The Biggest Pop Culture References in Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2

As Stranger Things approaches its finale, the show’s trademark pop culture references are more prominent than ever. Season 5, Volume 2 leans heavily into cinematic, literary, and comic book influences, weaving them directly into the story’s biggest emotional and plot-driven moments. According to a detailed breakdown of the episodes, these references are not just Easter eggs—they actively shape the narrative

“A Wrinkle in Time” and Vecna’s mind prison

One of the most significant recurring influences is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. The concept of Camazotz—used by Vecna as a psychological prison—mirrors the novel’s depiction of a world controlled by an all-consuming evil. As Vecna manipulates children in Season 5, Volume 2, he references the book directly, positioning himself as a twisted guide in a warped battle against darkness. The setting of Vecna’s illusion also evokes mid-20th-century Americana, reinforced by period music and imagery that place viewers in a world far removed from 1980s Hawkins.

Star Wars logic enters the Upside Down

Star Wars has been a reference point since Season 1, but it returns in a big way in Volume 2. Dustin compares the structure of the Upside Down to the shield surrounding the Death Star in Return of the Jedi, theorizing that destroying its “generator” could collapse the entire system. The analogy sparks both strategic debate and playful commentary among the group, reinforcing how pop culture remains their shared language for understanding impossible threats.

Frankenstein, electricity, and dark humor

A plan involving the resurrection of a Demogorgon draws a clear parallel to Frankenstein, complete with electrical surges and self-aware dialogue. The moment is punctuated by a direct nod to Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, blending horror and humor in classic Stranger Things fashion.

A Titanic-style breakup under pressure

One of the most emotional scenes in Volume 2 echoes Titanic. As Nancy and Jonathan confront their future while trapped in a collapsing environment, dialogue about shared space and survival recalls the long-debated “door” scene from James Cameron’s epic. Unlike Titanic, however, the moment becomes about letting go rather than sacrifice.

Marvel and DC comics collide

The season’s overarching threat—two realities smashing together—draws heavily from comic book lore. The concept mirrors DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths and Marvel’s Secret Wars, both of which explore collapsing multiverses and impossible moral choices. Vecna’s plan to merge worlds feels ripped straight from a major crossover event, underscoring the scale of the show’s endgame

Spielberg’s shadow looms large

No season of Stranger Things would be complete without Steven Spielberg references. A sequence involving Demodogs hunting characters in a confined space directly evokes the raptor kitchen scene from Jurassic Park, reinforcing the show’s roots in blockbuster suspense.

Why these references matter

Season 5, Volume 2 proves that Stranger Things doesn’t use pop culture as decoration. Each reference—whether literary, cinematic, or comic-based—helps the characters process fear, loss, and impossible odds. As the series nears its conclusion, these influences serve as both homage and storytelling tools, bringing the show full circle to the imagination-fueled spirit that defined its earliest episodes.