Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 brings a bold animated twist to Hawkins with a fresh story set between Seasons 2 and 3.
New characters and creepy monsters like snow sharks and zombie pumpkins deepen the eerie mystery.
The show blends '80s cartoon vibes with modern animation, launching on Netflix in 2026
A new twist is coming to Hawkins. Netflix is stepping into animated territory with Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. This spin-off breaks fresh ground for the hit franchise, bringing the spooky charm of the Upside Down into a bold, animated world. With a fresh story, new monsters, and a strong artistic style, the series promises a rich visual experience rooted in ‘80s nostalgia.
Set in the winter of 1985, the story unfolds between the events of seasons two and three of the original series. It holds onto the spirit of Stranger Things while giving fans something entirely new to enjoy. Animation takes the lead this time, but the signature thrills, danger, and heart remain front and center.
Stranger Things: Tales From '85 returns to the snow-covered streets of Hawkins. The original characters face eerie events once more, but this time the threats are different. There’s a new paranormal mystery gripping the town. And joining the familiar faces is Nikki, a girl with a mohawk and fierce spirit. Her presence adds a new edge to the familiar group dynamic.
She’s not the only new element. Creatures unlike anything seen before are on the loose. Picture zombie pumpkins roaming the streets and a snow shark lurking in icy waters. These monsters aren’t just odd, they’re dangerous, pushing the story into darker, spookier territory.
The animation draws inspiration from classics like The Real Ghostbusters and Dungeons and Dragons, with an added splash of modern brilliance. Think Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse meets a haunted 80s cartoon. That’s the tone at play, bold, eerie, and filled with texture.
Meybis Ruiz Cruz brings her creative touch to the character designs. Carlos Huante, known for his work in Blade Runner 2049 and Alien vs. Predator, has crafted the creepy creatures that drive the horror in this new take. The goal is simple: make it feel like Stranger Things but through a completely different lens.
Matt and Ross Duffer, creators of Stranger Things, return as executive producers. They work alongside Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, and Hilary Leavitt through Upside Down Pictures and 21 Laps. Flying Bark Productions, the studio behind Marvel’s What If...?, leads the animation.
Eric Robles, who first imagined this series as a tribute to Saturday morning cartoons, acts as showrunner and executive producer. He shared the concept at the Annecy Film Festival, revealing just how deep the retro inspiration runs. While the designs have changed since the original sketches, the love for the 1980s remains at the core.
Netflix has announced that Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will stream in 2026. The release aligns closely with the final season of the original live-action series, which ends on New Year's Eve 2025. With both wrapping and expanding at the same time, the animated series offers a seamless extension of the universe.
This release brings more than nostalgia; it deepens the world fans already love. It expands the timeline, adds depth to known characters, and presents a wild new mystery through the lens of animation.
Stranger Things: Tales From '85 reimagines Hawkins in a thrilling animated form. From icy monsters to mohawked heroes, the series bridges familiar ground with daring new visuals.
The storytelling stays sharp, the atmosphere rich, and the style unforgettable. As fans count down to 2026, one thing is certain: Stranger Things isn't done surprising the world. The adventure continues, this time drawn in vivid, haunted lines.
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