Netflix is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Stranger Things by launching a VHS-inspired version of Season 1 and releasing a new retrospective featuring the cast. The celebration marks 10 years since the series premiered in July 2016, introducing audiences to Hawkins, Indiana, Eleven, the Upside Down, and a cast of young actors who would become stars. Since then, Stranger Things has grown into one of Netflix’s biggest original franchises, spanning five seasons, stage productions, immersive attractions, and a massive merchandising empire.
The Duffer Brothers thank fans after a decade
A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events. Beneath the surface of their ordinary town lurks an extraordinary supernatural mystery, along with top-secret government experiments and a dangerous gateway that connects our world to a powerful yet sinister realm. Friendships will be tested and lives will be altered as what they discover will change Hawkins and possibly the world — forever.
Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer reflected on the show’s journey in a message celebrating the anniversary.
“We’re feeling so many emotions today. Nostalgic, proud, and, yeah, a little sad too, that the decade-long journey of making Stranger Things has come to an end. But above all, we feel grateful — for our amazing cast, who we watched grow into wonderful human beings; for the hundreds of brilliant artists who devoted so much of themselves bringing the story to life; and for you, the fans, whose dedication, patience, and passion fueled all of us throughout the years.”
The brothers encouraged fans to revisit the beginning of the series through Netflix’s new VHS Special Edition of Season 1.
“If you want to celebrate, we humbly suggest opening up the curiosity door one more time, grabbing a 3 Musketeers (maybe some chocolate pudding too!), and watching the Season 1 VHS Special Edition. If Stranger Things existed in Hawkins — sitting on a shelf at Family Video — it would look just like this (complete with pan-and-scan)! Is it possible your head will explode from nostalgia overload? Yes. But it’s worth the gamble!”
Shawn Levy reflects on Stranger Things’ legacy
Executive producer and director Shawn Levy also shared his thoughts on the milestone.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Stranger Things first turned our world upside down.”
Levy reflected on how the series exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“What began as a brilliant script by the Duffer Brothers… became something far bigger than any of us ever imagined. We didn’t know if anyone would watch our strange little show—we just knew it could be great.”
He concluded by thanking fans who helped turn Hawkins into a worldwide phenomenon.
“None of this phenomenal ride would have been possible without the fans who have been with us from the very beginning… Hawkins forever.”
Netflix launches Stranger Things VHS Special Edition
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebration is the new VHS-themed presentation of Season 1. Designed to recreate the experience of watching a rented videotape in the early 1980s, the special version includes vintage-style video effects, tracking glitches, grain, and pan-and-scan formatting that mimic classic home video releases.
The Duffers said that if the VHS-themed version of Season 1 gets enough views, the following seasons might get the same treatment.
New cast retrospective revisits a decade in Hawkins
Netflix has also released Strange Memories, a retrospective video featuring members of the cast sharing stories from throughout the production. The feature includes:
- Millie Bobby Brown recalling celebrating her birthday while filming Season 1.
- Natalia Dyer and Joe Keery remembering their earliest scenes together.
- Sadie Sink reflecting on filming Season 3 during what she described as the “peak pre-teen awkwardness” of adolescence.
Stranger Things‘ impact on pop culture
Over the past decade, Stranger Things has become one of Netflix’s defining franchises. According to Netflix, the series has generated 1.5 billion views through March 2026, while Seasons 4 and 5 rank among the service’s most-watched television seasons.
The show’s influence has extended well beyond television. Among its biggest cultural effects:
- Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” returned to worldwide charts after Season 4.
- Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” reached a new generation of listeners.
- Dungeons & Dragons experienced a major resurgence in mainstream popularity.
- Eggo waffles became permanently associated with Eleven after the show’s debut.
Netflix also says the production created more than 8,000 jobs across the United States and contributed more than $1.4 billion to the U.S. economy during its five-season run.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow continues celebration
The anniversary also highlights the success of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the stage prequel currently running on Broadway and previously in London’s West End. The production became the most Tony Award-winning play of 2025 and has sold nearly 1.6 million tickets across more than 1,500 performances.
To commemorate the anniversary, Broadway is offering 11 pairs of tickets for $11 to the evening performance on the anniversary date.
Merchandise, experiences, and Halloween Horror Nights
Netflix’s anniversary celebration also includes new limited-edition collectibles and continued expansion of the franchise’s live experiences. Fans can visit Stranger Things attractions at Netflix House locations, attend Stranger Things: The Experience in select cities, and look forward to a new Season 5-inspired haunted house at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights later this summer.
The franchise continues to partner with brands including LEGO, Funko, Nike, Converse, Doritos, Eggo, Gatorade, Wrangler, GAP, and others as part of its anniversary merchandise campaign.
The post Stranger Things celebrates 10th anniversary with nostalgic VHS edition and cast memories appeared first on JoBlo.
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