Stephen King Compares Stranger Things To IT: Key Similarities And Differences

Natalie Brooks

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements: Childhood Trauma and the Power of Friendship

Both Stranger Things and IT explore the profound impact of childhood trauma and the unwavering strength found in friendship. The vulnerability of children facing unimaginable horrors forms the emotional core of both narratives. The power of friendship becomes not merely a comforting element, but a crucial tool for survival and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

• The impact of bullying and loss: The characters in both stories grapple with the pain of bullying, loss, and the feeling of being an outsider. Will Byers' disappearance in Stranger Things mirrors the disappearances of children in Derry, highlighting the vulnerability of innocence in the face of evil.
• The strength found in unlikely friendships: The "Losers Club" in IT and the "Stranger Things" gang share a profound bond, forged in the crucible of shared trauma and a collective fight against a terrifying foe. Their differences become their strength, fostering a sense of belonging and unwavering loyalty.
• Facing adult fears/responsibilities prematurely: Both narratives thrust children into situations far beyond their years, forcing them to confront adult fears and responsibilities. This premature exposure to darkness shapes their development and tests the limits of their courage.
• Themes of innocence lost and regaining it: The core of both stories involves the loss of innocence, and the struggle to reclaim it. The journey of these children is not just about defeating monsters but also about confronting the darkness within themselves and the world around them.

Supernatural Horror: The Nature of the Evil

The antagonists in Stranger Things and IT differ significantly, yet both utilize psychological horror to terrifying effect. The Upside Down in Stranger Things is a nightmarish alternate dimension, a chilling manifestation of existential dread. Pennywise, the malevolent clown from IT, preys on children's deepest fears, twisting their nightmares into tangible terrors.

• The use of childhood fears as a weapon: Both narratives expertly exploit childhood anxieties and phobias. Pennywise targets specific fears, while the Upside Down embodies a more generalized sense of dread and the unknown.
• The different forms and manifestations of evil: While the Upside Down is a more amorphous entity, Pennywise's shape-shifting abilities allow him to become the embodiment of each child's worst nightmare.
• The impact of the supernatural on the characters' psyche: The prolonged exposure to the supernatural leaves lasting psychological scars on the characters in both narratives. This psychological trauma becomes a defining aspect of their lives and shapes their relationships with one another.
• Differences in the origin and motivations of the antagonists: The origins and motivations of the antagonists differ greatly. The Upside Down's origins are more mysterious, whereas Pennywise is a malevolent entity with a clear (though monstrous) agenda.

Setting and Atmosphere: Small Town Mysteries

The small-town settings of Hawkins in Stranger Things and Derry in IT play crucial roles in establishing atmosphere and driving the narrative. Both towns are steeped in mystery, harboring dark secrets hidden beneath a seemingly idyllic surface.

• The sense of isolation and mystery in both towns: Both Hawkins and Derry possess a sense of isolation that enhances the feeling of vulnerability and intensifies the horror. The secrets buried beneath the surface of these towns add layers of suspense and intrigue.
• The impact of the past on the present: The past casts a long shadow in both narratives. The events of the past continue to haunt the present, influencing the lives of the characters and fueling the conflicts.
• Use of specific locations to heighten suspense and horror: Both narratives effectively use specific locations within their settings to heighten suspense and create a sense of dread – the abandoned house, the creepy woods, the unsettling school.
• Contrasting atmospheres: nostalgic vs. decaying: Hawkins, while harbouring darkness, retains a nostalgic, almost idyllic feel, contrasting sharply with the decaying and oppressive atmosphere of Derry, which itself feels like a character in the story.

Character Archetypes: The Losers Club vs. The Stranger Things Gang

The main characters in both stories embody classic archetypes, albeit with unique nuances. Both groups feature a strong leader, an outsider, a brave protector, and other key figures whose roles and relationships evolve throughout their respective journeys.

• The leader figure (Mike Wheeler/Bill Denbrough): Both Mike and Bill serve as the central figures, guiding their friends through adversity.
• The outcast/outsider (Eleven/Beverly Marsh): Eleven and Beverly are both initially outsiders, possessing unique abilities that set them apart from their peers, but eventually become integral to the group's success.
• The brave/protective friend (Dustin Henderson/Richie Tozier): Dustin and Richie, despite their flaws, display unwavering bravery and protective instincts towards their friends.
• Character arcs and growth: Both sets of characters undergo significant personal growth throughout their ordeals, developing emotional maturity and stronger bonds through shared trauma.

King's Influence: Direct and Indirect Connections

While Stephen King hasn't explicitly commented on the direct comparison between IT and Stranger Things, the show's creators have openly acknowledged his influence on their work. The similarities in narrative techniques, thematic concerns, and horror tropes are evident.

• Shared narrative techniques: The use of suspense, foreshadowing, and gradual reveal of information are shared techniques used in both IT and Stranger Things.
• Common horror elements and imagery: Both narratives utilize common horror elements, such as creepy settings, mysterious disappearances, and monstrous antagonists who prey on children’s fears.
• Stephen King's views on the show (if publicly available): Any public statements made by Stephen King regarding Stranger Things would offer invaluable insight into the perceived connections.
• Potential thematic inspirations: The thematic similarities regarding childhood trauma, the power of friendship, and the overcoming of seemingly insurmountable odds, strongly suggest King’s influence on the Stranger Things narrative.

Conclusion: Understanding the Connections Between Stephen King's IT and Stranger Things

Stranger Things and IT, while distinct in their own rights, share a compelling thematic and stylistic kinship. Both narratives masterfully explore the power of childhood friendship in confronting unimaginable horrors. While the specific antagonists and settings differ, the overarching themes of trauma, resilience, and the fight against evil resonate powerfully in both works. Stephen King’s undeniable influence on horror, particularly his focus on childhood anxieties and the small town as a breeding ground for darkness, permeates Stranger Things. The similarities are striking, showcasing the lasting impact of his storytelling on contemporary horror. What are your thoughts on the comparisons? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #StrangerThings #IT #StephenKing. Let's discuss the shared DNA of these two captivating stories!