The 1980s Classic That Shaped ‘Stranger Things’ Now Tops Free Streaming Charts

Since the streaming wars began, few shows have influenced viewing habits as profoundly as Stranger Things. Regarded as one of the finest sci‑fi series ever, the Duffer Brothers’ horror‑sci‑fi blend retained its top‑tier status even after its final season debuted late last year, despite a multi‑year hiatus. Between December 29 2025 and June 28 2026 it amassed 23.26 billion viewing minutes, making it the most‑watched program of 2026 to date, although no new episodes aired during that period.

The series also set a weekly record, garnering 8.65 billion minutes in the week its finale premiered. Its success traces back to the 2016 debut, which ranked as Netflix’s third‑largest original launch. The show’s impact is evident in the rise of its cast—Millie Bobby Brown and Sadie Sink, who now stars in Spider‑Man: Brand New Day—yet its cultural footprint owes much to several influential predecessors.

A prime example is the 1985 adventure The Goonies. Directed by Richard Donner, its story of youthful camaraderie and 1980s‑era escapism clearly inspired Stranger Things. Featuring an outstanding young ensemble—Sean Astin, Josh Brolin (who later played Thanos), Ke Huy Quan, Corey Feldman and others—the film remains cherished by millions forty years on. Consequently, it is no surprise that The Goonies currently ranks among the ten most‑watched titles on the free‑ad‑supported service Tubi in the United States.

Box‑Office Results for The Goonies

Beyond its popularity with viewers, The Goonies was a box‑office success in 1985. It opened at number two on the U.S. chart in June 1985, trailing only Rambo: First Blood Part II, and ultimately grossed about $69 million worldwide—almost all of it domestic. That figure is especially notable given the film’s modest $19 million budget.

The Goonies remains one of the ten most‑watched movies on Tubi in the United States.

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