The Tusk and Friends “Stranger Things” Movie Marathon Party!
“Stranger Things” VHS fan art by Steelberg.
I’m just two episodes away from finishing the incredible Netflix original series “Stranger Things,” my only source of happiness in a world where “dumpster fire” has been overused to the point of cliché. The phenomenon’s blend of sci-fi, horror, mystery, and coming-of-age adventure has us nostalgic and giddy to revisit films like E.T., The Goonies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and everything Steven Spielberg and John Carpenter. And it directly references horror classics like The Thing and Poltergeist, which are on our watch list, too. But we went looking for deep cuts and asked our friends to help us round out a movie marathon that will keep us riding the “Stranger Things” joy train all the way through election day and the hellscape that is 2016. Heading to your local video store and renting a big stack of dusty VHS tapes is ideal but likely out of the question, so we hunted them down for you.
The People Under the Stairs
This is my favorite Wes Craven movie, it has a lot of what makes “Stranger Things” great: scrappy kids, creepy “parents,” scares, mystery, and gore– plus it’s funny, campy, and it’s a rare horror gem with several black actors, including a black hero. 10/10, worth your 4 bucks.
Rent it: $3.99 on Amazon
The Frighteners
A horror comedy from Lord of the Rings‘ Peter Jackson, starring Michael J. Fox, with music by Oingo Boingo’s Danny Elfman *praise hands emoji*
Stream it: STARZ
Rent it: $3.99 on Amazon
Starman
Like all things, “Stranger Things” would have benefitted from a little more of young Jeff Bridges’ bare ass. John Carpenter directed this movie about about an alien-human clone evading the government as a road-film-slash-romance to get away from his thriller/horror reputation.
Stream it: Tribeca Shortlist, YouTube
Rent it: $3.99 on Amazon Video
The ‘Burbs
This dark comedy about paranoia and suburbia features underrated national treasure Bruce Dern.
Stream it: Netflix
Attack the Block
A friend of mine broke a 5 year social media silence to recommend this so I guess it’s worth checking out!
Rent it: $3.99 on Amazon Video
Event Horizon
Like “Stranger Things,” Event Horizon mixes sci-fi, horror, and the paranormal. Unlike “Stranger Things,” this movie is so scary it FUCKED ME UP for weeks.
Stream it: Netflix
Rent it: $3.99 on Amazon
It Follows
Several people recommended this stylish horror movie that harkens back to scream queen classics like Halloween and Prom Night. Honorable mention for other modern horror films with an 80’s vibe The Guest (on Netflix) and House of the Devil (on Hulu).
Stream it: Showtime
The Lost Boys
My personal favorite in the genre of “kids on bikes saving the day” because it’s campy, homoerotic, and, like “Stranger Things,” has a killer soundtrack.
Rent it: $3.99 at Amazon
Raiders! The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made
This 2015 documentary reunites a group of Spielberg fans who spent their teenage years filming a shot-for-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Stories about real-life kids who band together to defeat big odds are pretty captivating, too. Honorable mention: The Wolfpack (on Netflix).
Rent it: $4.99 on Amazon
The Evil Dead
Yes, every Stranger Things movie list includes this one, but we’re also including it here just to stick it to that piece of shit Lonnie.
Stream it: STARZ
Buy it: $4.99 on Amazon Video
Also, this comprehensive “Stranger Things” playlist is an absolute gift. What other movies should we get? ‘Cause I’m ready retreat into the warm, comforting bosom of unapologetic nostalgia with some Jiffy Pop and Reese’s Pieces for a few months.
The Tusk 
One Response to “The Tusk and Friends “Stranger Things” Movie Marathon Party!”
So so so much this, and love the addition of It Follows and the Spotify list. :)