WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for Stranger Things Season 3. Read at your own risk.
Stranger Things is well-known for its compelling mysteries. Ever since its arrival on Netflix, fans have always noticed how the showrunners, Matt and Ross Duffer, "slip" 80s references in every episode.
Season 2 was set in 1984. As for the most recent installment, it jumps forward to 1985, the year where films, music, and fashion are revolutionizing. So, it is not surprising why Stranger Things Season 3 is flooded with "strong cultural references" as per Insider.
The very first episode contains numerous references already. Films like Day of The Dead, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and WarGames are very easy to spot on. Not to mention, scenes from Stand By Me, Star Wars: Return of The Jedi, and Gremlins are also depicted.
While most references are seen in the first episode, they are all scattered all throughout the season. The Fly and Rabid, films where zombies and "grotesque" creatures are seen, were also referenced in Stranger Things Season 3 starting from episodes 1 up to 4.
Horror films in the 80s were very apparent. And seeing them being referenced on the series was not surprising according to Time. Some of these films include IT, The Funhouse, Christine, and Halloween II.
Aside from reenactment and re-visualization of these films, some 80s movie references were also seen in the form of posters and item covers. These movies include Scarface, Car Wash, Max Max, and The Evil House.
The list of film references will never be complete without The Neverending Story and Wizard of OZ as these materials became iconic in Episode 8. This is when Dustin calls his girlfriend, Suzie, to help him unlock a door. In the end, Dustin serenaded her.
TV series in the 80s are not yet in full bloom. However, a few ones have already made it to the platforms like Magnum P.I. and Cheers, which are referenced in Episode 1 as Hopper watches them.
Fashion, stores, and brands were also "central parts" of the 80s. Stranger Things Season 3 remained faithful to the era by including some of them like The Gap, Sam Goody, Waldenbrooks, and JC Penney. Some prominent games and music were also depicted.
These are only some of the biggest ones that Stranger Things referenced in its course. If fans would go re-watch all episodes and installments of the series, one would probably notice more.
As for the show's future, it might take a while before a new season drops. Luckily, Seasons 1 to 3 are still available for streaming on Netflix.
