Stephen King's Comments On Stranger Things And IT Comparisons

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Thematic Parallels Between Stranger Things and IT

Both Stranger Things and Stephen King's IT share a core set of themes that resonate deeply with audiences. These common threads create a powerful connection, showcasing the enduring appeal of certain narrative structures within the horror genre. The thematic parallels are striking, revealing a shared DNA that transcends specific plot points.

• The "Losers Club" Dynamic: Both narratives center around a group of outcast children who form a powerful bond against a terrifying common enemy. In IT, it's the Losers Club facing Pennywise; in Stranger Things, it's the group of friends fighting the forces of the Upside Down. This "losers club" archetype, so powerfully depicted in IT, finds a clear echo in the friendships at the heart of Stranger Things.

• Small-Town Setting and Supernatural Horror: Both stories utilize the familiar, seemingly safe setting of a small town as a backdrop for their supernatural horrors. This juxtaposition of the mundane and the monstrous heightens the sense of unease and vulnerability. The idyllic small-town setting in both becomes a breeding ground for fear and the unknown.

• Childhood Innocence Lost: Both Stranger Things and IT explore the loss of childhood innocence through terrifying experiences. The trauma inflicted upon the young protagonists shapes their lives and fuels their determination to confront the evil that threatens them. The innocence of childhood shattered by supernatural horror is a powerful shared theme.

• Cyclical Nature of Evil and Confronting the Past: The evil forces in both narratives possess a cyclical nature, returning periodically to prey on the vulnerable. The protagonists must confront their past traumas and the lingering evil to break the cycle and ensure the safety of their community. Confronting the past – both personal and societal – is essential to overcoming the evil.

Stylistic Similarities and Differences

While sharing core thematic elements, Stranger Things and IT employ different stylistic approaches to create their chilling atmospheres. The similarities and differences are fascinating to analyze.

• Nostalgia and the 80s Setting: Both heavily utilize the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1980s, employing iconic imagery and cultural references to enhance the setting and create a specific tone. This 80s setting is crucial to the overall aesthetic of both.

• Suspense and Jump Scares: Both utilize suspense and jump scares to create moments of terror, although their execution differs. IT often relies on psychological dread and Pennywise's unpredictable nature, whereas Stranger Things utilizes a blend of suspense, visual effects, and creature design to create its scares.

• Portrayal of the Monstrous: The monstrous entities differ significantly. Pennywise is a shape-shifting entity that preys on the children's deepest fears, while the Upside Down in Stranger Things presents a more abstract, dimensional threat, creating a unique kind of horror. The depiction of these monsters speaks to different anxieties and fears.

• Narrative Approach: IT is a more character-driven novel with a longer timeline, focusing heavily on the characters' personal journeys and relationships. Stranger Things, as a television series, employs a more episodic structure with a faster pace and a broader ensemble cast.

Stephen King's Public Statements on Stranger Things

While Stephen King hasn't extensively commented on Stranger Things in detail, his overall positive reception of adaptations of his work suggests a likely approval. His praise for other adaptations demonstrates his openness to seeing his stories reinterpreted for new audiences. Though direct quotes specifically addressing Stranger Things are limited, the series’ success within the horror community, heavily influenced by King's work, speaks volumes. His influence on the genre is undeniable, making the thematic and stylistic parallels between IT and Stranger Things even more significant. The general consensus within the horror community, heavily shaped by King’s decades-long impact, suggests a positive appraisal of the show's homage to his style and themes.

Conclusion

Both Stranger Things and Stephen King's IT tap into universal themes of childhood, trauma, friendship, and the battle against evil. While their stylistic approaches differ, their shared reliance on atmosphere, suspense, and the power of nostalgia creates a strong connection. Stephen King’s indirect approval, reflected in the overall positive reception of Stranger Things within the horror community, reinforces the lasting influence of IT on modern horror storytelling. Explore the fascinating world of Stephen King and the impact of IT on Stranger Things by reading IT, watching Stranger Things, and joining the conversation about the legacy of Stephen King in modern horror.