Stranger Things is a boiling kettle of iconic references. Each frame is decorated with an homage to 80s pop culture. These references have been one of the most credited elements of the series’ allure. However, praises fall short when you realize that these references saturating almost every frame of the Duffer Brothers series transcend cultural borders. This one is not just a tale of a town turned upside down but also one that stems from anime’s arguable best.

As Netflix’s cherished child edges toward its final season and ventures into spinoffs and anime adaptations, now is the best time to appreciate how the Duffers’ magnum opus rides the coattails of a cult classic anime.

Netflix’s Stranger Things borrows its horror from anime’s hidden treasure

In the shift of history’s tides, the worshipped treasures of one land have often been swept away by the other. Although not the tale of Koh-i-Noor, the story of Lynn Okamoto’s Elfen Lied‘s impact on Netflix’s most trusted money maker holds a stark resemblance to it. In a 2016 interview with the Daily Beast, Matt Duffer noted that the Akira-inspired Elfen Lied struck as a golden thread of inspiration for him.

Released in 2004 at a time when animes who boasted of heroes that were capable of doing ninja kicks were all the rage, the tale of the pretty and perilous Lucy went unnoticed. But not by the Duffer Brothers.

Taking notes from the horror masterpiece, the makers of Stranger Things crafted their lead based on the main character from Elfen Lied. However, the connection between Hawkins and Kamakura does not stop at their telekinesis masters.

How Hawkins is built on the horrors of Kamakura?

One of the most obvious references to the 2004 anime in Stranger Things is Eleven. From her telekinesis abilities to the trauma she endured in the government facility, everything is an homage to Lucy. It further heightens in Season 4 when she finds in her miracle, monster-like abilities. The arc where Eleven feels that Mike is scared of her is heavy on the story of Luca and Kouta. Apart from the relationships they harbor, Hawkins and Kamakura are similar in their dark frames.

In the face of danger, the Duffer Brothers film the town in dim lights. Moreover, most of the finales when the monster is fully unleashed span over the night time. This is true of Elfen Lied as well. Both thrive on darkness to accentuate the horrors of their threats. As the Duffer Brothers take on the task of bringing the Death Note anime to life, Stranger Things’ Elfen Lied inspirations are not short of a comforting hug for anime fans.

Did you know that Stranger Things was inspired by Elfen Lied? Let us know in the comments below.