Stranger Things was one of the definitive TV shows of the last decade, finally making the ’80s cool again and delivering some of the sharpest writing, funniest characters, and most sensational production design of any show right now. Each season of the show has been bigger and more intense than the lastwith many exciting stories converging in explosive ways. With Stranger Things fifth season set to end the show, there are many scenes from previous episodes that still live in the audience’s mind.
Stranger Things has been a pop culture behemoth, with many of the show’s iconic images making their way into the zeitgeist and becoming known even to those who aren’t fans of the project. It’s Netflix’s biggest show since its inceptionand a lot of that comes down to his willingness to be incredibly creative, bold, and ambitious in his storytelling. Some risks were taken, and these are the emotional scenes that viewers still remember several seasons later. The most important Stranger Things episodes are those that push boundaries and try new things, which happens a lot in this series.
10
Joyce talks to Will through the Christmas lights
Season 1, Episode 3
One of the main turning points Stranger Things‘the first season was Joyce’s discovery that she could communicate with her son through your home’s electricity, using Christmas decorations as a way to send messages to the Upside-Down. This was a revolutionary scene in the story, as it finally leaned into the supernatural side of the narrative and gave audiences a taste of the creative science fiction concepts that were to come.
9
Max escapes from Vecna using his music
Season 4, Episode 4
In the fourth season of Stranger Thingsthe gang is forced to face their greatest and most dangerous enemy in Vecna. There are still many theories about Vecna and how he will be defeated, but the villain got his first taste of defeat in the episode “Dear Billy” when Max’s friends used his favorite song (“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush). to bring her out of her trance and back into the real world. The music really helped make this scene stand out, and the stunning visuals of Max escaping the Upside-Down are not easily forgotten.
8
Steve fights the Demodogs
Season 2, Episode 6
There have been several versions of the Demogorgons included throughout Stranger Thingsbut perhaps the most unusual and intimidating are the Demodogs. They’re smaller, canine-like versions of the creatures that tear apart their prey – but that hasn’t stopped Steve from taking them on alone with his trusty baseball bat. His fight against the Demodogs was one of the coolest scenes in the series and further proved how much he’s willing to risk to protect his young friends.
7
Eleven and Max have fun at the mall
Season 3, Episode 2
The friendship between Eleven and Max was one of the most fun parts of Stranger Things‘third season, which was considered the weakest of the series to date. There are many high-stakes stories and evil monsters in Stranger Thingsbut sometimes the show’s best moments come in the few moments of tranquility and happiness these kids have. Eleven’s trip to the mall was a pivotal moment in her journey and one of the few scenes where she could be a normal teenager.
6
Hopper escapes from Russian prison
Season 4, Episode 7
Although much of Hopper’s narrative in Stranger ThingsSeason four took place away from the rest of the action, the way it all culminated in an orchestrated prison break with angry guards, hidden tunnels and flaming Demogorgons proved it would all be worth it in the end. The huge set also saw Hopper reunite with Joy after several episodes, which was obviously good to watch.
5
Eddie’s reversed guitar solo
Despite calls to bring Eddie Munson back Stranger ThingsIn the fifth season, the character had one of the coolest exits in the series so far. Not every character has the opportunity to sacrifice themselves for their friends, and only one can do so while delivering an intense guitar solo. Eddie’s death was a tragic moment that proved the show wasn’t done torturing its audience, but the music scene that preceded it was undeniably cool.
4
Dustin and Suzy’s Neverending Story Duet
Season 3, Episode 8
The most memorable scenes from Stranger Things These are usually ones with deadly monsters or tragic deaths, but the show’s third season often leaned toward the lighter side of the story. The most obvious example of this was in episode eight, when Dustin is forced to sing “The Neverending Story” with his girlfriend Suzy to convince her to help him and his friends. It’s a sweet moment that reminds the audience that, despite everything, they are still kids with teenage problems.
3
Mike jumps off the cliff for Dustin
Season 1, Episode 6
There is no definitive moment that Stranger Things It objectively proved to be an excellent show, but if there was, it would be Mike’s self-sacrifice in the show’s sixth episode. When Dustin is threatened by high school bullies, Mike succumbs to the pressure and jumps off a cliff to save his friend from the pain. He was ultimately saved by Eleven and her telekinetic abilities, but he was still willing to die for his friend, and this really strengthens the friendship between these characters.
2
Eleven closes the gate
Season 2, Episode 9
In one of Stranger ThingsIn the scariest moments, Eleven risks her life to close the gate between the real world and the Upside Down, using the full extent of her powers to do so. The scene left the audience firmly on the edge of their seats, doing a great job of explaining what was at stake and making viewers aware of what could happen if she failed. It was a defining moment in Eleven’s storyline, cementing her as the show’s heroine.
1
Steve returns to save Jonathan and Nancy from the Demogorgon
Season 1, Episode 8
All over Stranger ThingsIn the first season, Steve Harrington is a selfish bully whose crush on Nancy makes him act out against Jonathan and mock him at every possible moment. But in the first moment of Steve’s perfectly written redemption arc, the character realizes he can’t be responsible for their deaths and puts his own life on the line to fight the Demogorgon with a baseball bat. It’s a plan that never should have worked, but it was the first step in finally making Steve a likable character.