Stranger Things on VHS is a Whole Different Thing: Released for the Tenth Anniversary!
Netflix has chosen the tenth anniversary of Stranger Things to awaken nostalgia among fans by offering a special VHS edition of the first season. The series, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, debuted on July 15, 2016, quickly transforming from a quiet production into a global phenomenon.
Over the decade, Stranger Things has amassed over 70 international awards, including 12 Emmys, and generated 1.5 billion views by March 2026. Seasons 4 and 5 rank among the most popular on Netflix, showcasing the lasting impact of the story set in Hawkins, Indiana.
The Duffer Brothers, after completing filming of the live-action series last year, expressed deep gratitude. They cited the incredible cast, whose growth has been observed over the years, the hundreds of artists who brought the story to life, and the dedication of fans, whose passion has fueled the project. Executive producer Shawn Levy shared similar sentiments, highlighting the joy of seeing the characters and actors evolve alongside the audience.
A VHS Reissue for Purists and an Expanding Universe
To commemorate the anniversary, Netflix has made a VHS version of the first season available. This edition has been designed to faithfully replicate the experience of renting a videocassette from a store in the 1980s, complete with vintage visual and audio effects, including "pan-and-scan" formatting. The Duffer Brothers commented that if Stranger Things had existed in the Hawkins of that time, it would have been exactly like this. The edition is accessible at Netflix.com/StrangerThingsVHS or through a search on the platform.
Meanwhile, the Stranger Things universe continues to grow with new productions and initiatives. An animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is on the way, and new themed experiences are expected this fall at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, including a haunted house inspired by the fifth season and new merchandise. The Tony Award-winning theatrical show, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, is currently in production on Broadway in New York and in London’s West End, revisiting Henry Creel's troubled past in 1959 Hawkins.
In addition to the VHS, several collectible items have been launched. A set of 17 LPs featuring the complete soundtrack of all five seasons, composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, is available. The vinyl records, in “Vecna’s Gate” colors of red and orange, come in gatefold covers and colored inner sleeves. A new line of Funko Pop! features characters such as Eleven, Will, Hopper, and Barb in “Rightside Up/Upside Down” split versions. For the most discerning fans, the complete series is available in special and deluxe editions on Blu-ray and 4K, with exclusive bonus content such as bloopers, interviews, and behind-the-scenes material.
Netflix has also released Stranger Things: The Official Story Behind the Legendary Series, a deluxe guide that, with contributions from the Duffer Brothers, the cast, and the crew, offers previously unreleased details from the inception to the conclusion of the series, serving as a kind of �director's cut� in book format.
The celebrations also include immersive experiences such as Stranger Things: The Immersive Experience at Netflix House Philadelphia, where participants can become heroes in an interactive hour-long adventure among sets, special effects, and live actors. In Dallas, also at the Netflix House, Stranger Things: Face the Dark offers a high-tension theatrical pathway with faithful recreations of iconic locations from seasons 4 and 5, enhanced by an immersive audio soundscape through headphones. All five seasons of Stranger Things are available for streaming on Netflix, along with the documentary One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, which chronicles the creation of the final season.