Our Take on Stranger Things: Tales from '85 — Animated Nostalgia Done Right
Animated nostalgia meets the Upside Down in this delightful spin-off. Fans of the original won't want to miss these bite-sized adventures.
About Stranger Things: Tales from '85
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Date:
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Animation, Adventure
An animated spin-off of the beloved Stranger Things universe. Ten episodes follow Eleven and the gang through smaller-stakes Upside Down adventures set in 1985 Hawkins.
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is the animated love letter to Hawkins, Indiana, that fans of the original series didn't know they needed. Set in the iconic year of 1985, this spin-off from Netflix takes us on a ten-episode journey with our favorite gang, including Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and of course, the ever-charismatic Steve Harrington. Unlike its live-action predecessor, Tales from '85 opts for smaller stakes, focusing on contained adventures rather than the sprawling epics we're used to. Each 30-40 minute episode is a self-contained story, which makes it perfect for those who enjoy a quick dive into the Upside Down without the emotional commitment of a full-blown Stranger Things season.
The animation style is a highlight, blending retro '80s aesthetics with modern flair. It's visually striking, capturing the eerie yet inviting vibe of Hawkins. The voice acting is on point, with Millie Bobby Brown and the rest of the original cast reprising their roles, providing a seamless transition from live-action to animation. The chemistry is palpable even in animated form, a testament to the strength of the original ensemble.
One of the standout episodes involves the gang facing off against a mischievous shadow creature that can only be seen in mirrors. It's a clever twist that plays with perception and adds a layer of psychological horror that feels fresh. Another episode sees Steve and Dustin hilariously teaming up to retrieve a lost item in the Upside Down, serving both laughs and thrills in equal measure.
However, the series isn't without its flaws. Some episodes feel like filler, lacking the tension and stakes that made the original series binge-worthy. The shorter runtime per episode means character development sometimes takes a backseat to quick plot resolutions. For hardcore fans, this might be a slight disappointment, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise charming package.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is perfect for fans yearning to revisit Hawkins in a lighter, more digestible format. It's a delightful blend of nostalgia and adventure, with enough nods to the original series to satisfy die-hard fans while being accessible to newcomers.
In conclusion, Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is a charming animated spin-off that captures the essence of the original series while carving out its own niche. It might not replace the thrill of a new Stranger Things season, but it's a delightful ride that shouldn't be missed.
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