Ranking Stranger Things Characters

 Hey! just to let you know that this post includes spoilers from seasons 1-3 of Stranger Things, however no spoilers for season 4! I promise! 

Today we're going to chat Stranger Things! An iconic show with an iconic cast playing iconic characters. But there are monsters lurking within, and by monsters I don't just mean demogorgons, I mean dull characters and bad guys played so well I want them off my screen. Which is what inspired me to rank them on this tier list today! This is based on seasons 1-3. When starting this ranking, I had only just started season 4 (which I'm now up to date with, oh my god) so I didn't let that influence my ranking whatsoever. I will do another ranking post like this with all the new characters and also just chatting about my season 4 opinions when the full season is out in July. See what changes! 

We have 5 different tiers going from worst at the bottom to the best at the top. 

Let's start at 'nope' and work our way up.

Nope

Eight / Kali

Eight has found herself at the bottom of this list more based on the episode & storyline written for her rather than the character herself. None of us wanted this, Duffer Brothers! That being said, I didn't warm to or find interest in her character anyway. I think we were supposed to view her episode (aka the worst episode of Stranger Things ever) as badass and action packed, when in fact the only good thing this detour brought us was Eleven learning the word bitchin'.

Bruce Lowe

I don't think this needs much explaining. Misogynistic pig. Treated Nancy like shit which gave us some of the most uncomfortable but real moments of season 3 and shone light on the struggles of being heard as a woman in that time (and still!). I'm so glad it was Nancy who killed him once he became one of the flayed. 

Martin Brenner (Papa)

Creepy government scientist man who gets the kids he's experimenting on to call him Papa? nope.

Connie Frazier

Now I don't know much about Connie but what I DO know isn't good- She worked with Martin Brenner and SHE KILLED BENNY FROM BENNY'S BURGERS!! Sounds pretty toxic to me x

Larry Kline

A slimy, lying, cheating politician. We have enough of those in real life. He did so much wrong I'm not even going to try and get into it all, but the bit that hurt me the most was when he alerted the bad guys to Hopper and co's presence at the fair, resulting in Alexei's death :'( Yay to Joyce for punching him in the face & kicking him in the balls before she left. We love to see it. 

Barb

Honestly? Barb sucked. She was that super judgy friend who made you feel shit about living and learning when you're just doing you. Though it's sad she died, if she hadn't, you can bet she would've wasted no time in shaming Nancy for getting it on with her BOYFRIEND when she saw her next. Even from the upside down she managed to ruin the moment for Nancy forever, all because she hung around and got eaten by a demogorgon instead of just going home like Nancy told her too. To tone down the dramatics, there just wasn't enough time to get to know Barb. She was in a sulky mood for the whole time we knew her and she didn't get the chance to redeem herself. If she was Nancy's best friend, there must have been more, we just didn't see it. 

Boring

This column is for the characters who haven't done much (if anything) wrong, but fall towards the bottom due to being boring AF. 

Heather Holloway

Even as a member of the Flayed she wasn't that scary so it's kinda easy to forget Heather. Billy stole the limelight and Heather was just... there. Being all possessed and shit. 

Keith

Worked at the arcade then the video place. Weird. tried to get dates with Nancy through doing favours for her 13 year old brother, but made up for it by eventually hiring Steve at the end of season 3.  Forgettable but to be fair to him, he has a very minor role in the show. 

Ted Wheeler

Karen deserves better 

Holly Wheeler

She doesn't do anything wrong but she doesn't do anything interesting either. I'm hoping for a good smallest Wheeler moment in the last two seasons where she's a bit older. 

Fine

These characters are solid but not faves.

The Mind Flayer

Obviously all the monsters of the upside down are pretty iconic, but this guy's simply just alright. Cool monster, not quite as loveable as Dart though. 

Dr Sam Owens

He was a breathe of fresh air in season 2 as finally, there was a doctor we could trust. Couldn't help with much when shit went down though... But he also helped arrange the adoption of El for Hopper, which makes me happy. Jane Hopper. :') 

Mike Wheeler

My least favourite of the Stranger Things kids. I don't dislike Mike for any reason, I just don't warm to him as much as the others. His basement though? iconic. 

Billy Hargrove

If I was making this list after season 2 Billy would've been a lot lower, but since he sacrificed himself to save his sisters friends I've warmed to him. He had been through a lot in his life, and ended it with bravery and strength.

Benny from Benny's Burgers

Even though Benny was only in the show for a very short amount of time, I warmed to him and remember him clearly. I can't say the same for many of the minor characters over the seasons. He was kind to El and tried to do the right thing which is all we can ask for. Rest in peace B. 

Max

I won't pretend I've always liked Max's character, but she has her fair share of iconic moments in season 3. She's so integral in Elevens growth and the reason behind the legendary material girl shopping scene. The more I see of Max, the more I like her. Fighting fiercely for Els independence & teaching her the importance of empowered women shows how ahead of her time she was x

Jonathan

I like the Byers, and although Jonathan is my least favourite member of the family, I warm to him purely based on that. The intensity of the family's situation in season 1 seems to have bonded me with them permanently hahaha. His relationship with Nancy was one I was rooting for throughout season 1, but now feels stale. especially with them failing to understand each others lives and perspectives throughout season 3. They only came together again because the shit with the mind flayer brought them close once more. They seem to be together due to their trauma bond now rather than romantic connection.

Mr Clarke 

The guy that taught Dustin, Will, Mike & Lucas so much of the stuff that's got them through all these years, and helps Joyce when Hopper won't listen to her about the magnets. Pretty cool guy. 

Nancy

I was really unsure on where to rank Nancy, but it came down to either low on 'love' or the highest on 'fine'. Obviously you can see what I ended up going with. She's a strong female character who has some seriously badass moments- her fight to be heard and her determination even when her own boyfriend didn't believe in her deserved top tier, but when with Jonathan she somehow manages to fade into the background again. I have to admit at this point she's so much stronger and more appealing to me as a powerful female on her own. In scenes where she's separated from Jonathan, she shines more. She doesn't even fall down in my rankings intentionally, I guess the competition is just fierce at this point in the list. 

Looove

 The people who just missed out on the top spot, but are still icons in their own right.

Demodogs

Demogorgon's different stages of growth are showcased throughout season 2, and demodogs are stage 5, with them being fully grown demogorgons at stage 6. This is the form that the legendary Dart was when he basically saved everyone by recognising Dustin. Just a little doggy really. Love demodogs.

Alexei 

Once again we have a character who was not in the show for long but made such an impact. I shed tears when Alexei got killed, which is more than I can say for most main character deaths in TV shows. He was so well written and in the short time we knew him, he stole our hearts. The scene where Hopper kicks him out but knows he won't go and sure enough he's sat in the car engine running still outside?!! the scene at the fair where he's having so much fun with Murray?!!! superior moments. so sad the last one got so rudely interrupted. 

Mews

This high on the list purely because she was a cute cat. May she rest in peace. 

Bob Newby

Joyce Byers picked a good egg here. Bob was such a lovely man who treated her well, as she deserves. It was so nice to see after meeting Lonnie in season 1 and seeing what a crapbag he was. Those sweet moments before Bobs death, where he's just saved everyone and they think they've all made it out alive... it kills me every time :'( Oh Bob Newby you were a superhero.

Karen Wheeler

I don't have much of a reason to rank Karen this high seen as she's not an integral character (despite being Nancy and Mike's mother, she spends 99% of the series being blissfully unaware about ANY strange things happening) but I just like her vibe. One part in particular that bumped her up in my rankings was her inspiring exchange with Nancy after finding out she was fired from Hawkins Post. It's such a raw, real moment from her. I really appreciated this detail, and it showed us a little glimpse into just where Nancy got her edge and determination from. Plus Karen's kinda super hot, she's got style. 

Lucas Sinclair

He's here because he's an original who doesn't annoy me the way Mike can, but isn't as iconic as Will and Dustin. Lucas is the realist in the group, who keeps them grounded but most of the time... that's unnecessary... because everything that happens in Hawkins is madness. Out of the main 4, his character is the least involved despite being equally as present. I think we all need a more chill member of the friendship group though, so I do appreciate Lucas' calmer vibes. 

Erica Sinclair

A step above her brother despite being more of a minor character because Erica is a hero. Every single one of her lines is full of sass. She's so well written, so well played, so Erica. She gives us so much throughout season 3 and the combination of Erica with Dustin, Steve and Robin was probably the peak combo of the season for me. 

Chester Byers

Cute little dog = high on my list for that reason alone. I cannot believe they killed him off before season 2 because David Harbour didn't like him :'( Justice for Chester, the season 1 Byers family dog.

Robin

I love Robin's character, her energy, her dynamic with Steve. On a kinder day she definitely would've been top tier, but the competition is so so so tough & not everyone can be top row. Robin and Steve being drugged by the Russians was some top quality comedy. I can't wait to see more from Robin in future seasons, but will miss her iconic Scoops outfit we got so used to seeing. 

Iconic

It doesn't get much better than this. My top 8 favourite characters! I'm not giving you the line at the start like I have previously because we are counting down to that #1 spot now! Buckle up.

Murray

Depending on my mood, Murray and Robin switch places in this line up, but today Murray has just topped it based on the energy he's been bringing to the show with every appearance since season 2. His personality is so large and entertaining, there truly isn't another character like him. He's one of those returning characters that make you cheer when he pops up again. I love the way Murray goes from someone Hopper dismisses and refuses to acknowledge, to a trusted ally. Watching the companionship bloom was something I didn't know I needed until we had it! I also love that when season 2 Murray goes to Hopper with all his theories about the events that took place in Hawkins in season 1, Hopper is having none of it (and rightfully so, Murray is merely a conspiracy theorist at this point who is not yet involved in the integral plot whatsoever) but one of Murrays theories is about a Russian invasion in Hawkins... aka the plot of season 3! It's a great little detail. 

Dart

Sounds weird but I really relate to Dustin secretly keeping Dart as a pet and bonding with him, despite him turning out to be a baby Demogorgon. That's me with all animals lol. Dart and Dustin's bond was CUTE and ultimately saved them. I feel that this storyline was really quite important as it changed our perspective slightly and made us see them in a different way for the first time, which is a really interesting thing for the writers to do. It added depth to them that we didn't have before. It also showed that they are capable of human connection which is brand new information to us and for me personally, added layered emotions. Not all monsters are all bad. If we try hard enough, like Dustin, we can find the lightness in dark things too. It also taught us to not bring strange animals home because they might eat your cat. My personal favourite stage of Dart growth was stage 3, Frogogorgon. Cute af and for sure the best monster from the upside down.

Will Byers

The story, as we knew it, all started with Will. A truly iconic character with some of the best story lines. I really feel for Will as he navigates past the trauma that was season 1, especially in season 3 when he finally feels like he has his body and life back and just wants to play D&D with his besties but they're too busy being annoying to take a step back and think about the shit Will has been through and how it's the LEAST they can do to pay attention when playing freaking D&D after he's made it really clear that it's important to him?!! HE NEEDS NORMALITY FOR A LITTLE WHILE. Sorry, rant over. But Mike was truly a terrible friend to Will post upside down. Mike fights so fiercely for El but doesn't even notice his best mates feelings? Thats why Will is up here in iconic and you, Mike, are not. Will deserves better, he really doesn't ask for much. Can't wait for him to finally find some happiness in the new seasons (pls Duffer Brothers hehe)

 5. Dustin Henderson

We're into the top 5! How could this guy not be in it; the best, most loveable character from the original Hawkins middle school friendship group. His independent relationships with all of the characters are always so wholesome and likeable, but nothing comes close to the duo of Dustin and Steve. Both actors have so much chemistry and together they bounce off each other so perfectly. Their bickering alone is iconic. Dustin is unapologetically himself which, to me, makes him the coolest of the bunch. As well as being the smart one who often saves the day (or enlists his girlfriend to do so), he is also the glue that holds the gang together in so many ways. They'd flop without him. 

4. Eleven 

There's no one more badass than El. She literally had superpowers. I wish my trauma also had an upside as cool as superpowers. Even when El isn't there, it's still all about her. She is the moment. Bitchin'. 

3. Joyce Byers

Joyce freaking BYERS! The woman behind the Christmas lights! The magnets! That saved her boy! She's a GENIUS. So many of the shows most iconic elements are because of this woman right here. She's so strong, so determined, the coolest mum (apart from mine of course) and although she doesn't have powers, is the superhero of the mortal world. Joyce has been through so much yet lets it fuel her, remaining fiery when you're expecting ashes and I love that so much. Also she's played by Winona Ryder!!!! Like, c'mon!!! She truly blessed us all. 

2. Hopper

At this point, I'm overwhelmed by not only how amazingly the Duffer Brothers write their characters, but also how undeniably perfect the casting is. David Harbour as Hopper is just, everything. When he adopts El, when he's getting ready for his date with Joyce, when he's writing his heart to heart :') He has so many soft, heartwarming moments despite being a tough guy on the outside. Those are the moments that make his character stand out as even warmer than Joyce at times. His character progression is an emotional one. Hop's been through so much and still manages to be the perfect mixture of open hearted and grumpy police man. If Hopper isn't in your top 3, you're wrong. 

1. Steve Harrington 

As you've probably guessed by now, Steve is obviously my #1 favourite Stranger Things character. Despite the questionable start in season 1, Steve has completely stolen my heart. His character shows something I think we all need to learn in real life as well: growth is an amazing thing and you can move on from your high school self. You are not the mistakes you made when you were young, figuring it all out. Even his hair has done nothing but get better and better. The moment I fell in love with Steve's character was when he accidentally wondered into the dangerous situation that was the Byers booby trapped, demogorgony house at the end of season 1, and has the opportunity to drive away safely but ends up running back into the madness to help Nancy and Jonathan. He's been a hero from then onwards. The season two 'Steve the babysitter' storyline was epic, the season three scoops troops even more so. I live in fear of the Duffer Brothers ever killing him off (like they were going to do in season one but decided against because of what Joe Keery brought to the show) because I just don't think I could ever move on from that. The show would just not be the same. Our lives would just not be the same. Long live Steve 'The Hair' Harrington. Love you gorgeous x

A round of applause for our iconic 8...

& our final ranking!

And there we have it! Let me know down below what you agree with and what you're outraged by in my rankings! I'd also love to know who your #1 fave is in the comments. I already want to change so much about this list based on what I've seen on season 4, but we'll leave that for the next post 👀

Ellamore. x