Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85

NZ release: 06 May 2026

Violence and scary scenes Rated on: 02 June 2026

Stranger Things Tales from 85

What’s it about?

An animated series set in the winter of 1985 and featuring the original characters from Stranger Things. Eleven and her friends team up to fight an interdimensional threat from the Upside Down as local adults remain oblivious.

The facts

  • Executive produced by the Duffer Brothers
  • Voice cast includes Odessa A’zion (Marty Supreme), Jeremy Jordan (Newsies), Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips
  • English language
  • Runtime: Ten episodes, between 27 and 32 minutes each
  • An animated series set in the same universe as the live-action Stranger Things, between seasons 2 and 3 of the original series
  • A Netflix production

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Violence

Violence is frequent throughout, but it is not graphic or bloody. Most of the action involves characters fighting monsters, though at a much milder level than the live-action Stranger Things series. Characters use a range of weapons to lure, stab, chop, and burn the creatures. Some characters are taken by the monsters and disappear without a trace. The animated style further softens the impact of the violence compared with live action.

Scary scenes

There are big tentacled monsters with toothy maws, and a spooky Upside Down world that's dark and menacing. Characters are threatened and shoved by bullies.

When content stays with you

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

Further information

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