Movies like Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview (2026)
The best movies like Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview (2026) are Cranston Academy: Monster Zone (2020), Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) and We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993). If Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview hooked you with its animation and science fiction, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCoraline (2009)7.9/10 from 9,761 votes
- NewestLEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2026)Released 2026
Cranston Academy: Monster Zone (2020)
An intelligent 15-year-old high school student is unexpectedly transferred to a boarding school where he opens a portal of monsters from another dimension.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
After going their separate ways, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred reunite to investigate the ghost of Moonscar the pirate on a haunted bayou island, but it turns out the swashbuckler's spirit isn't the only creepy character on the island. The sleuths also meet up with cat creatures and zombies... and it looks like for the first time in their lives, these ghouls might actually be real.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & mystery
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWe're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)
Captain New Eyes travels back in time and feeds dinosaurs his Brain Grain cereal, which makes them intelligent and non-violent. They agree to go to the "Middle Future" in order to grant the wishes of children in New York City. They are to meet Dr. Bleeb of the Museum of Natural History, but get sidetracked with their new children friends and run into the Captain's evil brother, Professor Screweyes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHulk: Where Monsters Dwell (2016)
This All Hallows’ Eve, Nightmare is bent on conquering our waking world by crossing through the Dream Dimension, and converting each dreamer into a monster. Can Dr. Strange, Hulk and the Howling Commandos hold the line and put an end to his nefarious scheme?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2026)
The Mandalorian and Grogu join their misfit allies for an epic party, celebrating their heroism. As friends regale the crowd with tales of their adventures, a pirate threat looms.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStrange World (2022)
A journey deep into an uncharted and treacherous land, where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades—a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest, and by far most crucial, mission.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAtlantis: Milo's Return (2003)
Milo and Kida reunite with their friends to investigate strange occurances around the world that seem to have links to the secrets of Atlantis.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBen 10: Secret of the Omnitrix (2007)
After a battle with Dr. Animo in a power plant, Ben notices something strange is happening with the Omnitrix but doesn't tell anyone. Tetrax arrives and tells them the Omnitrix is broadcasting a self-destruct signal. Tetrax and Ben go to find the creator of the Omnitrix to fix it before it destroys itself and the universe along with it. Gwen stows away to help her cousin.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMonsters vs Aliens (2009)
When Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches. The military jumps into action and captures Susan, secreting her away to a covert government compound. She is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
A concise adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" about Mr. Toad's motor mania, followed by a short retelling of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" concerning schoolmaster Ichabod Crane.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBen 10: Destroy All Aliens (2012)
Based on the original animated series Ben 10. Ben becomes targeted by an evil Mechamorph Warrior, named "Retaliator," who mistakenly blames Ben for something he did not do and attempts to destroy all aliens.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTitan A.E. (2000)
A young man finds out that he holds the key to restoring hope and ensuring survival for the human race, while an alien species called the Drej are bent on mankind's destruction.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo, Where Are You Now! (2021)
After 52 years of solving mysteries, the Scooby gang reunite at Warner Bros. Studios to reminisce about their favorite cases and how they were filmed. But it turns out that the back lot may have its OWN monster problem. Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo investigate this mystery while celebrating the legacy of the franchise.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & mystery
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCoraline (2009)
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBen 10 vs. the Universe: The Movie (2020)
A blast from Ben's past returns to do double the damage on Team Tennyson and planet Earth itself, forcing Ben to go interstellar to save the day. Based on the 2016 reboot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNimona (2023)
A knight framed for a tragic crime teams with a scrappy, shape-shifting teen to prove his innocence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThunderbirds Are GO (1966)
When the launch of a mission to Mars goes awry due to sabotage, International Rescue is requested to assist in the mission's second attempt.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGigantis, the Fire Monster (1959)
A prehistoric monster called Gigantis emerges alongside another creature named Angurus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBen Gen 10 (2021)
When Ben meets a young Generator Rex on the run from a hostile Providence, he must work through a series of misunderstandings, and defeat the dark wizard Hex in order to save the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNocturna (2007)
An orphan boy named Tim is afraid of the dark. However, when the stars start going out in the sky, he finds himself exploring the world of the night, alongside his new friend, the Cat Shepherd.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & mystery
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBride of Frankenstein (1935)
After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Henry Frankenstein falls under control of his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius, who insists the now-chastened doctor resume his experiments in creating new life. Meanwhile, the Monster remains on the run from those who wish to destroy him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisContatos Universais (2024)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & mystery
Bayou Ghost Story (2017)
A paranormal investigator travels to the South to research a series of deaths connected to a supernatural curse haunting an old Louisiana family.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & mystery
The Ring (2002)
Journalist Rachel Keller investigates a strange videotape that may be behind the untimely deaths of four teenagers. There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die seven days after watching it. Rachel tracks down the video... and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery of the Ring in order to save herself and her son.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & mystery
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSilent Hill (2006)
Rose, a desperate mother, takes her adopted daughter, Sharon, to the town of Silent Hill in an attempt to cure her of her ailment. After a violent car crash, Sharon disappears, and Rose embarks on a horrific journey to get her back and begins to uncover the truth behind the apocalyptic disaster that burned the town 30 years earlier.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & mystery
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Exorcism of God (2022)
An American priest working in Mexico is considered a saint by many local parishioners. However, due to a botched exorcism, he carries a secret that’s eating him alive until he gets an opportunity to face his demon one final time.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Simpsons Movie (2007)
After Homer accidentally pollutes the town's water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and the Simpsons are declared fugitives.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDracula (1931)
A British estate agent travels to Transylvania to meet with the mysterious Count Dracula, who is interested in leasing a London castle. After Dracula enslaves and drives the agent to insanity, the pair return to London together, where Dracula, a secret bloodsucker, begins preying on socialites.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDonnie Darko (2001)
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both mystery
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUntitled Star Trek Origin Story Film (TBA)
An origin story that takes place decades before "Star Trek" (2009).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview?
The closest matches to Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview are Cranston Academy: Monster Zone (2020), Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) and We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview?
Start with Cranston Academy: Monster Zone (2020), the closest match to Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview.
What is the highest-rated movie like Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview?
Coraline (2009), rated 7.9/10 by 9,761 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview?
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview?
Yes: Cranston Academy: Monster Zone (2020), Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) and We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993).
How are movies similar to Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Theatrical Preview, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.