How Stranger Things got its retro title sequence

The Netflix hit went old-school for its opening credits.
Correction: The final iteration of the logo, in ITC Benguiat, was designed by the content agency Contend, not Imaginary Forces. Imaginary Forces then designed the title sequence based off of that logo.
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[@Vox]

Back for season three of Stranger Things? Read our spoiler-free review: bit.ly/30gVq44 And tell us in the comments: do you skip the intro, or watch through?

[@flashgaming3934]

Definitely watch through, it sets the mood for each episode.

[@aryavdesai9942]

Didn’t skip for first few seasons, skipped for season 3 cause I binged as soon as it came out but it was pretty late and i wanted to sleep as soon as i could

[@prof.evilpictures8696]

Vox I always watch it!

[@rockyrockyroad]

I always skip intros

[@ose5226]

I rarely skip it cos I love the music

[@0denMS]

I never skipped the intro because it added suspense In a way

[@lennartweber2228]

Me neither 🤙

[@dshibbs1027]

yep

[@user-yf9ku1tl6b]

same

[@andy-nx4mw]

@Skull Zone yeah me too sometimes :)

[@ajgerbi]

Introductions you should *never* skip -The Office -Stranger Things -Friends -Parks n Recreation Others?

[@MakeSomething]

As a former graphic designer I totally nerd out on typography. This might be my favorite Vox video yet! Love it!

[@dustinbrandvold]

No such thing as former. Once a graphic designer, always a graphic designer. :)

[@MakeSomething]

Dustin Brandvold Can't argue that!!!

[@CalebRoenigk]

If you like this head over to artofthetitle, a website that is all about title design! You would love it!

[@raymondsierra209]

amen brother

[@laserfloyd]

Out of curiosity what do you do now? I'm a graphic designer myself and in a year or so I'll be leaving it behind to pursue other ventures. Then again, like someone else said, once a designer, always a designer. :) And yes I nerded out on this video. :D

[@lsedge7280]

One does no simply skip the Stranger Things Intro.

[@DoItForU]

Lol one skip the show

[@alexx7848]

My uncle does and it bothers me

[@calciumconcentrate]

My cousin does

[@rx3la]

I do what's the point ?

[@deprimeplatypus490]

*not

[@jackofallspades98]

More videos on graphic design and typography! I love this kind of thing!

[@penguinexpress12]

You watch vox too? Yay!

[@gimmepugs6826]

+

[@gayeonko3932]

YESSS I second this so hard lol

[@raymondsierra209]

yeeeeees more

[@DeeDeeCHAUNCEY]

ytou must be new here, child

[@TheIronicTroller]

a bit disappointed that there was not a section on the actual music, but other than that, great!

[@pure_zed]

+¿ what.

[@Mrmudbone_gaming]

they did not talk about the great music that they use in the series.

[@xOALtoFrEak900Ox]

www.rollingstone.com/music/features/stranger-things-survive-talk-their-creepy-nostalgic-score-w431789 the intro music was written by Kyle Dixon. Here's a link of an article of The Rolling Stones

[@Coal-RubL]

David Cipriano they stole it from " only god forgives "

[@Coal-RubL]

Mudbone gaming it was stollen from " only god forgives "

[@TheTotodor]

The Duffer bros should release a VHS version of the series just for the novelty of it!! complete with those familiar 80's graphics and all... Done binge watching Season 3, cant wait for Season 4!!! 😱😱😱

[@cbcguy02]

TheTotodor they actually have a VHS version of season 1 i think

[@apricity5231]

TheTotodor cara Buono just confirmed s4!

[@flourtoast5242]

Spoiler Justice for Alexei

[@Cineastre]

@@cbcguy02 Nah, you're thinking of the DVD Box. It's in the style and packaging of the VHS. But I mean you could record the show on VHS yourself, right?

[@Ashley-em7eb]

Oooh great idea!

[@amandajulie1554]

I finished Stranger Things in one day and I never finish shows that fast. If you haven't watched it, then do! It's so good and the characters are so loveable, too. Well developed and everything. I can't wait for season 2!

[@aphr0d]

I had a different experience. This is weird, I hated the child actors and not because I dislike kids... I just thought they were too whiny and annoying. I'd like to give it a shot again but that kid's friends.. they are hard to sit through

[@samkinney4913]

+Aphro If it means anything to you, the kids remain the main characters obviously, but the other (older) characters do become more involved as the story progresses. I think you should give it another shot 🙂 👍

[@amandajulie1554]

+itseman2 There's 8, I believe.

[@amandajulie1554]

+Aphro To be honest... the kids annoy me at first, but then they progressed and became pretty good characters. You should try it, again, because you're missing out on a real good story.

[@RapandRocker]

What's the plot?

[@BingeWatchers]

Fascinating. I didn't even know I was so interested in the intro before this video. Great awesome amazing show.

[@gimmepugs6826]

+

[@pure_zed]

+Jessica Gomez what

[@samarth7855]

+

[@olivertreesbowlcut9769]

-

[@sachaplace3566]

The intro is good but the music is even better.

[@cobrakairobloxenthusiast4291]

Sacha Place Ikr

[@ryanstauffer119]

A perfect blend

[@collin3987]

1:21 feels so nostalgic but the final draft feels creepy, which sets the tone well.

[@nelzwillz1533]

This TV series is probably the best tv show I've watched this year

[@gimmepugs6826]

+

[@azice6034]

Is it better than breaking bad and the walking dead?

[@Deltani007]

It is just different. If you LOVE 80s movies, like E.T, videodrome,Goonies,explorers etc. you will find it epic.

[@azice6034]

bigmate yeh wow ok? calm down geez...

[@en5001]

mr robot?

[@AnimeBallsDeep]

I never skipped it !

[@damian9303]

Then you aren't me

[@Whovian1029]

Who would skip title sequences???

[@Mr.Spanglish_94]

Anime Balls Deep [SKIP INTRO]

[@khrystynakhrystal]

Late

[@funeralpyreee]

“It looks so good that you’ll never skip over it” My dad: *presses skip every time*

[@ebrahimmunsif]

Maddi Kersteter lol my mom skips it every time

[@CaptainAardvaark]

I sell people on this show with just the title sequence. It goes like this: I tell them it's got a great 80s vibe, they ask "what do you mean", I show them the title sequence, and they get hooked on the show. So really great job by Imaginary Forces! Congratulations!

[@gimmepugs6826]

+

[@bkbj8282]

Vox is cancer for stupid people who need very, very basic things explained to them as adults.

[@Lazlo1119]

+bkbj8282 you're a dipshit

[@kozhikkaalan]

+bkbj8282 Vox is pretty great for us stupid people. What do people like you watch?

[@bkbj8282]

kozhikkaalan And remedial math is great for stupid people who failed to learn what was expected of them in the required time.

[@FarryEntertainment]

I thought MR.ROBOT would be my series of this year, but then this suddenly came along.

[@caedovos]

It's hard to choose between them because they are both so good.

[@quorkquork]

Idk what's so good about mr. robot; it's very lacking in substance

[@dubsideproductions2859]

+quorkquork what?

[@quorkquork]

Xavier Gomez Kind of apropos to have a vacuous response like yours

[@pumpkin_peel]

+quorkquork I thought season one was amazing when it came out, the psychological aspect of the show was really appealing. Season two is quite slow in comparison.

[@DavidBallin]

Oh man, the combination of the opening title and synth soundtrack just gives me all the feels...

[@ChrisWEarly]

As a type designer this title is mesmerizing. Been recreating it in pixel fonts the past few weeks, and it's been so much fun :)

[@MaxwellRidgeway]

Awesome, I'd love to see that! I actually remade the entire title sequence and posted a tutorial on my channel! So much fun to make! :D

[@CyborgNinja7]

I love this studio's work. When they can get you to appreciate and remember something as simple as a title sequence, they've surpassed their goal.

[@Ayon1428]

Also something i thought of. The characters in ST usually have different groups that figure out different information and stories within the storylines and near the end of each season they usually come together and beat the villian or solve the problem with teamwork. Just like peices of a puzzle coming together and make up the puzzle. That is like the title, the letters come together and creat the title. Idk if it was done on purpose but I like to belive it was.

[@sreerammudigonda1919]

it's one the greatest show after breaking bad and fargo!! Duffer brothers are incredibly talented!! camera work was perfect

[@TheLegendarySchmidt]

Game of Thrones

[@audobone]

+TLSPanthers is overrated.

[@TheLegendarySchmidt]

+.Anagha M. Yeah right. It is easily one of the best shows on television right now. If it is "overrated" tell me how over 1 million reviews on IMDB have given the show an average score of 9.5.

[@audobone]

TLSPanthers​​ Overrated is synonymous to being revered more than necessary. So obviously it's famous and has more than a million reviews or whatever. Kim Kardashian is famous too. Everything famous is not rightfully so. Besides, I think it's overrated; it's subjective. You can't prove me wrong, because my opinion isn't a fact. :)

[@jonsel27578]

I really dont like fargo :/ maybe i will try it again

[@harryhayes5625]

I remember in 2016 when the title sequence was released as a teaser, amazing how something so simple enchanted and hooked a whole audience before airing.

[@cuttothechasenews]

These kinds of vides are the only reason I watch Vox. I love when old is mixed with new.

[@KrazyKockatoo]

The 80's synths mixed with this animation gives such a somber and nostalgic feeling and I love it

[@clynt_2]

Never skipped the intro until season 3, cuz I couldn't wait to see the actual content. I was so excited

[@jesko9914]

Hmm k. I thought that just got animated in After Effects. But they do it really complicated.

[@CheekySmile98]

yeah it looks amazing

[@jesko9914]

Cheeky Smile yep

[@ZettaFan]

This is actually much less complicated and looks way more organic. When you only work with After Effects it's hard to get this type of end product unless you have a reference otherwise it just ends up looking weird

[@jesko9914]

ZettaFan I think ur right

[@Invad3r]

They did do the animation in After Effects (it's referenced in several articles). In this video she makes it clear they used the Kodaliths for reference material, not the actual production. Still a complicated process of adding film grain, flicker, slight jitters, moving lights, and whatnot.

[@Jujubes666]

I never skip the title sequence

[@davidgatt6513]

Really been looking for something on this topic! Such an art form and what a fantastic sequence it is. More like this please!

[@GRANGERHOG]

im actually really happy that somebody made a video of the opening credit, when i was watching this show with my family and i said how awesome i thought this was they just looked at me weird. i just really appreciate stuff like this

[@patrickilmoni9380]

A really interesting episode. I really love "old" typography and graphic designs. It seems that these 70s and 80s soft-cover book titles shown here are something completely strange, and new to almost a whole new generation or somethin.

[@sollee142]

Imaginary Forces is an awesome studio! Glad you guys did a video on this nice to see the motion graphics industry getting some much needed attention and love.

[@cheminem]

a lot more work goes into it than i thought, the fact that they sent out retro comics/novels for reference is awesome

[@sharsasuke01]

Stranger Things and Daredevil have the best intros.

[@alanramirez294]

I love Daredevil's intro, really shows feels like the show

[@ryanwalker5581]

Marco Polo's intro is pretty badass as well.

[@sharsasuke01]

Ryan Walker Never even heard of that show. lol

[@ryanwalker5581]

Its another netflix original is why it can be mentioned along with daredevil and ST, lol.

[@duckduckgoose8049]

What about Iron Fist? That intro was boss.

[@Krondelo]

I loved this intro, great job! That flashlight effect looks really beautiful.

[@Woofwoof369]

The stranger things’ intro (along with the music of course) makes me cry of joy everytam

[@jackalsoknowasthejack1404]

Ironically I loved the intro because of how smooth clean and perfect it matches up

[@thatvolvoguy6565]

I never skip the intro its nearly the best part it has a retro horror film vibe

[@DOODDEV]

Ill miss hearing that theme again :) I mean only if they make a 4th season, that would be great

[@maxwellulous820]

Season 4 and 5 are signed i think

[@tsiffpyc7882]

S 5 coming 2025 (or 2026)

[@nicoleilag]

I am so stoked that they covered this! I was here thinking I was the only one completely obsessed with the intro to Stranger Things. This was a really great video but I also think the music has a lot to do with why I like the intro. Nonetheless, I love everything about the show.

[@WebsitesByAlan]

The way it's filmed and match with the music is just exquisite.

[@RichTake]

By far one of the best shows I've ever watched, let alone just this year.

[@58wilkies]

I LOVE that retro sequence!!! Love love love it!!!! It makes me feel giddy, mysterious, childish, full of wonder, and curious all at once. Aaaahhh, life's little eighties' pleasures.

[@williamlockwood1773]

Great video! I was pleasantly surprised to see that they created the majority of the title sequence physically. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@CateCrafter]

I love how much thought and work went into creating a seemingly simple title sequence.

[@EdumastaDMBC]

I always watched the intro just because of the damn amazing soundtrack always giving me goosebumps... every single time :)

[@GoddardEmpire]

Its the little details that count. Thanks for this!

[@NihalShah]

This is a fantastic video! Showcasing the beautiful harmony of analogue and digital design. What an awesome show!

[@tedsava1800]

Please make more on design and typography! I love these types of videos so so much!

[@chrisjimenez2192]

*Perfection*

[@nirvanakamala2809]

This is so amazing, I'm so happy to learn about such detailed things.

[@Milkshakman]

Awesome video, I was just wondering a couple days ago how the titles were made. The texture and the dispersal of light made it look really organic, I had some doubts that it was cgi.

[@Wysperr]

I always loved LOOVED Chuck's opening theme and Jessica Jones' is very catchy as well. These guys (the studio) do great work, man.

[@vaibhavgupta20]

please make a video about Stranger thing music.

[@spiderliliez]

What a lovely feature... it's a nice insight about this amazing series!

[@BigzXeronA]

Vox is one of the best thing that happened to KZbin. I can only hope the quality of their videos stay the same.

[@michaelwise9857]

Late to the game as usual. Just began watching the first season in October 2019. I really like the show, but love the intro! I'm a child of the 80s and the synthesizers and lettering takes me back. Can't miss it! I specifically love the glow around each letter. It's very reminiscent of the homemade look of things from the 80s. Reminds me of an intro to any of the scary movies back then, Halloween, Fright Night, Etc.

[@JMillMac1120]

"[The title sequence] runs for almost a full minute, but it looks so good I never skipped over it." Is that actually a thing? Do people really skip over TV title sequences when binge watching shows? I know Netflix forces you to on some shows, but why? It's part of the show, accounted for in the director's pacing. And if it's a program worth binging in the first place, the theme is like an overture: a familiar piece of music meant to set the tone of what comes after, to build an audience's anticipation.

[@Lukaswilms]

I just dont like to watch the same intro over and over again 10 times. You dont read the ingredients on 10 different packs of food if they are all the same

[@shavonegranville6004]

lmao the first seasons title sequence was so good idk why they changed it.

[@IndieJenny]

I found out that people skip Game Of Thrones intro, even though you only watch one time per week and it changes every time. Why would people skip it? I don't get, seriously.

[@KonoChrome]

In fact if you watch some the shorter 11 minute shows enough (like Adventure Time), Netflix will start skipping the intro for you

[@quorkquork]

What is so hard to get for not wanting to repeatedly watch the same opening?

[@aznwilly8013]

I, too, don't skip it.

[@lukkkasz323]

Same.

[@hmmmqalib]

I would only skip the intro if I really wanted to know what happened next.

[@AFriendlyUnicorn]

melvin tayko same

[@Whovian1029]

Honestly, who skips title sequences?

[@PedroBrazz]

Imaginary Forces is one of my daily bases inspiration. When two companies with great ideas merge the result is nothing less than perfection. Love the titles, love the 80's look and feel of the series and love the series!!!

[@Gapbrick]

Thanks for making videos like these ♥ I love how you perfected the end card with the logo :o

[@LabGecko]

6 years late to this, but your comment still needs more likes. Those thoughtful touches are what make both Stranger Things and Vox great to watch.

[@raindropsneverfall]

I think this is the only show I want to watch. I am definitely giving it a try.

[@SkittleflakeKitty]

+Bleach Even Bleach agrees!

[@MaxwellRidgeway]

I'm not normally a tv show guy but when I saw the trailer.. I thought it was a movie and I was sold.

[@gimmepugs6826]

It's great, I watched it all in one night (I couldn't turn it off). I definitely recommend it! :)

[@MultiCrawler1]

prob because of all the good reviews its getting, which is kinda bad considering critics nowadays shape many peoples mind about something within letting the individual make their own

[@Paige-rd2xr]

same! i watched it all in one day

[@Bebe-rn2fh]

The Office US and Stranger Things are the two shows where I never skip the opening title sequence. They’re just too good

[@EvilMonkeyReturns]

It was the combination of the intro and the synthesized sound that sold the title sequence. I loved how they also threw in some grain as well to truly give it that 80's old-film feel.

[@christopherbolar]

I'm so glad you guys made this video. I'm obsessed with graphic design and cinematography and was in awe from the first time I saw the title sequence. Thanks for giving me closure

[@Squicx]

tbh the one with the flash light was actually really creepy and had an 80s feel!

[@Doude4222]

fav show so far along with 11.22.63

[@Doude4222]

tau_ np, if you like sci fi shows, 11.22.63 is definitely up there for amazing shows!

[@tanay4300]

+Doctor FeelHot (Doude4222) not really. it was disappointing.

[@ChrisKoelsch]

I tried to break down this title every time I watched an episode. It's so simple but with the music it works so well.

[@RedPandaGamer]

Really well produced video! Thank you!

[@bilawal]

When digital meets organic, magic happens :)

[@aleksanderrubik.]

I'M READY AF FOR TOMORROW

[@djlive408]

Their sound design is also amazing in addition to their score! Soo cool !

[@FrancisSyCoCo]

The only series that makes me wanna go back to the early 80’s and 90’s! Love this series!

[@DearMrsWings]

Is this Evan Puschak's voice aka The Nerdwriter ?

[@AdamLeuer]

I think Evan and the person narrating this just have similar sounding voices. I think the Nerdwriter would have mentioned something if he was going to work for Vox Media. Actually, looking at his Twitter as I type this, and in his last tweet he shared this exact video and said a few nice things about Vox. Which confirms it's not him.

[@DearMrsWings]

+Adam Leuer Thank you for your answer !

[@CarlosGarcia-ze6rt]

How can you not mention the most famous use of the font? It's HACENDADO! FYI: Hacendado it's a white-label brand that the spanish supermarket Mercadona sells, and it uses the same font as stranger things.

[@CarlosGarcia-ze6rt]

@TheGhost es una broma, ya me imagino que no tienen ni idea de lo que es Hacendado jajajaja

[@TheMrReynawa]

Just finished the 8th chapter: amazed. And again, nice coverage from Vox.

[@charlieq2012]

one of the few shows I binged watched. I couldn't stop.

[@tony-pc4kd]

I even skipped GOT intro music... But i never skipped Stranger things intro music

[@drugstorefilmisthebest2725]

I can't be the only one not watching this show, right?

[@ShahFaisalz]

not alone buddy

[@Spongy656]

You should try it, It looked lame but I really got into it. Finished it in 2 days.

[@drugstorefilmisthebest2725]

+jose salas I would, but I'm not even into binge watching anything. I'm more of a movie buff then a tv show watcher. But with all the hype, I may as well.

[@drugstorefilmisthebest2725]

+Faisal TV Ha finally!

[@AlexanderSegura146]

you're definitely not the only one. I love it!

[@mademoiselle3000]

After watching this video I went to Netflix to see the intro for myself and ended watching the full first episode and will probably binge watch it during the weekend.

[@Pez1979]

I'm not sure if anyone else can see it - but I always get a Halloween vibe from these credits. A bit like the zooming in on the pumpkin, with the title ever present!

[@TheEpicImpaler]

I like the logo in 1:21 more than the one in the show.

[@whatdadogdoin_]

List of intro i never skip: Game of thrones Westworld The crown List yours below⬇️

[@juliusanon]

Sense8

[@ThePersonally]

Legday

[@sonyabadass]

HBO WB Paramount Pictures MGM Marvel Studio Syncopi Amblin Entertainment PIXAR Disney

[@luffystrolls6837]

saturrrnes The Office

[@caseyrole8551]

Attack on Titan

[@Famoomoo]

I love this video so much I keep watching it over and over

[@Hhla8485]

Yet another awesome, and straight to the point video, Vox rocks

[@souravzzz]

For me, the title sequence was the best part of the show. I found it to be too predictable and using too many cliches.

[@DoItForU]

So true

[@leave.me.alone189yearsago5]

2:46 Netflix*

[@user-sh1gy2oe5f]

Just makes you wanna watch this title sequence this show for the first time again.

[@21yashthakur]

It's the music which makes this title sequence so good. The typography is feels like a free gift from kyle dixon.

[@wyattrowe8396]

This is the stuff I like from vox. Stop with all the political bullshit.

[@jamiehay1027]

I skipped over it every time in season 3 lol😬

[@stephen729]

that is very unfortunate

[@AvatarMiyazaki]

Never skipped the title sequence. For some reason it felt integral to watch it before every episode. XD They did a great job on it!

[@Crick1952]

I love the Vox design videos so much!!!

[@monorailxcx]

Anyone else back after season 3? 🐀

[@miiQuincy]

All this just for a title sequence

[@grantchauncey9488]

the media has focused on worse things before. The show was good and it had a pretty rad title sequence. So why not make a video on it. Gotta get that sick AD revenue.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Anime all have like 2min intros and outros. TV shows will catch up eventually ...

[@10Exahertz]

Artistic Appreciation, dont care about it, dont click on the video

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Shazland You tube is all about putitng about any related current content to bring in those clicks.

[@grantchauncey9488]

Hanniffy Dinn true

[@dianacornejo633]

VOX Thank You for nerding out on things like this!

[@britsywiskers]

SAME IVE NEVER SKIPPED IT ONCE THE MUSIC THE GLOW ON THE LETTERS JUST LOOKS TOO GOOD!!!!!!

[@Fierymemes]

Now since were talking intros can you guys make a video on Minecraft intros

[@karandex]

Isn't this font similar to doctor Strange

[@djdrjmusic]

Seems to be a strange font

[@skylinefilms123]

+djdrj I see what you did there

[@cma3]

Similar, yes. But, the Dr Strange logo was hand designed by Todd Klein, renowned DC & Marvel letterer. See here: kleinletters.com/LogosKleinHand.html

[@warsay9222]

+Kyler Escutia I see what you did there

[@car1475.]

I love this channel. I hope they do more film/photography videos. animation pitches.

[@brygalope8171]

The Stranger Things title sequence and font is beyond perfect!