STRANGER THINGS: TALES FROM ’85 is a Netflix spin-off series. It’s an animated series that requires knowledge of the original Stranger Things series. Particularly, its characters and the events of the seasons as there are references to various characters and events throughout.

As an animated series, this is a family show and has an age restriction of being for anyone over 10 years of age. However, I would say that very much depends on what scares your kids. I found the vibe and monsters to be downright terrifying, and I watch horror  movies, sci-fi, and thrillers almost every single day.

As someone who loves animated productions much more than most people think, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is right up my alley. I love being back in Hawkins, and the style of this animated Netflix series works wonderfully for me.

This is an animated spin-off series, but at the same time, it’s also a filler of sorts. I mean, we’re (mostly) dealing with the same characters, places, and struggles as in the original series. Also, this happens in between the seasons of that series rather than being in a new setting. Whether earlier, later, or in a totally new location.

For me, the issue that may arise for some viewers is the fact that it gets very dark. I know the original series did as well, but it’s strange to have this series be for anyone over 10 years old. After all, watching this series requires that you already know this universe, and at 10 years old, you’re too young to watch the original Stranger Things series.

This new story is set in the winter of 1985. The horrors of the Upside Down appear to be a thing of the past (well, in theory anyway), and snow is promising days off from school in the near future. The kids we’ve come to know and love in Stranger Things are all here.

That means our heroes are still Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max. They are enjoying being kids with D&D, snowball fights, and the “usual” school problems with homework and bullies.

And then again, Hawkins isn’t just any small town. Soon, something will appear from below the ice. It looks familiar, yet new, and is full of teeth and claws. Where is it from, and how has it managed to enter Hawkins?

Well, that’s what our heroes have to find out. Fortunately, a newcomer at school joins them, and she’s a tough one. A wonderful addition to this Tales from ’85 series.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is an animated series from showrunner Eric Robles and executive producers the Duffer Brothers. I felt right back in Hawkins, which also meant it was quite scary.

Though the voice actors are different from the live-action series, I really liked them. We have Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Ben Plessala as Will, and Odessa A’zion as the newcomer Nikki Baxer.

As other key characters, there are Brett Gipson as Hopper, Jeremy Jordan as Steve, Janeane Garofalo as Anna Baxter, and Lou Diamond Phillips as Daniel Fischer. Also, horror fans should keep their ears open to the voice of horror icon Robert Englund, who plays Cosmo.

I think this is a great way to introduce darker genre productions to kids, but make sure you watch it with them. The series has 10 half-hour episodes, which it’s also very kid-friendly. Just when things are getting very scary, there’s a break before the next episode.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is out on Netflix on April 23, 2026.

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