That Eric Alper

By Mitch Rice

Stranger Things Season 5 launched its first of three volumes last month, with episodes rolling out through New Year’s Eve, plunging Hawkins into its darkest chapter yet.

Will Byers finds himself at the emotional centre as his connection to Vecna and the Upside Down finally comes into focus in ways that could change everything.

Fans who have waited over three years for this finale now face new horrors and revelations, amplified by the show’s signature blend of suspense and heart.

In the meantime, the series has become a cultural juggernaut. From West End productions at the Phoenix Theatre in London to streetwear collaborations, sold‑out collectibles, and immersive arcade experiences, Stranger Things has spilled into every corner of pop culture.

Themed entertainment, from arcade games to pinball machines and sci-fi-inspired slots, have featured on the best online casino sites, all capturing the show’s neon-lit aesthetic for audiences who crave that retro rush.

At the heart of this devotion sits the soundtrack, a carefully curated time capsule that reanimates the 1980s for modern audiences.

How The Duffer Brothers Reimagine The Era

The Duffer Brothers pay homage to the decade through storytelling, oversized fashions, long hair, band tees, glowing arcade machines, drive-ins, and a soundtrack of classic rock and synths that serve as emotional anchors, reanimating 80s aesthetics for today’s audiences.

As fans enter what promises to be a bleak stretch in Hawkins, the soundtrack’s role becomes even more crucial. The opening episodes feature Squawk, the radio station where Robin works to keep spirits high, but judging from early reviews, things are about to get desolate.

With music serving as one of the key defences against Vecna’s curse, every song choice carries weight. Which tracks will save lives? Which will underscore heartbreak? The anticipation is part of the thrill.

The series so far has already revived golden-era gems, proving the ’80s’ enduring power.

Iconic Tracks from the Series

“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash has been tied to Will Byers since the very first season. The punk staple captures his turmoil in the Upside Down while also introducing younger viewers to the energy of punk rock.

Meanwhile, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police added dramatic weight to tense moments in Season 1, its stalking rhythm blending instant recognition with narrative tension.

Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” became a plot-pivotal hit in Season 4, sparking a viral resurgence, sending Bush back into the charts, and introducing a whole new generation to her artistry.

Together, these songs demonstrate how the soundtrack anchors key character beats while bridging generations of music fans.

What’s Next? Predicting Season 5’s Soundtrack

With the series finale set in 1987, fans are already speculating about which tracks will soundtrack the end of Hawkins as we know it. The stakes have never been higher, and these potential additions would perfectly capture the escalating chaos, teen rebellion, and showdowns ahead:

“Just Like Heaven” – The Cure: Dreamy yet urgent, this track could score a Mike and Eleven reunion or a bittersweet flashback amid the finale’s mounting pressure. The Cure’s signature sound mirrors the emotional complexity of teenagers facing apocalyptic stakes.

“Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses: A high-octane opener for the gang’s last stand, drawing from Appetite for Destruction’s raw, rebellious energy. It channels Eddie’s metal spirit, likely through Dustin overcoming a curse from Vecna, while delivering the adrenaline rush that major battle sequences demand.

“Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley: Could work as either an ironic twist during a tense infiltration scene or straight nostalgia for lighter moments before the horror escalates. The show has never been afraid of tonal shifts, and this track offers versatility and would surely garner some pretty memorable TikTok edits.

The Wild Card: “End of Beginning” by Djo

Here’s where things get meta and emotionally resonant. “End of Beginning” comes from Djo, the musical project of Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington. While it breaks the decade rule, it works beautifully as a symbolic closing of the loop; the series starts in 80s Hawkins and could end with a contemporary track created by one of its own breakout stars.

Position it as a dream inclusion for a final scene or end-credits roll, a hand-off from 80s needle-drops to a song made by an actor who became a cult hero through the show. It acknowledges the journey, honors the cast’s artistic evolution, and gives fans an Easter egg that feels earned rather than forced.

The Ultimate Soundtrack

These songs showcase how Stranger Things blends 80s nostalgia and cultural relevance into something that extends far beyond the screen.

The show has sparked a nostalgia economy where 80s aesthetics find new life across multiple platforms.

West End productions bring the story to theatre audiences. Fashion collaborations turn Hawkins’ style into wearable culture. Collectibles let fans own a piece of the Upside Down.

In the gaming world, retro-styled experiences capture the neon-lit, arcade-inspired aesthetic that defined the decade. Themed casino slots have embraced this 80s revival, using rock anthems, vintage graphics, and that unmistakable sense of discovery that comes from encountering something that feels both familiar and fresh.

Gen Z discovered Kate Bush through Max’s story. They’re discovering retro gaming experiences that echo the arcade culture Stranger Things celebrates.

The soundtrack becomes more than background music. It becomes a gateway to discovering a decade’s worth of culture, fashion, and entertainment that refuses to stay in the past.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.