Duffer Brothers Reveal Their Top Three Desert Island Films

Matt and Ross Duffer, the creative minds behind Stranger Things, have long been known for weaving cinematic references into their much-talked-about series. While their television work has captured audiences worldwide, it is the world of film that has truly shaped their artistic vision. The brothers’ affection for classic cinema is evident throughout all five series, with nods to iconic works peppered across the narrative. When asked to select the three films they would most want with them on a desert island, their choices offered a window into the influences that have guided their storytelling.

Blockbuster Inspirations

It comes as little surprise that The Empire Strikes Back made their list. Universally regarded as one of the finest entries in the Star Wars saga, its impact on popular culture is undeniable. Stranger Things itself is replete with references to the galaxy far, far away, and fans have often drawn parallels between the show’s characters and those from the legendary franchise.

“If Mike (Finn Wolfhard) has the altruistic goodness that makes him feel like the ‘Luke Skywalker of Stranger Things’, Steve (Joe Keery) has the wise-cracking charisma that would draw comparisons to Harrison Ford’s Han Solo.”

The Duffer brothers’ admiration for this film is clear, and its inclusion speaks to their appreciation for timeless storytelling and memorable characters.

Echoes of the Eighties

Given the series’ deep immersion in the aesthetics and language of the 1980s, Back to the Future was an almost inevitable choice. More than just a clever time travel adventure, it set the standard for what an ‘80s teen hero could be. The influence of Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) can be felt in the way the main characters approach their challenges, and the show’s fifth series even features a scene reminiscent of the famous clock tower sequence. The Duffer brothers’ selection of this film highlights their fondness for high-concept science fiction and the era that so strongly informs their work.

Unexpected Choices

While one might have expected the pair to opt for another ‘80s classic such as Gremlins, Ghostbusters, The Goonies, or A Nightmare on Elm Street, their final pick was rather more surprising. Heat, Michael Mann’s 1995 crime epic, stands apart from the other selections in both tone and style. Known for its intense character study and gripping narrative, Heat has only grown in stature since its release.

“Heat is the rare film that has only grown in estimation since it was released.”

The Duffer brothers’ respect for Mann’s work is evident, and their choice suggests a deep appreciation for films that challenge and endure.

From Television to Cinema

It is worth noting that Michael Mann himself began his career in television, creating Miami Vice before moving into film. Now, as the Duffer brothers prepare to leave Stranger Things behind and embark on new cinematic projects, it seems fitting that they would look to Mann as a source of inspiration. Their desert island selections not only reveal their personal favourites but also shed light on the creative forces that have shaped one of television’s most distinctive series.