Stephen King's IT: 1950s vs. 1980s - Which Decade Is The Better Setting

https://screenrant.com/stephen-king-it-1950s-1980s-better-setting-reason/

A modern audience is definitely much more receptive to the movie version of IT. For one, most of the movie's core audience remembers the 1980s, or at least understands the general trends and fads of the decade. They can picture themselves in the shoes of the "Losers" more easily, and can feel nostalgic over the '80s set and costume designs, as well as the movie or music references the characters make.

They would, therefore, be less receptive to the TV miniseries. The 1950s is somewhat of a less approachable decade to today's viewers. It would certainly be more difficult for younger audience members to understand the nuances of the time, to grasp the references made, and to ultimately understand and relate to the characters. Also, when the miniseries came out in 1990, the '80s were barely even a thing of the past.

In another vein, setting the IT movie in the 1980s made for more interesting looks for the characters. The clothing trends of the time were creative and colorful, while the 1950s general style was more conforming and plain. Additionally, perhaps the language some of the "Losers" use in the movie—hilariously filled with swear words—would have been different if the movie was set in the '50s, a decade in which children and teens were probably less likely to speak that way. While both versions tell a good story, the modern retelling of Stephen King's IT seems to be the preferred choice for most, as the 1980s are not just a popular era for horror media of late, but a time period that reflects a lot of social changes and movements that are useful to bolster a horror movie, where the 1950s can seem almost innocent and boring by comparison.