While Waiting For Stranger Things Season 5 To Return, Watch This Underrated Sci-Fi That’s Almost Identical

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It’s incredibly frustrating waiting for the new season of Stranger Things, and Netflix is making the wait even longer. Like many of its big shows, Stranger Things season 5 will be released in parts. The first part arrives on November 26th, the second on December 25th, and the final episodes will be available on December 31st.

With the new season of Stranger Things not arriving until December, fans will have plenty of free time. While they could spend it with family and enjoying the holidays, many will likely miss the show and be looking for something to fill the void. Luckily, there’s a lesser-known sci-fi movie from 2011 that captures a similar feel to Stranger Things and might just satisfy that craving.

Stranger Things Fans Will Love Super 8

Anyone who enjoys Stranger Things will quickly recognize the feel of Super 8. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the movie intentionally aims for a nostalgic style, blending the adventure of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and The Goonies with the suspenseful atmosphere of John Carpenter’s films.

A group of adventurous, geeky kids in a small town uncover a secret government plot involving a terrifying monster. They decide to investigate on their own, determined to protect their community from this dangerous creature. The story features a mysterious psychic connection between the characters and the monster, a science teacher hiding secrets, and a ruthless military colonel who’s the main antagonist.

While Stranger Things didn’t actually have a lost pilot episode, the movie Super 8 feels like it. Super 8 established many of the elements that would later make Stranger Things a huge hit – like its nostalgic vibe, the way it drew inspiration from classic films, and the portrayal of kids being more resourceful than the adults around them. In many ways, Super 8 foreshadowed the winning formula that launched Netflix’s first worldwide success.

Why Super 8 Doesn’t Have A Bigger Legacy In 2025

When Super 8 came out, it was a hit with both critics and audiences, earning $260 million and receiving an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this success, the film hasn’t become a truly memorable classic. Unlike Abrams’ other monster movie, Cloverfield, people don’t often discuss Super 8 as a sci-fi favorite, and there’s been little demand for a sequel like Super 9.

The timing of Super 8’s release might have contributed to the shift in how J.J. Abrams was perceived in Hollywood. Following Super 8, he directed Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Although The Force Awakens was a hit with audiences, Star Trek Into Darkness and The Rise of Skywalker proved controversial and weren’t well-received by fans of those franchises.

While Super 8 has found a new audience thanks to streaming, Stranger Things ultimately became the more popular and well-known show. Stranger Things is easier for a wider audience to enjoy, whereas Super 8 is heavily influenced by the style of director Steven Spielberg and feels like a love letter to filmmaking itself. Plus, the longer format of a TV series like Stranger Things is better suited for developing complex mysteries than a shorter movie like Super 8.

If you’re craving more Stranger Things before December 25th, Super 8 will definitely satisfy that need.

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2025-12-10 20:50