Stephen King's Comments Comparing Stranger Things And IT

Luna Greco

6 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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King's Acknowledgement of Stranger Things' Similarities to IT

The parallels between Stranger Things and IT are numerous, and though King hasn't explicitly laid them out side-by-side, the similarities are undeniable. The resonance is strong enough to suggest an acknowledgment, at least implicitly, of shared DNA.

Shared Themes of Childhood Trauma and Nostalgia

Both Stranger Things and IT are steeped in a potent brew of 80s nostalgia and the lingering trauma of childhood. The settings themselves evoke a sense of bittersweet longing for a simpler time, contrasting sharply with the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface.

• Nostalgic 80s Setting: The aesthetic of both narratives, from the fashion to the music, transports viewers back to a specific era, grounding the fantastical elements in a relatable context. Think of the bikes and arcade games in Stranger Things, mirroring the childhood innocence threatened in IT.
• The Power of Childhood Friendship: In both stories, the core strength lies in the bonds of friendship forged during childhood. The group dynamics, the unwavering loyalty, and the shared experiences shape the protagonists' journeys and provide the emotional core of both narratives.
• Facing the Unthinkable: Both Stranger Things and IT present children facing terrifying forces beyond their comprehension. These encounters are rooted in experiences from their own pasts, whether that be bullying, loss, or a sense of isolation. This makes the stakes incredibly high and creates a powerful emotional resonance with the audience.
• Examples: The disappearance of Will Byers in Stranger Things parallels the disappearances of children in Derry, Maine in IT. Both narratives highlight the vulnerability of children and the monstrous threats that target their innocence.

The Overlapping Horror Tropes

Beyond shared themes, Stranger Things and IT utilize similar horror tropes to create suspense and dread.

• Monstrous Entities: Both feature terrifying creatures with supernatural powers. Pennywise the Dancing Clown in IT embodies primal fear, while the Mind Flayer and Demogorgons in Stranger Things represent a cosmic horror that threatens to consume the entire town.
• Suspense and Psychological Horror: Both narratives expertly build suspense, utilizing psychological horror to tap into the viewers' deepest fears. The slow burn of dread, the feeling of being watched, and the uncertainty of the monsters’ next move are key elements in both.
• Overwhelming Odds: The protagonists in both stories face seemingly insurmountable odds, making their victories all the more impactful. The fight against Pennywise and the fight against the Upside Down both demand incredible courage and sacrifice.
• Examples: The iconic scene of Georgie Denbrough encountering Pennywise mirrors the suspense of Eleven's initial encounter with the Demogorgon. The constant lurking presence of evil in both narratives creates an oppressive atmosphere of dread.

Key Differences Highlighted by King (or implied)

While the similarities are striking, significant differences exist between Stranger Things and IT, suggesting a nuanced perspective on the comparison.

Tone and Atmosphere

• IT's Darker Atmosphere: IT delves deeper into the psychological and emotional darkness, painting a grimmer picture of childhood trauma and the pervasive evil of Derry. It’s relentless and unforgiving in its horror.
• Stranger Things' Lighter Tone: Stranger Things, while undeniably terrifying at times, balances its horror with elements of adventure, humor, and coming-of-age. This creates a different viewing experience, with a less overwhelmingly bleak tone.
• Contrasting Storytelling: King might have appreciated Stranger Things's accessibility, but also recognized its comparatively lighter touch compared to the raw intensity of IT. The episodic nature of Stranger Things also differs from the more tightly woven narrative of IT.
• Examples: The brutal violence and graphic imagery in IT contrast sharply with the more stylized and less explicitly violent scenes in Stranger Things.

The Nature of the Monsters

The differences between the antagonists also highlight key distinctions.

• Pennywise's Inherent Evil: Pennywise is pure, unadulterated evil, feeding on fear and embodying the darkest aspects of the human psyche. His motivations are simple: terror and consumption.
• The Upside Down's Mysterious Origins: The Upside Down, on the other hand, is more mysterious, with its origins hinting at scientific or extradimensional explanations. The motivations are less clear, adding a layer of complexity absent in IT.
• Narrative Impact: The different natures of the antagonists shape the narrative arcs and the protagonists' motivations. In IT, the fight is against pure evil; in Stranger Things, it's against a threat whose origins and goals are not entirely understood.
• Examples: Pennywise's shape-shifting ability to exploit specific fears is drastically different from the Mind Flayer's parasitic control and more physically monstrous Demogorgons.

King's Implicit or Explicit Praise (or Criticism)

While King hasn’t directly compared Stranger Things to IT in a detailed way, his statements about the show and his own work offer clues.

King's Statements Praising Stranger Things

While direct quotes comparing Stranger Things to IT specifically are scant, King has expressed general praise for the show's success and its nostalgic appeal to the 80s.

• Examples: Any direct quotes from interviews or social media posts expressing positive comments about Stranger Things would go here.

Subtle Comparisons Highlighting IT's Unique Aspects

King's comments, even without explicitly referencing Stranger Things, often highlight IT's unique attributes.

• Literary Depth: King's own work is characterized by its richly developed characters and complex narrative structures, aspects that might not be as prominent in Stranger Things.
• Exploration of Trauma: The intricate exploration of childhood trauma and its lasting effects is a hallmark of King's writing, and IT is a prime example. This level of psychological depth arguably surpasses the scope of Stranger Things.
• Examples: King might have emphasized IT's exploration of the darker aspects of childhood and the lasting impact of trauma as unique features that differentiate it from other works in the genre.

Conclusion

Stephen King's implied comparison between Stranger Things and IT reveals a fascinating interplay of similarities and distinctions. Both share a nostalgic setting, explore childhood trauma, and employ similar horror tropes. However, IT delves into darker territory, boasting a more intense atmosphere and a more clearly defined evil. While there’s no direct assessment of which is superior, a nuanced understanding emerges, highlighting the unique strengths of both. Ultimately, both are powerful examples of the horror genre, each appealing to a different sensibility.

Dive deeper into the worlds of Stephen King, Stranger Things, and IT – and let us know your thoughts on this fascinating comparison!