Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Review: It arrived late

The animated series Stranger Things: Tales from '85 returns to the winter of Hawkins in 1985, set between the second and third seasons.

Released by Netflix in April 2026, the series attempts to expand the universe without directly touching its main conclusion.

Production, Format, and Soundtrack

Production is handled by Flying Bark Productions under the supervision of Eric Robles. It boasts a polished aesthetic with characters who not only closely resemble their live-action counterparts but often deliver better performances. This is particularly true for the animated Eleven, who at times conveys more sincerity than Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal.

Opting for an animated format is an excellent solution for certain stories. it allows for the exploration of visual elements that live-action could not achieve with the same freedom, such as more exaggerated creatures, spatial warping, and more dynamic sequences. Furthermore, the protagonists do not suffer from the passage of time, which often ages actors beyond their narrative period.

The soundtrack incorporates 80s musical references to reinforce the nostalgia, but no specific track stands out as truly memorable in any episode.

It is a shame because the music is typically one of the most nostalgic pillars of the series.

The story once again follows Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max. The rifts to the Upside Down remain a threat, as do remnants of the other side falling into the wrong hands. However, instead of a single looming gate, the danger is diluted into smaller phenomena.

Introducing new creatures and supernatural events throughout the town, the series even brings in new characters like Nikki. A girl with a punk-inspired look, she joins the group and helps bring a lighter touch to the story thanks to her distinct personality.

The tone of the narrative is slightly different from the live-action version. There is less focus on extreme survival and more emphasis on investigation, curiosity, and that classic 80s youthful spirit of adventure.

Critical Reception

The animation certainly expands the spectacle, but it softens the horror. Consequently, the age rating is lower and the visual style reduces the dramatic impact that characterized the original work, creating a less intense experience.

This is precisely why the reception has been lukewarm, achieving average ratings of about 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 55 on Metacritic.

Critics point out that while the animation captures the franchise's nostalgia, it suffers from a lack of true tension. Others highlight that the project feels more like a brand expansion than a genuine narrative necessity. Conversely, a portion of the critics recognizes the production value as a good entry point for new viewers.

Watching Tales from '85, I recognized all the hallmarks of Stranger Things: the emotional memory, the 80s atmosphere, and the camaraderie of the group. However, it did not evoke the same feeling I had when watching the first season.

After so many years, I believe the animation has arrived too late. The title needs a break before returning with a compelling reason or an interesting plot. Perhaps it should even retire its main cast and introduce a new group entirely unrelated to the original.

There is a great lesson here that nostalgia alone cannot sustain a production.

The Immortality of the Leads

The decision to soften the tone for the animated format also eliminated a recurring trope of the series. While not innovative, this trope provided a sense of danger: the death of a beloved side character. A character the audience grew attached to would lose their life due to the Upside Down.

I always found this a cowardly move by the creators because they never dared to prove the stakes by sacrificing a protagonist. After the second time, this narrative choice became exhausting and predictable. Nevertheless, it at least made it clear that the dangers in Hawkins were real and lethal.

Furthermore, knowing that none of the main group is at risk is a major drawback of releasing this production after the main seasons have concluded. We know nothing in this scenario will actually harm the kids, so we feel no tension.

Lack of Creativity

Another irritating detail throughout the episodes is the constant use of a specific trope. I eventually stopped counting how many times someone steps on something, makes a noise, and alerts a creature. This happens so often that it became frustrating. It makes one wonder what is happening with the writers' creativity.

I must say that Nikki is at least a good new addition. She is fun, and her friendship with Will is well-developed. They are opposites who create a pleasant harmony to watch.

Unfortunately, that is the highest praise I can give Stranger Things: Tales from '85. It still lacks a good reason to exist since it offers nothing new. It is not particularly exciting, wonderfully mysterious, or comedic.

If this animation had been released around the third season, it might still have been interesting. Now, it just feels like it arrived too late.

If you are a hardcore fan who hates the idea of the series ending or closing this chapter, then yes, you will have fun.

If you are the type of fan who believes this group has already fulfilled its mission and that stories in Hawkins are welcome only if they bring fresh elements, then maybe not.

You might prefer another title to pass the time because the entertainment here is nothing more than a well-made animation.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Do you think Hawkins needs a rest, or are you eager for more productions from the franchise?