Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85
NZ release: 06 May 2026
Violence and scary scenes Rated on: 02 June 2026
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
- Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
- Stranger Things | Age Rating and Content Warning | Classification Office
- Talking with young people about what they’re watching
- Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 review – this spinoff takes the sci-fi smash back to happier times - The Guardian
Recent featured decisions
Violence
Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves.
Graphic violence and offensive language
Sasha is an experienced climber and kayaker grieving the death of her husband. She heads into the Australian wilderness for a solo adventure. What starts as a trip to clear her head turns into a brutal fight for survival when she discovers a seemingly friendly local is actually hunting her through the remote national park.