10 creature features that bring the same chills as 'Stranger Things'

Ever since Stranger Things entered our TV screens with its mix of supernatural suspense, lovable characters, '80s nostalgia, and terrifying creatures from the Upside Down - fans have been craving for more such shows that deliver those same spine-tingling chills. At its heart, Stranger Things isn't just about Demogorgons or shadowy realms - it's about ordinary people confronting extraordinary horrors, with a flashlight in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other. It's a show that makes you feel all kinds of emotions!

Whether it's government conspiracies, cryptic dimensions, or just good old-fashioned monsters hiding in the dark, the creature-feature TV genre is still very much alive and thriving. We've scoured the Upside Down (and the internet) to bring you 10 shows that echo the eerie thrills and otherworldly frights of Stranger Things. Some lean into science fiction, others into pure horror - but all will have you checking under your bed before you turn out the lights.

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10 shows that bring the same chills as Stranger Things

1) Supernatural (2005 - 2020)

Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester hunt everything from demons to shapeshifters to urban legends brought to life. The show balances emotional storytelling with a rotating roster of horrifying monsters, and its creature-of-the-week format keeps things fresh and creepy. Like Stranger Things, it blends mythology with heart - with over 15 seasons of absolute monster mayhem. There’s always something dark waiting in the next town in this show!

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2) From (2022 - Present)

When travelers enter a mysterious town they can’t escape, they’re forced to survive nightmarish, flesh-eating creatures that come out after dark. The show's claustrophobic setting and mounting dread echo Stranger Things' constant tension. Mysterious symbols, strange children, and broken reality add to the lore. Imagine Lost meets The Mist - you’ll be left hooked before you know it!

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3) Locke & Key (2020 - 2022)

After their father’s murder, three siblings discover magic keys that unlock powers...and nightmares. The villain, Dodge, shapeshifts and manipulates like a true Stranger Things antagonist. The show mixes light YA fantasy with shadowy monsters and dark secrets. Quirky, creepy, and bingeable - a solid entry in the teen-creature canon.

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4) The Umbrella Academy (2019 - 2024)

Estranged superpowered siblings reunite to solve their father’s death and stop an impending apocalypse while battling bizarre foes across time. Time travel, apocalyptic events, and superpowered siblings collide in this offbeat sci-fi drama. Though more comic book–infused, the show features monstrous threats like assassins, biomechanical killers, and bizarre cosmic entities. Quirky and stylish, it balances weird with heart. It’s about family against the impossible - which means chaos and charm guaranteed!

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5) The X-Files (1993 - 2018)

In this show, two FBI agents investigate paranormal cases involving aliens, monsters, and government conspiracies in their relentless search for the truth. Aliens, cryptids, parasitic monsters - you name it, Mulder and Scully investigated it. Each episode plays like a mini-horror film, with several focused on spine-chilling creature encounters. Government secrets and unexplained phenomena add an eerie familiarity. The series truly paved the way for modern paranormal TV, and still continues to be terrifying after all these years.

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6) The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

A fractured family confronts haunting memories, and actual ghosts - when they return to the sinister mansion that forever changed their lives. While more ghost story than creature feature, the series’ ghosts often take physical, terrifying forms. The show builds horror through grief, trauma, and nightmarish apparitions - and each episode deepens the lore and layers of fear. It's slow, elegant, and full of gut-punch moments.

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7) Channel Zero (2016 - 2018)

Each season of this anthology horror series adapts a creepypasta - a modern internet urban legend. From tooth-filled creatures to haunted TV shows, the monsters here are surreal and deeply disturbing. Its slow-burn storytelling builds dread and terror beautifully, which is unsettling and artistic. It’s horror for the brave - so if Stranger Things is your gateway drug, then this is the hard stuff.

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8) Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)

This anthology series features standalone horror tales - many focused on twisted, original monsters. From eldritch worms to corpse-devouring ghouls, each episode is its own mini-nightmare. With del Toro at the helm, the creature design is a visual feast - it’s prestige horror with practical effects galore. Creepy, artistic, and unforgettable - each episode is a love letter to classic creature horror.

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9) The OA (2016 - 2019)

A missing blind woman returns with her sight restored, claiming to have traveled to another dimension—and sets out to open a portal with a group of misfit teens. Part sci-fi mystery, part surreal creature tale, The OA dives into alternate dimensions and mystical beings. It’s weird, hypnotic, and emotionally layered which is perfect for fans of the unknown. The show rewards patience with massive payoffs, and like Stranger Things, it treats its young characters with real depth. A cult hit in every sense, prepare for one of the most unique, unclassifiable stories on TV!

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10) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 - 2003)

Monsters in the high school hallway? Buffy’s got that covered. This genre-defining classic blends teen angst with vampires, demons, and the occasional hell god. Creature designs are practical and creative, with a different threat nearly every episode. It’s fun, scary, and surprisingly heartfelt - and the original blueprint for supernatural teen shows. Expect camp, chaos, and creatures with real bite - because this one's a classic!

And there you have it! So if you're into creepy dimensions, strange creatures, or eerie government secrets, then these shows are perfect for fans of Stranger Things. Each one brings its own unique mix of horror, suspense, and emotion - whether it's a haunted house, a town that traps you, or monsters hiding in plain sight. While Stranger Things kicked off a new wave of supernatural thrillers, these series prove the genre is far from done. From slow-burning mysteries to all-out creature chaos, there’s something here for every kind of horror lover. So grab a blanket, turn off the lights (if you dare), and dive into these dark and thrilling worlds. And just remember - once you start watching, you might not want to stop!