The <The Dark Crystal> poster in Mike's room speaks volumes about his adventurous taste. This kid doesn't do cute. He does dark, bizarre, and beautiful. The film’s pioneering vision—a dark, eerie world built entirely on puppetry—left a deep mark on <Stranger Things>. The Duffer Brothers pay homage through more than just a poster; they embrace the tactile terror of animatronics. When you see the Demogorgon move, you're seeing <The Dark Crystal>'s DNA in action.