If you are into supernatural, unseen demon-type things, you’ve probably watched Stranger Things. This horror/drama series is a big hit for teenagers or anyone who enjoys suspenseful television entertainment. So where was Stranger Things Filmed? The actual filming location may surprise you.

Where Was Stranger Things Filmed

Where Was Stranger Things Filmed?

The main Stranger Things film location is the town of Jackson, Georgia. The small town was transformed into a 1980s-style setting for much of the show’s filming. At least one primary location was used for Stranger Things: The Hawkins National Laboratory.

Jackson, Georgia

This lab was built specifically for the show and recreated a Cold War-era military base in order to create a realistic atmosphere. The Duffer Brothers, the creators of the show, wanted to avoid any modern-day elements for the set and created an authentic experience for viewers.

hawkins national lab

In addition to the Hawkins National Laboratory, several other film locations in Jackson were used throughout the filming process. This included nearby Lick Skillet Road, which was featured prominently in the show’s first season. Other locations used in Jackson included the Old Capitol Building, City Hall, and various residential homes and businesses which are a few of the Stranger Things locations in real life.

The town of Jackson also served as a backdrop for filming scenes set in Indiana. Many buildings in downtown Jackson were converted into shops with 1980s-style facades in order to bring the Spielbergian atmosphere to life.

Outside of Jackson, the cast and crew traveled to nearby cities for shooting scenes set in Chicago and Hawkins High School. The Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta was also used for exterior shots of the high school.

All in all, the use of various locations throughout the state of Georgia helped bring Stranger Things to life onscreen. From the bustling downtown of Jackson to the mysterious Hawkins National Laboratory, Stranger Things was able to become an instant classic set in a time and place that could never truly exist.

The Story of Stranger Things

Matt and Ross Duffer (aka the Duffer Brothers) are credited with creating this science fiction, horror/drama called Stranger Things. The story is set in the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. It begins with a young boy disappearing. The small town discovers secret government experiments, supernatural forces, and one very strange little girl.

where was stranger things filmed - Eleven

It can be gruesome at times with people being attacked, possessed, and taken by scary monsters. Yet it has a TV-14 rating. The story is about kids but it’s not a kid’s show.

The Cast

The extensive cast includes:

  • Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)
  • Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers)
  • Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson)
  • Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler)
  • Joe Keery (Steve Harrington)
  • Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler)
  • Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield)
  • Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman)
  • Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler)
  • David Harbour (Jim Hopper)
  • Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair)
  • Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers)
  • Noah Schnapp (Will Byers)
  • Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair)
  • and Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley)

The Director

Most of the series was directed by the Duff brothers Matt and Ross. They were also the head writers. They had pitched the script to approximately 15 cable networks all of whom rejected it. In 2015, Netflix read the pilot and purchased the first season for an undisclosed amount.

Want your own film on Netflix? Check out this post: List of Netflix Approved Cameras

Stranger Things Bloopers!

Here’s a great video from the official Stranger Things YouTube channel showing a few bloopers caught on camera from Season 4 filming.

Fun Facts About Stranger Things

The show was originally called ‘Montauk.’ Inspiration for the series came from an alleged US Military program named The Montauk Project. According to the legend, experiments were conducted on children that involved mind reading, mind control, and time travel.

Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley) is Ethan Hawke’s daughter. Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder were both in the film Reality Bites together back in 1994.

The real phone number of Brett Gelman (aka Murray Bauman the police investigator) was flashed on screen in Season 3, Episode 6. Fans who called the number were taken to voicemail where a few hints were given for future episodes.

More about Netflix: Who Owns Netflix? Official Breakdown of Stakeholders

Awards

Stranger Things has been nominated for 13 Emmys and won five of them. In 2017, Winona Ryder was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. 

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What is Georgia Famous For?

The peach state is Julia Roberts’ birthplace and where Coca-Cola was first created back in 1886 by an Atlanta pharmacist. It’s also the fruitcake capital of the United States producing more than four million pounds of fruitcake each year.

The 1936 novel Gone with the Wind was set in Georgia and adapted for the big screen. It won 10 Academy Awards and became one of the most successful movies in box-office history.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta and won a Nobel Peach Prize in 1964 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (posthumous) in 1977.

Unique Places in Georgia

In keeping with the Stranger Things theme, check out the Doll’s Head Trail in Atlanta. It was started as an art project of discarded doll parts by a local carpenter. Visitors can now make their own contributions to the art project.

If you love horses, be sure to check out the Cumberland Island National Seashore in St. Marys, Georgia. The island is home to beautiful beaches and dunes. But the star attraction is the feral horses!

Things to Do in Georgia

One of the most popular places to visit in Georgia is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. It contains more than 100,000 aquatic animals living in different exhibits.

Then there’s the Savannah Historic District which covers three square miles and is preserved much as it appeared during the Civil War. Along with the famous Spanish moss, it also contains museums and mansions to tour.

Additional Film Location Resources

If you are looking for more film locations, insider information and behind the scenes footage of your favorite movies – here are some additional posts for you to check out:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stranger Things based on a true story?

Stranger Things is inspired by a ‘true’ story. It is based on the Montauk Project.

Where is Hopper’s cabin in real life?

Hopper Apollo’s cabin is located at Sleepy Hollow Farm in Powder Springs, Georgia. It was used in season 2&3 of Stranger Things.

What high school was Stranger Things filmed at?

The scenes that take place in California were shot in New Mexico. the Lenora Hill High School that Will and Eleven go to is actually the Eldorado High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

At the moment, the future of Stranger Things includes Season 5. There is at least one spin-off series in the works.The Stranger Things series may not be appealing to you but I’m betting that Georgia will be. Leave me a comment below if you’ve been to Georgia. I’d love to hear about your experience.

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