6 films and series for those who like the ‘It’ franchise

Few horror sagas manage to be genuinely scary and, at the same time, deeply moving. It: The Thing is the perfect example of this balance. The story goes far beyond the monster; it’s about loyalty, about facing your deepest fears and about the melancholy of growing up.

For those looking for more productions that hit this same “vibe”, the Rolling Stone Brazil a list of six essential titles. These are stories that share the DNA of Itwhether due to the group of charismatic friends, the nostalgic setting of the 1980s or the presence of an evil that feeds on the fears of youth.

It: Welcome to Derry (Series)

To begin with, the most obvious and obligatory choice. If you are a fan, this series prequel is your next stop. The production promises to explore the origin of the curse that plagues the city of Derry long before the Losers’ Club enter the scene. It’s a chance to dive deep into the dark mythology of Pennywise and understand how evil took root in the city, showing the terror that previous generations faced.

Where to watch: HBO Max.

Stranger Things (Series)

This is perhaps the greatest modern heir to the spirit of It. Stranger Things is the definition of “kids on bikes” (kids on bikes) investigating a mystery. The series swaps Derry for Hawkins and Pennywise by the creatures of Inverted Worldbut the essence is the same: a group of misfit friends (like Losers’ Club) who needs to unite against a supernatural evil that adults can’t (or don’t want) to see. Pure nostalgia for the 1980s is the icing on the cake.

Where to watch: Netflix.

Nightmare on Elm Street (Franchise)

Se Pennywise feeds on fear and uses your traumas against you, Freddy Krueger is its more sadistic cousin. The classic of Wes Craven presents a villain who also exists on the border between reality and the supernatural. Just like in Itthe horror here is deeply personal, attacking young people in their dreams (their most vulnerable place). The theme of the “sins of the fathers” being revisited in their children is also a direct link to the story of Derry.

Where to watch: HBO Max.

Franchise Street of Fear (Film)

Just like Derry, the city of Shadyside is cursed. For generations, an evil force has caused massacres, and the “unlucky” people of the city are always the victims. The trilogy of Netflix (set in 1994, 1978 and 1666) follows a group of teenagers who, much like the Losers’ Clubdecides to break the cycle. They must investigate the city’s dark past to defeat evil in the present. It’s the perfect mix of horror slasher with a supernatural mythology that spans centuries.

Where to Watch: Netflix.

Summer of 84 (Film)

What if the monster wasn’t a clown, but your neighbor? This film gets the formula “kids on bikes” from the 80s and throws it into the real world. A group of friends spend the summer obsessed with the idea that a local police officer is actually a serial killer. Summer of 84 exchanges the supernatural for suburban horror, showing that evil can be right next door. It’s a more cynical and dark version of Itproving that human monsters are just as scary as cosmic ones.

Where to watch: Available for digital rental.

The Goonies (Film)

Take the terror away It and you will have The Goonies. This absolute classic from the 80s is the original mold for the Losers’ Club. It’s the definitive story about a group of misfit friends who come together for a common goal — in this case, finding pirate treasure to save their home. They also go underground (caves instead of sewers), face traps, and overcome their fears together. It’s the adventure, the camaraderie and the heart of Itperfect for those who love group dynamics above all else.

Where to watch: HBO Max.

READ ALSO: When will the 3rd episode of ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’, the prequel series to ‘It: The Thing’, premiere?

• Nightmare on Elm Street

• It: The Thing

• It: Welcome to Derry

• the goonies

• street of fear

• Stranger Things