We look back at the top 10 most memorable scenes of Netflix’s Stranger Things: here’s a list of unforgettable moments from the series, ranked from worst to best!
Since its release nine years ago, the Netflix hit series Stranger Things has featured many unforgettable moments. As a dedicated fan of the show, I must admit that I found it quite challenging to select 10 of Stranger Things’ most memorable scenes while compiling this list.
Over the show’s four seasons, we’ve witnessed multiple character deaths, epic fight scenes, and touching situations that highlight why these characters mean so much to us and their remarkable growth throughout the years. While I could discuss multiple standout moments from the series, I focused on scenes that left a lasting impression on me. Ultimately, these selections were influenced by significant, unforgettable turning points for specific characters and scenes that had a strong emotional impact. So, stay tuned as we discuss 10 of Stranger Things’ most memorable scenes.
10. Eleven Hitting Angela with the Roller Skate
Season 4, Chapter 2: Vecna’s Curse
When reflecting on Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) life, the trauma she endured as a child is truly heartbreaking. As a result, whenever the character experiences glimpses of normalcy in her life, it pulls at the audience’s heartstrings. During season 4, Eleven starts high school, but Angela (Elodie Grace Orkin), a mean-spirited bully, makes her life hell. While I certainly don’t condone violence, Eleven hitting Angela with a roller skate showcases the pent-up anger she is holding after being teased constantly and the hurt she’s facing, thinking that Hopper (David Harbour) is dead. This scene also marks a turning point in Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Eleven’s relationship, and as the season progresses, her feelings of isolation only escalate. Even if viewers disagree with Eleven’s actions, the roller skate scene is one of the most shocking and unexpected of the series.
9. The Snow Ball School Prom
Season 2, Chapter Nine: The Gate
In a world full of demogorgons, death, and despair, the possibility of the Stranger Things characters having a peaceful life feels unattainable. Thankfully, despite all the chaos in Hawkins, season 2’s final episode, Chapter Nine: The Gate, gives viewers hope for the future as we watch our high schoolers attend their Snow Ball 84’ prom. What makes this scene so magical is its emotional payoff. Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and Max (Sadie Sink) share a first kiss and dance, as do Mike and Eleven. This solidifies both couples’ romantic feelings for one another and the trajectory of their relationships heading into season 3.
One of the most heartfelt moments at the prom occurs when Stacey (Sydney Bullock) rejects Dustin’s (Gaten Matarazzo) invitation to dance. Moments later, however, Nancy (Natalia Dyer) picks up the pieces as she sees how sad he is and asks him to join her on the dance floor. That’s right. Mike’s older sister saves the day and makes Dustin feel on top of the world. It’s an absolute joy to watch, and we love her for it!
8. The Sauna Test
Season 3, Chapter 4: The Sauna Test
When I watched Stranger Things back in July 2019, The Sauna Test quickly became my favorite episode of season 3. After Eleven’s disturbing visions of Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and the gang observing his behavior, the Hawkins crew suspects that he’s become a host for the Mind Flayer. However, to be sure, they must test their theory. What makes this moment distinctive is how overwhelmingly tense the scene is. Though Billy is confined to a room, we know just how powerful the Mind Flayer is and how high the stakes are, as the door could burst open at any minute. Billy also shows some remorse, yet viewers can’t help but wonder if his words are sincere or if it’s a manipulation tactic in his current state of mind. It’s one of the show’s most gripping scenes and one that I rewatch often, making it a must on this list!
7. Joyce and the Christmas Lights
Season 1, Chapter 3: Holly, Jolly
Who would have thought a set of Christmas lights would become such an iconic part of a television series? During Stranger Things season 1, Joyce (Winona Ryder) desperately searches for answers after Will (Noah Schnapp) vanishes into thin air. Though her son’s disappearance is suspicious, and the circumstances of it raise questions, at first, Joyce seems to be the only person who believes that he’s alive.
The Christmas lights scene is memorable as it gives Joyce and the audience hope Will is going to make it when he communicates with his mother in such a unique way. This scene also showcases a mother’s intuition and the unwavering commitment and love parents have for their children.
6. Steve, Jonathan, and Nancy fight the Demogorgon
Season 1, Chapter Eight: The Upside Down
Season one of Stranger Things feels like an eternity ago. Yet, it’s undoubtedly one of the best of the series, introducing viewers to the characters and allowing us to experience the existence of the evil parallel universe, The Upside Down, in real time alongside them. For Steve (Joe Keery) stans, episode 8 of season 1 is very much a turning point for the character. Throughout the show, he’s evolved from a complete jerk to someone the whole group adores for his protective-like instincts.
Steve visiting the Byers’ house to make things right with Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) after their fight reflects his ability to acknowledge his mistakes and take accountability for his actions. This moment highlights his journey toward self-improvement and his character development of the course of the series.
After arriving at the home to apologize, Steve soon realizes that Jonathan and Nancy are fighting off a random monster that appears out of nowhere through the roof of the house. Though freaked out at first, he helps them fight off the Demogorgon and saves the day.
This scene also introduces the spiked bat, which later becomes a staple weapon for Steve, which he uses later in season 2. And can we take a moment to appreciate how courageous Nancy and Jonathan are for facing this terrifying monster head-on without hesitation and assembling the most gnarly-looking weapons?
5. The Billy Sacrifice
Season 3, Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt
Let’s be honest, Billy was never a character one could warm to. He was toxic, abusive, and constantly mean to his sister, Max. In season 3 of Stranger Things, he becomes one of the main villains after being possessed by the Mind Flayer. At that point, all hope seems lost for the character, and it feels like he could never demonstrate compassion toward anyone. So, it comes as a huge surprise when Billy sacrifices himself to save Eleven and the rest of the Hawkins crew during the Battle of Starcourt.
In that moment, Eleven allows him to relive a childhood memory of his mother, which helps him reconnect with the last bit of humanity he has left. This courageous sacrifice is a satisfying ending for the character and proves that perhaps Billy had somewhat of a heart after all. His redemption arc will stand the test of time in the Stranger Things universe, as without him stepping in to help, the rest of the characters would likely have lost their lives.
4. Eddie Munson’s Upside-Down Guitar Solo/Death
Season 4, Chapter Nine: The Piggyback
When Stranger Things fans tuned into Netflix for season 4, the last thing we expected was for a newly introduced character to steal our hearts completely. Yet, over nine episodes, Eddie’s (Joseph Quinn) charm, protective nature, and authenticity won the audience over. The character’s guitar solo in the Upside Down is a pivotal, moving moment for Munson and is one of the show’s most unforgettable scenes. Ultimately, Eddie sacrifices himself to deter the Demobats from his friends.
His untimely death is one of the most devastating moments of the series and had me bawling like a baby. In fact, the words “I didn’t run away this time” will be forever ingrained in my brain. But let’s not forget the rendition of Metallica’s Master of Puppets that Eddie plays on the guitar right before he passes away. It’s one hell of a way for his character to make an exit, and the fitting song choice elevates this scene to another level.
3. When Max Dies in Lucas’ Arms
Season 4, Chapter Nine: The Piggyback
I have watched Stranger Things four times and always cry whenever I reach this scene in the show. During season 4’s finale and in an alarming twist of fate, Vecna kills Max. What makes this scene incredibly impactful is Max uttering the words “I don’t want to die, I’m not ready” right before she passes in Lucas’ arms. As the audience, we understand that Max is now aware of how precious her life is, only for her last ounce of will to be snatched away from her. If that weren’t heartbreaking enough, Lucas being present to hold Max in her final moments is utterly devastating and completely wrecked me.
2. The Henry/Vecna Reveal
Season 4, Chapter 7: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
When it was revealed in season 4 that Henry is actually Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), my jaw hit the floor. This astonishing twist was completely unexpected, and it was a moment fans of the show never saw coming. In Chapter 7: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab, viewers discover Eleven unintentionally banished Henry to the Upside Down years prior, when she discovers his malicious intent to kill humanity and that Henry is responsible for the deaths of the children at Hawkins lab.
After asking Eleven to be his sidekick, she refuses, and a fight breaks out between the two. This is by far one of Stranger Things’ most crucial moments. The audience learns how Vecna came to be after spending years in the Upside Down, while also gaining insight into Henry’s dark past. It’s exciting, intense, and exceptionally brilliant.
1. Max Runs from Vecna
Season 4, Chapter 4: Dear Billy
When thinking back on all my favorite scenes from Stranger Things thus far, I knew immediately that this would be number one. Max’s escape from Vecna is a poignant moment due to its multiple meanings and the deep resonance it had with viewers when season 4 was released in 2022. Though Max spends most of season 4 facing trauma and guilt due to Billy’s death, after Vecna attempts to infiltrate her mind and kill her, she chooses to fight back.
This showcases her desire to live life, push through grief, and combat her mental health struggles. When attempting mind control, Vecna’s lair represents both a location in the Upside Down and a metaphor for depression, demonstrating its suffocating effects that leave individuals feeling hopeless. It’s a profoundly moving scene that has made many struggling with the same challenges feel understood and less alone. I can’t praise the Duffer Brothers and Sadie Sink enough for portraying this moment in such an emotionally compelling way, which is why it deserves the top spot on this list! Plus, the decision for it all to unfold as Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush plays is truly iconic.
Those are 10 of Stranger Things’ most memorable scenes throughout seasons 1 through 4. What are some of your favorite moments from the show?
Stranger Things will return to Netflix for its fifth and final season sometime this year.
