The acclaimed series Stranger Things has captivated global audiences with its nostalgic ’80s backdrop, compelling young cast, and intertwining themes of supernatural enigma and dark suspense. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the narrative begins with the mysterious disappearance of a boy named Will Byers, which sets off a chain of strange events as his friends and family rally to unearth the truth.
As they search for Will, they encounter bizarre occurrences that lead them to the ominous Upside Down, a parallel dimension brimming with monsters. Joined by his mother and a remarkable girl with psychic abilities named Eleven, they embark on a quest that uncovers deep-seated secrets within Hawkins.
If you are a fan of the series and eager to explore anime that shares a comparable vibe and thematic resonance, you’re in luck! This curated list features ten exceptional anime series that encapsulate elements like time travel, alternate realities, psychic phenomena, and thrilling conspiracies—perfect for any Stranger Things enthusiast.
Top 10 Anime Recommendations for Stranger Things Fans
1) Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate immerses viewers in the life of Rintaro, an eccentric self-proclaimed mad scientist who stumbles upon time travel through a homemade “phone microwave.”As Rintaro and his friends experiment with sending messages into the past, they draw the attention of a menacing organization, SERN, which puts their lives in jeopardy. Similar to Stranger Things, the series captures intricate friendships and loyalty amidst escalating conflicts and the precarious nature of time manipulation.
2) Erased
Erased tells the compelling story of Satoru, a 29-year-old who has the unique ability to travel back in time to avert tragedies. Following the tragic murder of his mother, Satoru is thrust back to his childhood, where he must unravel mysteries and save his friends from impending doom. With its emphasis on altering past events to unravel complex narratives, this series aligns perfectly with themes found in Stranger Things.
3) The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland captivates viewers with its contrasting tones. Initially presenting a idyllic setting at Grace Field House orphanage, the story soon reveals a terrifying truth—children are being raised as livestock for demonic entities. Emma, Norman, and Ray must band together to confront their horrific reality and fight for their survival, paralleling the strong bonds and existential threats seen in Stranger Things.
4) Paranoia Agent
Renowned director Satoshi Kon presents Paranoia Agent, a psychological thriller revolving around a mysterious assailant known as “Shōnen Bat.”As panic spreads among Tokyo’s citizens, detectives delve into the chaos, uncovering layers of societal anxiety and surreal horror. This series resonates with the eerie ambiance that Stranger Things expertly captures, leaving viewers with lingering unease.
5) Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a poignant narrative focused on high schooler Jinta, who grapples with the loss of his childhood friend, Meiko. When Meiko’s ghost appears and asks Jinta to fulfill her last wish, he reconnects with his estranged friends to help her find peace. The emotional exploration of friendship and loss strikes a chord, reminiscent of the camaraderie central to Stranger Things.
6) Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied contains intense and graphic content as it follows Lucy, a psychic girl with lethal telekinetic abilities. After escaping a secret government lab, Lucy’s violent and tumultuous journey intertwines with the lives of ordinary individuals, drawing parallels with the shady experiments and government intrigue pivotal to Stranger Things.
7) Higurashi: When They Cry
Higurashi: When They Cry intricately weaves a tale about Keiichi, a newcomer in a quaint village marred by sinister secrets and a series of murders. As he unravels the village’s dark history and unearths cryptic traditions, the series evokes themes of suspicion and horror similar to that of Stranger Things, where the familiar conceals the terrifying unknown.
8) Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain offers a thought-provoking exploration of consciousness through the story of Lain, an introverted girl drawn into a digital world that blurs reality. Its complex themes surrounding technology and identity resonate with Stranger Things‘ exploration of alternate realities and consciousness, delivering a deep dive into psychological horror.
9) FLCL
FLCL, also known as “fooly cooly,” is a wild ride through adolescence filled with eccentric characters and chaotic humor. Focusing on Naota, a young boy whose life takes a bizarre turn when he encounters the unpredictable Haruko, this series mixes surreal elements and action-st packed moments. Its vibrant style and imaginative storytelling will resonate well with fans of Stranger Things.
10) Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss chronicles the adventures of Riko, an orphan girl who plunges into a treacherous abyss in pursuit of her missing mother. Here, the dichotomy of innocence and the allure of the unknown is explored as Riko faces unimaginable horrors in her quest. Much like Stranger Things, this series embodies the thrill of exploring dark and mysterious realms faced by young heroes.
Conclusion
While nothing can truly replicate the captivating experience of Stranger Things, the anime selections presented here come remarkably close, each offering a unique blend of themes that resonate with the beloved series. From nostalgic charm and eerie mysteries to the power of friendship and reality-altering scenarios, these series delve into the varied dimensions of science fiction and horror.
Whether you seek supernatural thrillers, heartfelt stories, or avant-garde explorations of reality, this list has something profound to offer. Dive into these anime and discover the uncanny parallels that echo the essence of Stranger Things.