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

Axel S�rensen

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

4.6

Share

Shared Themes: Exploring the Overlaps Between IT and Stranger Things

Both IT and Stranger Things resonate deeply with audiences due to their exploration of shared thematic elements. These overlapping themes create a sense of familiarity while also highlighting the unique storytelling approaches of each narrative.

The Power of Childhood Friendship

Both stories center on a group of children facing a terrifying, otherworldly threat. This core element elevates the narrative beyond simple monster stories; it becomes a testament to the strength found in unity.

• The Losers Club in IT: These outcast children, bound by shared experiences and an unbreakable bond, confront Pennywise, a cosmic entity that feeds on fear. Their loyalty and trust are tested repeatedly, yet their friendship remains the anchor that keeps them grounded amidst the terror.
• The "Party" in Stranger Things: Similarly, the group of friends in Stranger Things navigate the dangers of the Upside Down, facing Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, and other supernatural threats. Their shared experiences and unwavering support for each other are crucial to their survival.
• Keywords: Friendship, childhood, loyalty, IT Losers Club, Stranger Things Party, unwavering support, shared experiences

The importance of loyalty and trust in both narratives cannot be overstated. It's not just about defeating the monsters; it's about the enduring power of human connection in the face of unimaginable horror. This common thread creates a powerful emotional resonance with viewers.

The Trauma of the Past

Beyond the supernatural elements, both IT and Stranger Things explore the deep psychological impact of childhood trauma. The past experiences of the characters shape their present, influencing their reactions to the horrors they face.

• The emotional scars inflicted on the Losers Club in Derry, Maine, shape their adult lives and their approach to confronting Pennywise. Their shared trauma acts as both a burden and a source of strength.
• Similarly, the events surrounding Eleven's past in Stranger Things fuel her determination to protect her friends and defeat the Mind Flayer. Her trauma is an integral part of her character arc and her powers.
• Keywords: Trauma, childhood trauma, psychological horror, emotional scars, lasting impact

These narratives showcase how unresolved traumas can manifest in unexpected ways, highlighting the lasting impact of past experiences on mental health and resilience. The intertwined nature of trauma and the supernatural creates a uniquely chilling effect.

The Nature of Evil

Both IT and Stranger Things feature powerful, manipulative entities preying on the vulnerabilities of children. While distinct in their origins and abilities, both Pennywise and the Mind Flayer represent chilling interpretations of evil.

• Pennywise the Dancing Clown: This shapeshifting entity from IT preys on the deepest fears of its victims, taking the form of their most terrifying nightmares. Its manipulative nature and ability to exploit childhood anxieties make it a truly terrifying villain.
• The Mind Flayer: The parasitic entity from the Upside Down in Stranger Things is a more cosmic, almost hive-minded antagonist. Its control over its host and its ability to manipulate the environment create a different, but equally unsettling, form of horror.
• Keywords: Pennywise, Mind Flayer, evil, supernatural horror, monsters, manipulative, cosmic horror

The comparison between these antagonists allows for a fascinating exploration of the different ways evil can manifest itself, from the personal and psychological to the cosmic and existential.

Divergent Elements: Where the Stories Differ

While sharing significant thematic similarities, IT and Stranger Things also possess distinct characteristics. These differences contribute to their unique identities and overall impact.

Setting and Tone

The setting plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere of each story.

• Derry, Maine: The setting of Stephen King's IT is a small, isolated town steeped in a history of tragedy and darkness. The oppressive atmosphere of Derry amplifies the sense of dread and paranoia.
• Hawkins, Indiana: Stranger Things, on the other hand, presents a seemingly idyllic small town, the contrast between the normalcy of Hawkins and the horrors of the Upside Down making the threat even more impactful.
• Keywords: Setting, atmosphere, Derry, Hawkins, horror tone, idyllic setting, contrast

The difference in tone is also notable. IT leans into a more visceral, gothic horror, while Stranger Things blends elements of science fiction, adventure, and coming-of-age drama with its horror.

The Nature of the Supernatural Threat

The nature of the antagonists in each story differs significantly:

• Pennywise is a chaotic, almost primordial evil, feeding on fear and manipulating its victims through their deepest insecurities. Its shapeshifting ability allows it to exploit the specific vulnerabilities of each child.
• The Mind Flayer is a more systematic and controlled antagonist, with a focus on possession and domination. It represents a more external, cosmic threat, seeking to conquer and consume.
• Keywords: Pennywise, Mind Flayer, supernatural abilities, shapeshifting, parasitic entity, cosmic threat

The contrast in the antagonists showcases the versatility of the horror genre, demonstrating how different types of evil can be equally terrifying and compelling.

Resolution and Themes of Adult Life

The handling of the aftermath and the transition to adulthood also differs substantially:

• IT explores the lasting impact of trauma on the Losers Club’s adult lives, highlighting the challenges of confronting the past and overcoming the lingering effects of their childhood experiences. The sense of closure is hard-won and somewhat bittersweet.
• Stranger Things leaves more open-ended questions regarding the long-term effects of the Upside Down and the characters' experiences. While the immediate threat is resolved, the underlying sense of unease and uncertainty persists.
• Keywords: Adult life, consequences, overcoming trauma, long-term effects, closure, uncertainty

This difference reflects the differing focuses of each narrative: IT emphasizes the struggle for closure and the complexities of overcoming trauma, while Stranger Things hints at a more ongoing battle against unseen forces.

Conclusion

Both IT and Stranger Things explore the powerful themes of childhood trauma, the strength of friendship, and the chilling nature of evil, creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across generations. While they differ in setting, tone, and the specifics of their antagonists, the underlying similarities reveal a shared fascination with the darker aspects of human experience and the power of resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. Stephen King's work clearly influenced the creators of Stranger Things, evident in the shared thematic elements discussed above.

Have you noticed other parallels between Stephen King's IT and Stranger Things? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss how Stephen King compares Stranger Things to IT further.