has good muscle, also.) She kind of reminds me of Eddie Munson, which immediately puts the character in my good graces. Her knack for tinkering is also fun, and allows The Party to arm up without adult help in a way that doesn’t feel too contrived.
Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the incredible beauty of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. The series’ brilliant aesthetic and gorgeous artwork are alone worthy of enjoying. At times, one almost forgets that the show is animated and not just a surreal masterpiece. This series perfectly captures the essence of every single character it brings from live-action to animation. In this way, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 really makes the case that we can have as much new Stranger Things content as we want, from any era. The new voice actors also do a great job of evoking their characters’ original sounds, helping to make this new version of Stranger Things immersive and even.
Some might ask, is Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 really necessary? Does it add anything missing to the world of Stranger Things? In a way, it does! And in a way, it doesn’t. But ultimately, that question isn’t really that important. More than anything else, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 gives us an excuse to revisit a world we love in a light-hearted, entertaining way that looks good. So, instead of asking “Why?” We ask, “Why not?”
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is now streaming on Netflix.