McDonald’s and tms partner with Netflix for the Stranger Things: Tales of ’85 Happy Meal
McDonald’s is stepping into the world of Stranger Things for its latest Happy Meal, inviting fans to help “save McDonald’s” from the Tales of ’85 monsters. tms secured a partnership between McDonald’s and Netflix to bring the world of Hawkins into restaurants across the globe – from toy development to retail execution and digital gameplay, tms created an immersive end-to-end experience built for kids, families, and longtime fans alike.
The heart of the campaign was centered around a simple fan truth: “McDonald’s is where I get to take charge” – that idea became the creative backbone of the campaign, where young fans are invited to take charge, fend off monsters, and become the heroes of the story.
The Stranger Things: Tales of ’85 Happy Meal shows what’s possible when the power of technology, marketing, and sourcing are combined. By bringing together two iconic IPs, in-restaurant storytelling, toy design, and digital gameplay, tms partnered with McDonald’s and Netflix to create a fully connected experience – one that puts fans in control and brings Stranger Things to life on a global scale.
Toy development
tms designed and sourced a 12-toy lineup for the Happy Meal – inspired by iconic Stranger Things and McDonald’s locations and characters. From Hawkins Middle School and Hopper’s Cabin to the Palace Arcade and the Drive-Thru, each toy paired a familiar setting with a fan-favorite character. In select markets, offerings also include a Stranger Things book and activity packet, giving families even more ways to play.
Retail experience
tms led the retail development and in-store experience, taking a bold visual approach rooted in Stranger Things’ signature colors, textures, and creeping vine motif. Window decals, animated screens, drive-thru elements, and retail posters transformed restaurants into portals to the Stranger Things world.
tms also designed the packaging for this promotion, carrying the vines over to the Happy Meal box and featuring the full cast member lineup.
Digital game experience
The adventure extended beyond retail into the app with the digital gameplay – by scanning a QR code on the Happy Meal box or toy, kids could choose a character, battle creatures across three themed levels, and ultimately save McDonald’s. The experience reinforced the campaign’s core message: fans are in control.
Learn how we have previously supported global campaigns for McDonald’s, such as the Minecraft Meal. Interested in learning more about tms’ holistic marketing solutions, or how we can help your brand harness the power of partnerships? Get in touch.
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