Did Stranger Things Copy from Other Shows or Movies?

The success of Stranger Things has sparked debates about its originality, leading many to question whether the show borrows elements from other works. While the creators of Stranger Things have maintained its uniqueness, a closer look at the show reveals influences from various sources, including the anime series Elfen Lied.

Connection to Elfen Lied

One of the most notable influences on Stranger Things is the anime series Elfen Lied. The writers have confirmed that the show took inspiration from the series, particularly through the character of Eleven and the secondary character Nana.

Nine: Violent Protagonist and Nana: Gentle Protégé

Nine, the protagonist of Elfen Lied, is a violent and savage character who shares similarities with Eleven. Both characters possess extraordinary abilities and have been subjected to experiments. Nana, the gentler of the two, serves as a contrast and parallels the character of Mike in Stranger Things, who acts as a nurturing figure for Eleven.

The character Nana in Elfen Lied is interesting as she has a scientist mentor referred to as 'Papa.' This is similar to how Eleven has Hopper, a protective and mentor-like figure, although Hopper is more a father figure than a scientist mentor.

Evil Experiments and Designations

The similarities extend to the experimentation scenes and the numerical designations of the characters. In Elfen Lied, Ten(from the series) is similarly a product of such experiments and has a designation similar to Eleven. This parallel is drawn further when nine, in the anime, describes Ten as having 'something wrong with her'—a striking echo of the description of Eleven as 'something' by four-armed Hopper in Stranger Things.

The Name "Eleven": Cultural References

The name of the character Eleven is also interesting from a cultural standpoint. It is both a proper Japanese name and a direct translation of "Eleven," which hints at the show's fusion of Eastern and Western elements. Interestingly, the German title for Stranger Things, "Elfengesang" (Elf Song), also doubles as 'Elf Eleven' in rhyming terms.

Test Audiences and Recognition

According to reports, the show’s creators initially believed that Elfen Lied was obscure, but test audiences recognized the connection. This indicates that the similarities were subtle enough to be overlooked initially but significant enough to be noticed by those familiar with both works.

Conclusion

While Stranger Things stands as a unique and original work, the show's creators’ journey to incorporate influences from various works highlights the rich tapestry of storytelling that exists across cultures. These influences do not diminish the originality of the series but rather add depth and nuance to its narrative.

Keywords: Stranger Things, Elfen Lied, Anime Influence