The surprise party for Dustin's return starts with the cymbal sound of the Jolly Chimp figure! This is <Close Encounters of the Third Kind>, cinematic DNA for <Stranger Things>. The scene of toys moving on their own along with the Jolly Chimp's cymbal sound is one of the iconic scenes from <Close Encounters of the Third Kind>. Other scenes paying homage to the film include the moment when the door of Will's house opens and light pours in, and Joyce's obsession with lights to communicate with Will. Without <Close Encounters>, there's no <Stranger Things>.