Stranger Things

All Netflix games based on their own series: from Squid Game to Stranger Things

It is well known by everyone at this point that Netflix not only wants to be your trusted streaming service for series and movies: it also aims to be a place where you go to play. It’s an ambitious plan, of course, but they are acquiring a few mobile game licenses that make it a real alternative. Wonders like World of Goo, Sonic Mania Plus, Civilization VI, Shredder’s Revenge, or Twelve Minutes are hidden among the free titles (if you pay your monthly subscription, of course) on the platform. All of that is great, but Netflix also hides another type of titles: […]

By now, it is well known that Netflix not only wants to be your trusted streaming service for series and movies: it also aims to be a place where you go to play. It’s an ambitious plan, of course, but they are acquiring several mobile game licenses that make it a real alternative. Wonders like World of Goo, Sonic Mania Plus, Civilization VI, Shredder’s Revenge, or Twelve Minutes are hidden among the free titles (if you pay your monthly subscription, of course) on the platform.

All that is very well, but Netflix also hides another type of titles: those produced by themselves with blood, sweat, and, as we will see later, a lot of staff. The games about Netflix franchises. Those that have been created to try to stretch the gum and for people who are already fans of things like Sex Education or Stranger Things to stay a little longer trying them. And believe me. There are many, many more than you expect, on the most unexpected (and less innovative) topics. Let’s take a look!

Netflix DOWNLOAD

There are two games based on one of the trending series on the platform that are surprisingly good. The first, Stranger Things: 1984, is a classic adventure filled with pixelated graphics from a top-down perspective where our protagonists have to navigate paths while riding bikes, fight against enemies, and use their powers to reach the end. The other is Stranger Things 3: The Game, which has an isometric perspective and where your task is to make your way to the end in a kind of graphic adventure that recreates the third season. It’s not a masterpiece, but it will satisfy your craving until the next installment arrives.

Money Heist

In this case, and as it could not be otherwise, it is a cheap narrative game in which you will play as Sydney, a new character who is involved in the Dalís heist and who, while talking with the protagonists of the series, will have to solve small puzzles of extremely simple difficulty levels. Your decisions will influence the plot, yes, but at the end of the day, by now you already know how things end, so the excitement is relative.

Sex Education

Well, more of the same: a conversational adventure in Moordale where you will be someone new in their class and you can meet the protagonists of the series, giving them advice about their love life and influencing the plots of the series. It gives the impression of being made in a week from start to finish, so, no matter how much of a fan you are, don’t expect much.

Narcos

How ethical is it to make a video game about Pablo Escobar building his drug empire? Very little. But that doesn’t matter when it comes to Narcos, apparently! This is a strategy game where you can build and construct your own cartel, assemble a group to kill your enemies, and ultimately seize all the power, becoming one of the greatest villains Latin America has ever known. And all from your mobile! Wow, pure fun!

The Squid Game

Participate in the events of Squid Game by just wasting time (and not your life)! Use your skills, survive new challenges, die a few times, let the rest do it. It’s a battle royale style game where all players will fight against each other. The only problem is, after the excitement of season 2… Will there be enough people to set up a game and try to be the only one to survive? Honestly, and considering what’s coming next, it’s one of the best in the catalog. Yes, seriously.

The Queen’s Gambit

It is true that it has some innovations based on the series, but basically, the Queen’s Gambit game is -oh surprise- a chess. You can learn to play, relive matches from the series, find hidden aids, discover various puzzles, and go through the series’ storyline, but at the end of the day, it’s that: a board, some pieces… well, that’s it. A chess game. At least it has multiplayer, you can customize your experience and… Hey, it’s free, what more do you want?

Perfect Match

We enter the zone of filth. You have been warned! Are you hooked on Netflix dating reality shows? Yes? Really? Would you like them to last forever? Well, you’re in luck, because now Perfect Match is also a video game where you can create your character, flirt with pixels that resemble the type of people who go on these types of shows, answer seemingly spicy questions and, in the end, leave there with a partner. Virtual, of course. When you turn off your phone, the only thing you’ll see in the reflection is your face sighing for a fictional love.

The Perfect Couple

A game that revisits the plot of the miniseries starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber: there’s a wedding and a murder on the beach, and only you, a bridesmaid, can become a detective and find out who committed the crime. How, you may ask? By collecting clues, looking at photos, and talking to people before reaching your final deduction. The game promises us that every time we play there will be new twists and secrets to uncover. Another option is to watch the series and find out what really happened, but of course, what a hassle.

Love is Blind and Playing with Fire

Did you want to discover the cyber love of your life on Perfect Match? You’re in luck, because Love is Blind and Too Hot to Handle have their own games (well, actually Too Hot to Handle has three, absolutely identical to each other) where the mechanics are more or less the same. Create your character, start flirting, hook up, turn off the phone, discover that this incredible person is not sitting next to you giving you warmth and that instead there is a cold emptiness on the other side of the bed. The true gamer experience!

Outer Banks

While its creators prepare the final season of Outer Banks, which will premiere in 2026, you can relive the series in the official game, where you can create your own character to join the group, make choices that affect the plot, uncover mysteries, maybe fall in love, who knows. Is a cheesy conversational game the best way to discover a series of 40 episodes for the first time? Probably not, but you’ll have to try it to find out.

Emily in Paris

Ninety percent of Netflix games are overwhelmingly the same, yes. Choose your character, talk to others, make dialogue choices, find love. At this point, it seems quite clear that they make them in bulk, but hey, as long as it keeps working…

Other “choose your story” games

I don’t want to bore you, so I’m just going to list the rest of the “games” that are made with a template, just in case you find your favorite series: Sunset: The Golden Mile; Virgin River; Virgin River (Christmas Edition); Shadow and Bone and The Ultimatum. But don’t worry, because they have already announced that there will be many more like these in the near future. Phew, what a relief!

Netflix DOWNLOAD

There is a prequel to ‘Stranger Things’ but you cannot watch it on Netflix…or your television

‘Stranger Things’ fans can’t miss it because, unlike other money grabbers, this one is absolutely canon.

If you thought that the last season of ‘Stranger Things‘ was going to be the end of everything related to the series, think again: the Duffer brothers are not only preparing plenty of spin-offs but also an animated series and a prequel. The curious thing is that this one, ‘The First Shadow,’ you won’t be able to watch it on Netflix… but exclusively on stage.

Netflix DOWNLOAD

You are pure theater

The play will premiere on November 17th with preview performances at the West End in London, specifically at the Phoenix Theatre, which has been open for 93 years and has hosted a variety of plays and musicals. Fans of ‘Stranger Things’ shouldn’t miss it because, unlike other cash grabs, this one is absolutely canon.

In fact, it tells the story of Vecna (or Henry Creel) in 1959, the year he moved to Hawkins and met Hopper. According to the play’s synopsis, “he will discover that the shadows of the past have a very long reach.” The initial photos depict a very ‘Stranger Things’ atmosphere but at the same time, something entirely different, leaving everyone with the question: Did the change in medium work well?

Stephen Daldry, who has won three Tonys and has been nominated for three Oscars, will direct this prequel in which it seems they have gone all out. If you want to enjoy ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow,’ you’ll have to go to London starting from December 14th, the official premiere date. It remains to be seen if its events will impact the fifth and final season, or if, as we all suspect, it will be a side note in the series’ highly successful journey in the world.

Netflix DOWNLOAD

What to watch after Stranger Things 3

Need something to hold you over until Stranger Things 4? Check out these shows and movies!

Clocking in with just 8 episodes, “Stranger Things 3” came to an end depressingly quickly. If you’ve already finished your binge but aren’t yet ready to say goodbye to the world of weird science, pre-teen adventurers, gruesome creatures, and Russian agents, check out this list! It consists of shows and movies to watch after you’ve finished up with the spectacular third season of Stranger Things.

Which Stranger Things character are you?

Take the quiz ►

What to watch after Stranger Things 3

The Goonies

This one might be a bit obvious, but “The Goonies” was clearly an integral part of the DNA of “Stranger Things.” A younger Sean Astin (who played the lovable Bob Newby in Season 2) takes on a starring role as part of a group of young kids hunting for a legendary pirate treasure. The treasure is rumored to be hidden somewhere in the woods around their small town.

Things get serious when a group of dangerous (albeit bumbling) crooks takes up the hunt for the same treasure. The kids enlist the help of their older siblings to find the treasure so they can save the town from unscrupulous real estate developers. As a bonus, you can even spot a young Josh Brolin (the legendary Thanos from the MCU) as part of the cast.

Dark

Another Netflix original, “Dark” is a German import that hits a lot of the same notes as “Stranger Things.” The series focuses on the different generations of several families in a small German town. Seemingly supernatural events start to occur, including mysterious disappearances and some strange time-bending aspects as well.

“Dark” takes on a decidedly… well, darker tone than “Stranger Things,” but the interweaving stories of the families and the flashbacks to different periods in the town’s history will doubtless have you hooked. Currently, Seasons 1 & 2 are available on Netflix, and a third and final season is currently filming.

Netflix Download Now ►

Super 8

“Super 8” is set in 1979, a few years before “Stranger Things.” Aside from that, the two couldn’t be more similar. A group of kids shooting a home movie happens to witness a massive train crash outside their town, and soon after seemingly unexplainable events start occurring.

The military arrives to put the town on lockdown and a local deputy starts investigating the phenomena. Meanwhile, the group of kids starts an investigation of their own, and it soon becomes apparent that something otherworldly is behind the events. Does any of that sound familiar…?

“Super 8” comes from director J.J. Abrams and is produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg. It has all the same magic and feel from classic Spielberg films, but it, unfortunately, does not get the recognition it deserves. If you like “Stranger Things,” you’ll love “Super 8.”

The Terminator

terminator stranger things — Image courtesy Pacific Western

We can’t be the only ones who got definite Terminator vibes from this season’s Soviet subplot, right? Grigori, the Russian assassin who stalks Hopper and Joyce for most of the season, could have been a long lost son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dolph Lundgren.

Everything from the guy’s fashion sense to his haircut to the music that played when he appeared was a total Terminator homage. The knockdown, drag-out fights between Hopper and Grigori were easily some of the season’s best moments, and if you’re looking for more of that 80s action movie goodness, we definitely recommend giving “The Terminator” franchise a rewatch.

Linda Hamilton is back to fight in Terminator: Dark Fate trailer

Read Now ►

The Thing

“Stranger Things 3” really leaned into the body horror nastiness, with some stomach-churning moments involving the Mindflayer. We’re never going to look at rats (or garden fertilizer) the same way again.

If you’re not squeamish, check out John Carpenter’s classic horror film “The Thing.” Kurt Russell stars as part of a crew on a remote research base in the Arctic that finds themselves being stalked by a bloodthirsty alien creature. Here’s the twist: the alien can shapeshift, meaning it’s never quite certain that everybody is who they seem. The alien’s true form is a masterclass in the grossest of special effects, and the synth-heavy soundtrack gives us definite Stranger Things vibes.

VIDEO IS NSFW

The Neverending Story

stranger things neverending story — Image courtesy Constantin Film

“Turn around, look at what you see….” One of the most hilarious and heartwarming moments of the season was when Dustin and long-distance girlfriend Susie shared a musical montage duet to the sounds of Limahl’s theme song to this classic fantasy movie. It’s easily one of the sweetest and somehow most epic moments of the season, providing a weirdly fitting soundtrack to the climactic battle at the Starcourt Mall.

We can totally picture the two lovebirds bonding while watching this movie, and it’s worth watching again if only to hear that classic 80s theme tune one more time. Artax, rest in peace.

If you’ve never seen it, “The Neverending Story” is a timeless movie. You’ll get a lot of the same feel that you get when you watch a film like “The Princess Bride.” There’s magic, adventure, heart, and an incredibly original fantasy world.

The Neverending Story

Watch Now ►

Wrapping up

Just because Season 3 is over doesn’t mean that your retro binge-watching has to be. Whatever your favorite moment of the season was, these movies and shows will satisfy any craving you might have until Season 4 drops… and maybe take your mind off of wondering what’s going on with that mind-blowing post-credits scene.

Stranger Things 3: What you might have missed

Read now ►

Which ‘Stranger Things’ character are you? (Quiz)

Are you a Hopper? Maybe you’re like Nancy! Find out with this quiz!

If you are a fan of “Stranger Things,” you are probably enamored by the wonderful cast of characters. You probably even see yourself and your friends in many of their actions.

Take this quiz to find out which character you identify with the most!

(function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id))return;js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=’https://embed.playbuzz.com/sdk.js’;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}(document,’script’,’playbuzz-sdk’));

Did you like your results? Let us know who you got in the comments below! Also, check out this story about what you might have missed in “Stranger Things 3!”

'Stranger Things 3:' What you might have missed

Read now ►

Stranger Things 3: What you might have missed

“Stranger Things 3” brings back a classic ’80s actor, hints at the return of old characters!

SPOILERS AHEAD!

As the dust settles (and the interdimensional monster goop) “Stranger Things 3” left us with a lot to process.

From new characters, new threats, old enemies, and old friends there’s a lot to talk about, and plenty that you might have missed. From start to finish, here are explanations and things you might have missed from “Stranger Things 3.”

“Stranger Things 3” what you might have missed

The Russians are coming!

“Stranger Things 3” takes place in 1985. You can tell because they show “Back to the Future” at the movies, which came out in 1985.

Russia and Russian invaders were a huge concern in the U.S. in the ’80s, and especially in 1985. This was the year that Soviet general turned president Mikhail Gorbachev first began to rise to power, as well as the beginning of another Cold War era. From a child’s standpoint, movies with Russian threats like “WarGames,” “Rocky IV,” and “Red Dawn” were still fresh in their minds.

Capitalizing on the era, the show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, make the Russians the new villains. The Russians are following in the footsteps of Matthew Modine’s character Martin Brenner from the first season, and the work of Hawkins Lab from seasons one and two.

The Russians are trying to reopen the Gate that Eleven closed at the end of season two. Like Hawkins Lab, the Russians appear to be looking to gain a military advantage by opening the gate and researching the Upside Down. Reopening the Gate results in the Mind Flayer, the main antagonist of season two, to reemerge and continue his rampage on Hawkins.

The most fearsome soldier that the Russians have at their disposal is Grigori, a hitman who looks like what would happen if Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dolph Lundgren had a kid.

Stranger Things Grigori — “I must break you”

Grigori is an emotionless murderer who kills in cold blood. He seems to have it out for Hopper and Joyce since they keep getting away from him. Every move he makes reminds us of scenes from “Terminator” or “Die Hard.” Heck, he and Hopper directly reference a scene “Die Hard” in “Chapter Five: The Flayed.”

Stranger Things Die HArd — Grigori: You are a policeman. Policemen have rules Hopper: Oh yeah, you want to test that theory?

Although not word for word, the Duffer brothers were clearly paying homage to the ’80s classic.

What happened to Hop?

After Joyce destroyed the key to the Gate, she looks to see if she can spot Hopper in the carnage, but only smoke remains. Although all signs point to him being dead, there is still a chance that our favorite Hawkins police chief is still alive!

In a post-credit scene, we are shown a secret base in the heart of Russia. The Russians have captured a Demogorgon, and they are feeding prisoners to it. Before choosing the Demogorgon’s next meal, a prison guard is about to open a cell, but he is instructed to not open the one containing “the American.”

We have three theories of who this could be: ranging from the likely to way out there.

It’s Hopper

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s the most obvious. After the battle of Starcourt Mall, the Russians made a quick and quiet getaway. There’s a good chance that they caught Hop and are bringing him home to mother Russia.

It’s Brenner

Brenner’s fate from the first season has yet to be revealed. Some speculate that he died when the Demogorgon attacked in the season one finale. Others believe that he is out in the world in hiding. It could be that the Russians captured him and are extracting information from him about the Upside Down, Hawkins, and the Gate. Given that there is a lot more reason for the Russians to keep Brenner alive than Hopper, it makes perfect sense.

It’s Dustin’s dad

Here us out on this…

We have yet to see Dustin’s dad in the show, and we don’t know whether or not he is alive or dead. However, we do know that the Russians know where Dustin lives because Steve blabbed. While retreating from Hawkins, the band of Russians could’ve swung by Dustin’s place to get information from him only to discover his father, and mistaken him for Dustin instead.

This theory is a bit of a shot in the dark, but it would be cool to finally learn Dustin’s dad’s fate.

Eleven lost her powers… for now

We do not have 100% clarification about how Eleven gained her powers. We know that they came from tests done by Brenner at Hawkins Lab and that they are associated with the Upside Down. They are also the strongest weapon against the forces of evil from the Upside Down. Unfortunately, that weapon is no longer available as Eleven appears to have lost her powers.

However, we expect that they will be returning in one of two ways:

Brenner’s return

All signs point back to Brenner. In the next season of “Stranger Things,” we expect that Brenner will make his dramatic return, and possibly join the side of good. It might be up to him to help Eleven regain her powers in order to face a new threat.

Will Byers charges her batteries

Although Will is no longer in the Upside Down, his prolonged exposure appear to have had permanent effects. Now that Eleven lives with the Byers family, we are guessing that being around Will will make her powers return, and probably make Mike super jealous.

Cary Elwes makes an appearance

One of the new characters in “Stranger Things 3” is Larry Kline, the scumbag mayor of Hawkins. If he looks familiar to you, it’s because that’s Cary Elwes, the actor who played Wesley in “The Princess Bride” and Robin Hood in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.”

The Duffer brothers are known for bringing in actors and actresses from classic ’80s movies like Winona Ryder and Sean Astin, so it’s cool to see another one join the mix!

Wrapping up

We binged the third season over the course of a single weekend, and we expect most of you did the same. Now, we that we have to wait for the fourth season to grace our screens, all we can do is speculate. Make sure you tell us in the comments below what your fan theories might be and take our quiz to determine which “Stranger Things” character you are!

Stranger Things Season 3 trailer promises malls and monsters

“Stranger Things” returns on the 4th of July. Here’s your first look…

Are you ready to go back to Hawkins, Indiana? Today, Netflix dropped the new trailer for “Stranger Things” Season 3. And like its previous editions, it’s throwing off some major throwback vibes. Take a look.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout shots from the trailer.

Looks like our heroes are channeling “E.T.” with this antenna rig. Whose home are they phoning here?

In the 80s and early 90s, walking into the mall always elicited this kind of reaction. You were either overjoyed or awestruck. Be adventurous and hit Spencer’s Gifts, girls. Maybe pick up something fun at K-B Toys or B. Dalton bookstore. Is it time for some new fashions from Montgomery Ward? Amazon hasn’t been invented yet! Live! Live for us!