At first sight, Stranger Things seems like a cozy window into pure ‘80s nostalgia, thanks to aesthetics pulled straight from that era’s classic films, like Stand By Me and E.T. But don’t get it twisted—something very strange is going on in this Midwestern suburb, and the longer you watch, the more things in the neighborhood start to unspool. With an ensemble cast that features Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and more, as well as mind-blowing special effects and a moody, synthesizer-heavy soundtrack, Stranger Things is one supernatural thriller we can’t look away from. Oh, and those ‘80s references? They’re spot on. Think: Dungeons and Dragons, corduroy pants, VHS players, roller rinks, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High—just to name a few. If you like Stephen King films or The Goonies, this Duffer Brothers-created fantasy series is definitely for you.
For the girls still obsessed with that one scene in Pride & Prejudice where Mr. Darcy flexes his hand after helping Elizabeth into the carriage, Bridgerton delivers yearning and 19th-century English style tenfold. The series focuses primarily on the Bridgerton family, with each season exploring the romantic endeavors of each sibling as they attempt to avoid the gossip stirred up by the mysterious Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers. The Emmy-winning series has three seasons out, with a miniseries spin-off, Queen Charlotte—about King George and Queen Charlotte’s love story—also recently joining the Bridgerton universe.
