Stranger Things is more than just Demogorgons, synth soundtracks, and glorious ‘80s hair. It’s a treasure trove of hidden references, subtle callbacks, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Easter eggs that reward the most eagle-eyed fans.
From deep-cut comic nods and classic movie homages to clever continuity slips turned fan theories, the Duffer Brothers packed every season with little gifts for pop culture nerds. Whether you’re rewatching for the fifth time or diving in fresh, there’s always something new to discover.
So grab your walkie-talkie, crank up the Kate Bush, and get ready to uncover 15 of the coolest Easter eggs hiding in Hawkins.
The X-Men Comic That Started It All
In season 1 episode 1, Will and Dustin are seen racing their bikes over an issue of Uncanny X-Men #134—an iconic comic where Jean Grey first shows signs of becoming the Dark Phoenix.
Sound familiar? Like Jean, Eleven has telekinetic powers, nosebleeds, and a dangerous side.
The X-Men reference isn’t just geeky window dressing; however, it’s foreshadowing Eleven’s arc and nodding to one of the most famous power-struggle stories in superhero history.
It’s a clever way of grounding Eleven’s abilities in pop culture while also giving a wink to comic fans who know how dark things can get when a hero goes rogue.
On top of that, it’s also the issue where Jean Grey is manipulated by a group called The Hellfire Club, a name that comes into play later in the show.
Is a Spielberg NodEleven’s Eggo Obsession
Eleven’s love of Eggos became instantly iconic—but it’s more than just a cute quirk. Her affinity for the frozen waffles echoes E.T.’s Reese’s Pieces obsession.
The Duffers have said Spielberg’s E.T. was a huge influence on Stranger Things, and Eleven, like the alien, is an outsider trying to understand human emotion, hiding from the authorities, and forming bonds with kids.
Even the way Mike hides her in the house is pure E.T. homage.
So every time El raids the freezer, you’re not just watching a snack run—you’re witnessing cinematic nostalgia done right.
The Title Font Is Totally Retro Cool
That eerie red opening font? Straight-up homage to ’80s horror paperbacks—especially Stephen King novels.
The typeface is ITC Benguiat, which you’ll recognize if you’ve ever seen a vintage King cover or cracked open a Choose Your Own Adventure book.
The Duffers wanted the show to feel like the worn VHS tape of your favorite scary movie, and that font nails it. It screams, “This story is weird, dangerous, and possibly possessed.”
It’s not just an aesthetic choice—it’s a tone-setter. Next time you hit “skip intro,” consider giving the title card a little extra love.
Steve’s Hair = Jon Bon Jovi Realness
Steve Harrington’s glorious, gravity-defying hair isn’t just a character trait—it’s a time machine.
His feathered, blow-dried mane is peak ‘80s heartthrob, straight out of a Bon Jovi music video or a Tiger Beat centerfold.
The Duffers have confirmed that Steve’s look was inspired by real-life ‘80s icons, and Joe Keery even said he used Farrah Fawcett hairspray on set (just like Steve tells Dustin in season 2).
It’s a hilarious, on-point beauty tip and a wink at the era when hair height equaled social status. The bigger the hair, the bigger the legacy—Steve’s is practically legendary.
Bob Newby’s Death Mirrors Aliens
Sean Astin’s sweetly nerdy Bob Newby won our hearts—and then crushed them with his noble season 2 death. But did you notice his final moments mirror Paul Reiser’s Aliens character arc?
Reiser plays the shady Dr. Owens in Stranger Things, a not-so-subtle nod to his Aliens role as corporate weasel Burke. But this time, Reiser’s character gets redemption, while Bob gets the boot.
It’s like the Duffers flipped the Aliens script—Bob is the hero Burke never was.
Bonus: Astin also played Samwise in Lord of the Rings, another lovable sidekick who deserves the world. Justice for Bob!
Dustin’s “NeverEnding Story” Duet Has Layers
In Stranger Things season 3, when Dustin and Suzie belt out The NeverEnding Story theme mid-apocalypse, it’s the perfect combo of adorable and absurd. But it’s also a deep-cut ‘80s reference.
The 1984 fantasy film The NeverEnding Story was beloved by kids of the decade—especially ones obsessed with weird creatures and magical quests (sound familiar?).
Plus, it’s a meta moment: Stranger Things itself is a never-ending story of friendship, loss, and growing up.
The duet went viral, launched remixes, and proved once again that the Duffers know exactly when to hit us with the nostalgia bomb.
The “Firestarter” Connection with Eleven
If you’ve ever thought Eleven felt a bit like she escaped from a Stephen King novel—you’re not wrong.
She’s heavily inspired by Charlie from Firestarter, the 1980 novel (and 1984 film) about a young girl with psychic powers being chased by a shady government agency. Sound familiar? B
oth girls have nosebleed-inducing powers, bad memories of labs, and major pyro potential.
The Duffers love a King reference, and this one is baked right into the show’s DNA. Eleven isn’t just a powerful character—she’s part of a long literary lineage of supernaturally gifted girls who deserved better.
Hopper’s Shirt = Magnum P.I. Realness
In season 3, Chief Hopper trades in his sheriff uniform for a bold, floral button-up—and yes, that shirt is a direct nod to Magnum P.I.
Tom Selleck made the loud Hawaiian shirt iconic in the ’80s, and Hopper wears it like a badge of ironic dad-ness.
The visual is hilarious but intentional: Hopper’s midlife crisis aesthetic pairs perfectly with his chaotic attempts at dating Joyce and parenting Eleven.
Hopper’s fashion glow-up screams tropical noir detective with issues, and we are 100% here for it.
Back to the Future All Over the Mall
Starcourt Mall in season 3 isn’t just a pastel dreamland—it’s a time capsule of 1985.
And one of the biggest Easter eggs? Back to the Future is playing at the movie theater.
Not only is this a literal shout-out to the summer blockbuster of that year, but the movie’s themes of alternate timelines, secret labs, and wild science experiments mirror what’s happening in Hawkins.
Plus, Steve and Robin’s chaotic, candy-fueled bonding moment in the bathroom is basically the teen version of Doc and Marty after one too many time jumps.
The Thing Poster in Will’s Basement
In season 1, look closely in Castle Byers and in the Byers’ basement—you’ll spot a poster for John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing.
Not only is it a perfect tonal match (paranoia, isolation, shape-shifting monsters… hello, Demogorgon), but it’s also a sly nod to the era’s best practical effects and suspense.
The Duffers have said The Thing heavily influenced the Upside Down’s gooey, terrifying aesthetic. Even the show’s sound design shares that same squelchy, otherworldly vibe.
So that poster isn’t just set dressing—it’s a neon-lit arrow pointing at one of Stranger Things’ creepiest inspirations. Long live ‘80s horror!
New Coke Is the Most ‘80s Beverage Cameo Ever
In season 3, Lucas passionately defends New Coke—Coca-Cola’s short-lived and famously hated 1985 rebrand—during a break from fighting interdimensional horror.
It’s a hilarious and weirdly authentic moment, capturing how even during a monster crisis, teens will argue over soda.
While Erica may have crawled through those vents for lifetime ice cream, Lucas’s soda monologue is a real Easter egg. The Duffers worked with Coca-Cola to resurrect the drink just for the show, making it one of the most meta product placements in TV history.
Love it or loathe it, New Coke’s cameo is a fizzy little tribute to one of the ’80s’ biggest marketing flops.
The Dig Dug Arcade Game Says Everything
In season 2, the arcade isn’t just a hangout—it’s full of clues.
One blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem? Dustin’s high score on Dig Dug gets crushed by someone named “MADMAX” (aka new girl Max Mayfield).
The game’s inclusion is no accident. Dig Dug is about a character digging underground to destroy monsters—sound like anyone fighting Demodogs in tunnels?
The Duffers love layering in this kind of metaphorical Easter egg, and it works like a charm. Plus, seeing 1980s kids obsessed with quarter-munching games just adds to the throwback vibes.
Pro tip: Keep your eyes on those arcade machines—they’re full of story.
The Ghostbusters Halloween Costumes
Season 2 kicks off with one of the best Halloween group costumes in TV history: the boys dressed as the Ghostbusters. And not just generically—they debate who gets to be Venkman!
This is more than cosplay; it’s an homage to the ultimate ‘80s team of science nerds battling supernatural forces, just like our Hawkins crew.
The moment is packed with fan service (those proton packs!) and hilarious kid drama. And in true Stranger Things fashion, it drops right before things go supernaturally sideways.
Busting may make them feel good, but even the Ghostbusters would be spooked by the Upside Down.
The Duffer Brothers’ Love for Stephen King Never Stops
From Castle Byers (a nod to King’s fictional town of Castle Rock) to Eleven’s telekinetic powers and the shady government agents chasing her, Stranger Things is drenched in Stephen King DNA.
Even the show’s typeface looks like the cover of a King paperback. The Duffers have said they grew up devouring his novels, and it shows—especially in how they blend horror, coming-of-age vibes, and supernatural weirdness.
And let’s not forget the show’s original working title: Montauk—a clear reference to The Montauk Project, a conspiracy theory that inspired King’s Firestarter. It’s not just an homage—it’s a love letter.
Will’s Birthday = A Continuity Easter Egg?
In season 2, Joyce mentions Will’s birthday is March 22. But in season 4, the entire crew forgets—and that day comes and goes with no mention. Oops?
The Duffers later admitted they forgot too—and joked about pulling a George Lucas and “editing” the birthday later.
But fans now treat it like an unintentional Easter egg, symbolizing how Will often feels left out.
Sad? A little. Meta? Definitely. And with Will clearly stepping into a bigger role in season 5, this forgotten birthday may end up being more than just a continuity flub. Justice for Will… and his cake.