Stranger Things has turned ‘80s hits into chart-toppers, shaping music’s future.
Since its premiere, Netflix’s sci-fi sensation, Stranger Things, has become a cultural force, particularly in music. The show heavily features tracks from the 1980s, embedding them in its supernatural narrative and stirring nostalgia among viewers. While numerous iconic songs have graced its episodes, only a few saw significant commercial success directly linked to their use in the series.
The standout case is Kate Bush’s 1985 hit, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God).” Featured prominently as a key emotional moment for Max in Season 4, the song saw an unprecedented resurgence, rocketing to No. 1 on the UK charts and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, over thirty years after its release. By 2023, it had surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, with projections suggesting it could exceed 1.5 billion by 2025. This revival is now considered one of the most impactful in television history.
Another notable resurgence is Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” The thrash metal anthem, paired with a memorable scene showcasing Eddie Munson’s guitar skills in the Upside Down, transformed the track from a cult classic into a global phenomenon. Its inclusion not only propelled it back onto the charts but also made it a favorite on platforms like TikTok, and it proudly joined Spotify’s Billion Streams Club, demonstrating the potential for heavy metal to resonate in popular culture when matched with compelling visual elements.
Season 3 contributed to this wave of nostalgia with a lighter track, Limahl’s “The NeverEnding Story” theme. Performed by Dustin and Suzie during the season finale, the duet sparked a staggering 800 percent increase in streams and views online, successfully revitalizing interest in the 1984 fantasy film and turning the song into a social media sensation.
Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” also benefited from the Stranger Things phenomenon. Its remixed version featured in Season 4, reigniting interest in the band’s entire catalog and pushing the track back into contemporary playlists. However, not all ‘80s tracks received the same treatment; for instance, The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was woven intricately into the show’s storyline but didn’t see a similar spike in popularity.
