Since the inception of Stranger Things, the creators have not shied away from crediting many popular 80s films as inspiration for the show. But that all changed with season 4. In the past, a movie or a tv series served as an inspiration for the whole season. But in the newest season of Stranger Things, we follow four separate narratives. As a result, there have been multiple inspirations for the show ranging from hilarious Scooby-Doo to the chilling Zodiac. Even Finn Wolfhard agrees with it.

Let us see how the Netflix Original draws inspiration from such varied movies.

Finn Wolfhard feels Stranger Things is five movies in one

To call the new season of Stranger Things just a show would be an understatement. There has never been a show that has done what Stranger Things is doing. The sheer magnitude of the show is untouchable. And to top it off, it serves as a unique viewing experience. Even though it draws heavy inspiration from other works of art, it feels fresh and unique.

And according to Finn Wolfhard, Stranger Things 4 will give people a little bit of everything “like 5 different movies rolled into one” says the actor. While talking about the tones of the new show. Finn did admit that it had a horror orientation, but it still had a funny side which made it feel like a “stoner action comedy.”

He then went on to site Scooby doo and Zodiac as two major inspirations for the season. And if you think about it, it does make sense. For example, all the shots of Hopper in the Russian prison have a blue color palette that resembles the colors of Zodiac by David Fincher. 

The whole film has a blue, lifeless, and dull tone, as if something bad is omnipresent. That is exactly what is happening to David Harbour‘s character. And as for Scooby-Doo, the comparison is even easier. Both Scooby-Doo and Stranger Things involve a group of friends that go on adventures to figure out a mysterious evil and try to beat it. Albeit having laughs on the way.

Now we are not saying the whole season of Stranger Things is funny, but it does have its fun and light-hearted moments for sure.

And Finn even compares the ending to Schitt’s Creek as the sitcom ended at its highest point and Finn felt they are doing the same with Stranger things. “We’re like Schitt’s Creek of Netflix,” says the actor.

What did you guys think about the new season of Stranger Things? Were the inspirations evident to you or not?