Stranger Things has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments on television. And after spending an embarrassing amount of time rewatching every twist, chase and monster attack, I definitely have opinions about which seasons rise above the rest. Each chapter of the story brings something different to Hawkins, but some seasons hit with the kind of magic that keeps me glued to the screen and some don’t hold up as well on a rewatch.
With Season 5 just days away, I’m finally ready to break down how I rank all four seasons from best to not quite best based entirely on what kept me tapping that “next episode” button long after I should have gone to bed.
Netflix
I want to be clear that I don’t think there’s a bad season of Stranger Things. I rewatch all of them often. But one had to land in last place, and for me it’s season 4. The most recent season cranked up the scares with a heavy dose of Nightmare on Elm Street inspiration. With snapping bones and missing eyeballs, it is definitely the goriest chapter, so cover your eyes if you need to.
Season 4 did introduce Eddie Munson, who is my favorite side character the Duffers have added over the years. It also sets up the final battle for season 5 in a way that really has kept me on the edge of my seat for the better part of three years.
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Even though season 2 doesn’t take my top spot, the trailer remains unmatched. Set to the stylized version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” it shows Will, Mike, Lucas and Dustin trying to settle into life after the events of season 1, and honestly, everyone looks a little moody. Mike’s grief over losing Eleven brought the energy down for me on the initial watch.
That said, season 2 is the one that has grown on me the most over time. It sits just a hair behind the other seasons now.
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This will absolutely be my most controversial take, but I stand by it. With season 3 set in the summer of 1985 and premiering in the summer of 2019, it had everything a classic ‘80s blockbuster needed. It delivered humor, a sweet love story, a Miami Vice style mystery and more.
A big portion of the fandom felt the humor was out of place. I felt the opposite. After the darker tone of season 2, the lighter moments were needed. A summer spent at the mall and the local pool in 1985 sounds like a perfect break between the chaos.
Netflix
When Stranger Things premiered in 2016, it had very little marketing behind it. The only thing I saw was a trailer tucked into a list of upcoming Netflix shows. It caught my attention right away, but I had no idea how big this series would become.
Season 1 nailed the nostalgic feel of an ‘80s story with its small town setting and music, and who wasn’t excited to see Winona Ryder back on their screens? I genuinely enjoy every season, but the first chapter in this story still holds a special place in my heart.
We’re only days away from seeing how this story ends. It’s bittersweet because I’m not ready to say goodbye to characters I’ve spent the better part of the last decade with, but no matter what happens, I’ll be along for the ride.
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