Quick Links
Monster Summer Will Be Similar Enough To Stranger Things
Monster Summer Is A Must-Watch For Those Waiting For Stranger Things Season 5
Monster Summer Could Replace Stranger Things In The Future
Monster Summer is an upcoming film that will be an absolute must-watch while waiting for Stranger Things season 5's release. Wizards of Waverly Place star David Henrie directed this upcoming movie, which tells the story of kids trying to solve the mystery of the monster disrupting their town in the summertime. Ironically, this story itself is similar to another beloved series. Since Stranger Things season 5 is releasing in 2025, there is more than enough time to watch this film, which is releasing on October 4th, 2025.
Although none of the Stranger Things cast is in Monster Summer, the trailer for the film does seem to draw on some plot points and themes that the series includes as well. Stranger Things usually consists of these factors because one of the show's points is to reminisce on 1980s movies like The Goonies, Stand By Me, and The Lost Boys. Now, it seems audiences will be exposed to another film that does the same, but with a slight twist to it.
Related
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained (In Detail)
Stranger Things season 4, episode 9 came to an epic conclusion with major reveals that will change Hawkins forever. Here's the ending explained.
They Both Lean On Nostalgia Factors
The trailer for Monster Summer includes groups of kids riding around on bikes, being attacked by monsters, and trying to figure out what is happening in their town. "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany, released in 1987, is featured as the trailer song. All of these evoke the essence of 1980s nostalgia. Some of these aspects are even often seen in movies that take place in the 1980s. The film has not been confirmed to take place in this period, but these elements of the story make the movie stand out as a tribute to the 1980s regardless.
Stranger Things is the biggest series that pays homage to the 1980s, which establishes a distinct connection between it and Monster Summer. After all, Stranger Things copied some classic 1980s movie tropes to honor the time, and David Henrie's upcoming film seems to follow the same path. Even if the film does not take place in the 1980s, it at least uses these factors to bring out the feeling of being a kid again when summers were more about being outside with friends.
The Movie Could Amp Up The Excitement For The New Season
Close
In addition to Monster Summer, there are several movies to watch while waiting for season 5 of Stranger Things, especially those that star the original cast. Millie Bobby Brown has two Stranger Things replacements already, and Winona Ryder's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is also on the horizon in 2024. These films will surely remind audiences of Stranger Things' best qualities and its cast during their wait. But since Monster Summer evokes Stranger Things' biggest themes and isn't just a film featuring a cast member or two, it's arguably more notable than most.
More recent films that star the Stranger Things cast include Inside Out 2 , A Quiet Place: Day One , and Horizon: An American Saga Chapter One .
Therefore, Monster Summer is definitely deserving of attention ahead of the final season of Stranger Things. Seeing the similarities between the two while watching the film will increase the excitement for the fifth season. In the meantime, it has a good chance of offering a tone and vibe reminiscent of Stranger Things, which could, in turn, ease the wait for the show's remaining episodes. More audiences might be tuned in to further immerse themselves in the 1980s after watching Monster Summer, especially since there are limited new shows and movies that revisit this era.
Stranger Things Is Coming To An End Soon
With Stranger Things coming to an end, there are already a few shows and movies that could replace it for audiences. A new Stephen King show may replace Stranger Things, and Tim Burton's Wednesday even has the potential to do so. It is sad to see such an iconic show end, but at least it leaves room for audiences to fixate on new, mysterious, monster-fighting, nostalgic shows and movies. This necessary ending is especially true since many of the actors are already moving on to similar projects and must now direct the audiences' attention toward them.
Of course, nothing can fully replace Stranger Things as it is so ingrained in pop culture now and has become a phenomenon.
If Monster Summer is successful enough, it could spark its own ongoing franchise for audiences to fixate on for years to come. Then, the films may ultimately replace Stranger Things for many viewers so they can continue to watch media that draws on 1980s nostalgia. Of course, nothing can fully replace Stranger Things as it is so ingrained in pop culture now and has become a phenomenon. However, after the series ends, there will be a demand for 1980s nostalgia or anything similar, which will be the perfect opportunity for Monster Summer to initiate a franchise.
Monster Summer (2024)
PG-13
A monster emerges in Martha's Vineyard, prompting a group of kids to try and stop the mysterious force from disrupting their Summer.
Director David Henrie
Release Date October 4, 2024
Runtime 97 Minutes
Main Genre Adventure
Stranger Things
Fantasy
Horror
Drama
Where to Watch
streamrentbuy
Not available
*Availability in US
Inspired by 80s pop-culture and elements of Stephen King's works, Stranger Things is a supernatural action-drama TV series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. When a young boy goes missing, his group of friends stumbles upon a young girl with telekinetic powers who recently escaped from a mysterious facility. They soon realize that she may be their only chance at stopping an impending doom that threatens to engulf Hawkins whole.
Seasons 4
Showrunner Matt Duffer , Ross Duffer