Stranger Things: Tales from '85 (2026) — English Animation

"Stranger Things: Tales from '85" transports audiences back to the winter of 1985 in Hawkins, Indiana, a small town shrouded in secrets and supernatural occurrences. Following the beloved heroes from the original series, this animated spin-off introduces new characters like Brooklyn Davey Norstedt and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, who navigate a landscape filled with fresh mysteries and a unique breed of monsters threatening their world. The series captures the essence of the original while expanding the narrative universe in intriguing ways. At the heart of "Stranger Things: Tales from '85" lies the exploration of identity and the trials of coming of age amidst chaos. The series delves into the theme of friendship against a backdrop of supernatural terror, where ordinary kids are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Director insights and the collaborative efforts of Flying Bark Productions, Upside Down Pictures, and 21 Laps Entertainment infuse the animation with a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a taut, suspenseful atmosphere. With a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery, the story unfolds in a world where government experiments and parallel dimensions come to life, challenging the characters to confront both external monsters and their inner fears. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Americana, "Stranger Things: Tales from '85" resonates with audiences familiar with the original series, while also appealing to new viewers drawn to its animated format. The cultural context of the era enhances the storytelling, as it taps into the collective memory of a time marked by a fascination with the supernatural and the unknown. Released in 2026, this two-season series expands the beloved "Stranger Things" franchise, offering fresh adventures that explore the limits of perception and the pervasive dread of what lies beyond the familiar.