21 movie references you might have missed in Netflix's 'Stranger Things'

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Netflix's new series "Stranger Things" is a surprise hit. It is also a rarity in today's pop culture landscape: a story and characters that are completely original and not based off any existing property.

And at the same time, this show, set in the 1980s, would not exist without many previous works.

As various video compilations, lengthy glossaries, and lists have pointed out, "Stranger Things" is filled with movie references from the 1970s to the 1980s. Some are so easy anyone could spot (a poster for "The Thing" in the background), while others take a little more work (a shot in "Stranger Things" that mirrors one in "E.T.") These are not coincidences and the Duffer Brothers, who created the show, have not been shy about their influences.

Here are 21 movie references you might have missed in "Stranger Things":