Expanding a cultural juggernaut like Stranger Things into animation is an idea that, on paper, makes a lot of sense. The world of Hawkins—with its interdimensional threats, supernatural imagery, and ‘80s nostalgia—feels naturally suited for a stylized medium that can push beyond the limits of live-action budgets. Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 arrives with that promise, positioning itself as a bridge between Seasons 2 and 3 while aiming for a broader, younger audience. Unfortunately, while the show has flashes of charm and competence, it ultimately lands as a middling, somewhat unnecessary addition to an already well-defined universe.

Returning to the Upside Down:
Set during the winter of 1985, the series reunites the familiar group—Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Max—as they once again confront the creeping influence of the Upside Down. The premise echoes the formula that made the original show so successful: strange happenings begin to unfold, the kids investigate, and a larger paranormal threat slowly reveals itself. This time, the stakes involve bizarre new creatures like pumpkin zombies and creeping vine monsters, alongside a return to iconic locations like Hawkins National Laboratory. Structurally, it’s comfort food for fans—but also perhaps too comfortable.
One of the first things that stands out is the animation style. Produced by Flying Bark Productions, the show opts for a clean, accessible look that leans into bright colors and exaggerated character designs. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is consistently decent. Action sequences are fluid, creature designs are occasionally inventive, and the Upside Down maintains a suitably eerie aesthetic—even if it’s toned down compared to the live-action version. There are moments where the animation genuinely elevates the material, particularly during chase scenes or when the supernatural elements take center stage.
A Softer Tone That Loses the Edge:
However, that visual brightness ties into one of the show’s most persistent issues: its noticeably softer tone. While the original Stranger Things balanced coming-of-age storytelling with genuine horror, Tales from ’85 feels far more sanitized. The danger rarely feels intense, and the horror elements are dialed back to the point where they lose much of their impact. It’s clear the series is aiming to be more accessible, but in doing so, it sacrifices a key part of what made the franchise compelling in the first place.
The storytelling follows a serialized mystery format, with each episode contributing to the larger arc of Hawkins once again falling under supernatural threat. There are a handful of engaging story beats scattered throughout the season—moments where the pacing tightens, the mystery deepens, or the characters are given something meaningful to do. Episodes that lean into group dynamics, especially between Dustin, Steve-like stand-ins, or Max’s outsider perspective, tend to fare better. When the show slows down just enough to let these interactions breathe, it briefly recaptures the magic of the original series.
Still, those highlights are inconsistent. Much of the narrative feels like a retread of familiar ideas without adding significant depth or evolution. The mystery itself is serviceable but predictable, and the stakes never quite escalate in a satisfying way. It often feels like the show is going through the motions—checking off boxes rather than carving out its own identity within the Stranger Things universe.
Performances and New Additions Fall Flat:
A major hurdle for the series is its voice cast. While the actors do their best, the performances rarely align with the established personalities of the characters. Eleven lacks the quiet intensity fans associate with her, Mike feels flatter than usual, and Dustin’s charm doesn’t translate as effectively in this format. It creates a strange disconnect, where recognizable characters feel slightly off, like echoes rather than authentic continuations. For longtime viewers, this can be distracting enough to pull them out of the experience.
The introduction of Nikki Baxter, a new addition to the group, doesn’t help matters. As a character, Nikki feels underdeveloped and somewhat unnecessary. She’s clearly intended to bring a fresh dynamic, but her personality never fully clicks, and her role in the story often feels forced. Instead of enhancing the group chemistry, she ends up highlighting how well-established the original cast already was. Her presence doesn’t derail the show entirely, but it adds to the sense that Tales from ’85 is trying to justify its existence rather than naturally earning it.
Another sticking point is the show’s occasionally shaky grasp of its own lore. While it stays broadly consistent with the established world, there are moments where the rules of the Upside Down or the behavior of its creatures feel simplified or inconsistent. These lapses aren’t constant, but they’re noticeable enough to raise questions, especially for fans who have invested time in understanding the intricacies of the franchise. It contributes to an overall feeling that the series is a lighter, less rigorous interpretation of the Stranger Things mythology.
Entertaining Moments in an Unnecessary Package:
Despite these shortcomings, the show isn’t without merit. There are genuinely entertaining moments sprinkled throughout the season—fun monster encounters, nostalgic references, and occasional bursts of humor that land well. The group dynamic, even in its diluted form, still carries some inherent appeal. When the series leans into adventure rather than horror, it finds a more comfortable groove, delivering sequences that feel energetic and engaging, even if they lack depth.
The pacing also works in the show’s favor at times. With shorter episodes and a more streamlined narrative, Tales from ’85 moves quickly, rarely overstaying its welcome. This makes it an easy watch, particularly for younger audiences or casual viewers who may not be looking for the heavier emotional or thematic weight of the main series. In that sense, it succeeds as an entry-level version of Stranger Things, offering a more approachable gateway into the world of Hawkins.
Even so, the question of necessity looms large over the entire season. The original series already tells a complete and satisfying story with these characters, and this animated spin-off doesn’t add enough new insight or development to justify its existence. It feels more like supplemental content than essential viewing—something designed to keep the brand alive rather than expand it in a meaningful way.
Overall:
By the time the season reaches its conclusion, it delivers a resolution that is tidy but not particularly memorable. The central conflict wraps up in a way that feels expected, and while it leaves the door open for future seasons, there’s little sense of urgency or excitement about what might come next. It’s a finale that mirrors the show itself: competent, occasionally fun, but ultimately lacking the impact needed to leave a lasting impression.
In the end, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is a mixed bag. Its decent animation, occasional entertaining moments, and glimpses of engaging storytelling show that there’s potential in this animated format. However, those positives are weighed down by a diluted tone, inconsistent voice performances, a weak new character, and a lingering sense that the show doesn’t fully understand—or at least doesn’t fully utilize—the depth of the world it’s borrowing from.
For die-hard fans, it may be worth a watch out of curiosity. For younger viewers, it could serve as an accessible introduction to the franchise. But for anyone hoping for a meaningful expansion of the Stranger Things universe, this season is likely to feel like a side story that never quite justifies why it needed to be told.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Season 1 Review: A Disappointing Return to Hawkins

Acting – 4/10

Cinematography/Visual Effects – 6/10

Plot/Screenplay – 5/10

Setting/Theme – 5/10

Watchability – 5.5/10

Rewatchability – 4/10

Summary
In the end, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is a mixed bag. Its decent animation, occasional entertaining moments, and glimpses of engaging storytelling show that there’s potential in this animated format. However, those positives are weighed down by a diluted tone, inconsistent voice performances, a weak new character, and a lingering sense that the show doesn’t fully understand—or at least doesn’t fully utilize—the depth of the world it’s borrowing from.

Pros

Decent, consistent animation with some visually engaging sequences
A few entertaining story beats and fun monster encounters

Cons

Feels unnecessary and doesn’t meaningfully expand the universe
Voice actors don’t convincingly match the established characters
Tone is far too kid-friendly, reducing tension and horror
Inconsistent understanding of the lore and Upside Down rules

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Acting

Cinematography/Visual Effects

Plot/Screenplay

Setting/Theme

Watchability

Rewatchability

Summary: For die-hard fans, it may be worth a watch out of curiosity. For younger viewers, it could serve as an accessible introduction to the franchise. But for anyone hoping for a meaningful expansion of the Stranger Things universe, this season is likely to feel like a side story that never quite justifies why it needed to be told.

2.7

Disappointing Return