Whether you’re still mourning Eddie Munson or secretly hoping the Upside Down has a cozy reading nook, Stranger Things has likely left a Demogorgon-sized hole in your heart. But never fear—there are books that bring all the same spine-tingling, heart-thumping, nostalgia-soaked vibes. Here are six reads that channel the best parts of Stranger Things: 80s atmosphere, supernatural creepiness, tight-knit friendships, and just a dash of chaos.
🧒 My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
đź“Ť Set in the 1980s. Demon possession. Fierce female friendship.
Think Stranger Things if the Hawkins boys were swapped for two high school girls and the Mind Flayer was a demon hanging out in your BFF’s soul. Campy, creepy, and surprisingly heartfelt.
🧠The Institute by Stephen King
đź“Ť Psychic kids. Shadowy government facilities. Found family.
This one practically is a King-style Stranger Things spin-off. A young boy with special abilities is taken to a secret institute—and the kids must work together to survive. It’s bleak and brilliant.
🌲 Pines by Blake Crouch
đź“Ť Small-town secrets. Reality glitches. Constant dread.
If you love the mystery and “what is real?” tension of Hawkins, Wayward Pines is your next stop. No bikes, but plenty of mind-bending twists and eerie paranoia.
🪦 Summer of Night by Dan Simmons
đź“Ť Coming-of-age horror. 1960s vibes. An ancient evil.
This one’s a hidden gem. A group of kids battle evil in a small Midwestern town—and it’s equal parts nostalgic and terrifying. Think Stand By Me meets The Mist.
🧙‍♂️ Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
đź“Ť Twins created by an alchemist. Multiverse weirdness. Power struggles.
It’s darker and more cerebral than Stranger Things, but if you love supernatural kids trying to survive in a world that wants to control them, you’ll be hooked.
🛸 Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan (graphic novel)
đź“Ť Time travel. Bizarre monsters. 80s girl power.
This comic series is practically Stranger Things’ sister show—with even more neon. It follows four newspaper delivery girls who stumble into a time-traveling alien conspiracy. Gorgeous art, fast pacing, and fierce vibes.
Bonus Round: What to Read If You’re Obsessed with Eddie Munson
- We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix – A metalhead heroine. Hellish contracts. Very Eddie-coded.
- The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake – If you loved the chaos and charisma, try morally gray magical scholars instead of d20s.
Which would you crawl into first—The Institute or the Upside Down?
Leave a comment with your favorite Stranger Things read-alike—or tell me which character deserves a spin-off novel!
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