Stranger Things Seasons Ranked: Worst to Best

I can’t believe it’s almost over! Since 2016, when Netflix dropped Stranger Things – which quickly became a huge hit – I’ve been hooked. With season 5 coming out on November 26th and set to finish the story, I’ve been thinking about all the seasons and trying to decide which ones were the absolute best, and which ones maybe didn’t quite live up to the hype.

Stranger Things is a science fiction TV show set in the mysterious town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s. The story starts when a young boy named Will vanishes, and a peculiar girl known as Eleven appears. Throughout the series, it explores the power of friendship, courage, and the supernatural, all while capturing the iconic feel of the 1980s.

Although all four seasons of Stranger Things have been well-received, some are definitely stronger than others. This is largely because each season feels quite different in terms of its overall mood, storyline, and how it builds out the show’s universe. While it’s great to see the world of Stranger Things grow, that doesn’t automatically make the newer seasons the best.

4. Stranger Things Season 3 (2019)

Episodes 18-25

It’s hard to say any season of Stranger Things is truly bad, but season 3 generally received the weakest response from viewers and critics. Released in July 2019, this season took inspiration from the vibe of 1980s summer horror movies.

Season 3 of Stranger Things brought a new storyline involving Soviet Russia and introduced beloved characters like Robin and Erica. The season was packed with nods to 1980s pop culture, prominently featuring the Starcourt Mall. The season concluded with Billy Hargrove being taken over by the Mind Flayer, who then caused chaos in Hawkins.

While season 3 of Stranger Things was visually more vibrant and energetic thanks to its 1980s summer backdrop, it wasn’t without flaws. Many viewers and critics felt the season leaned too much on familiar 1980s references, and the storyline wasn’t as tightly woven as in previous seasons – the kids spent a lot of time unaware of the bigger danger.

The first two seasons of Stranger Things took their time building the show’s world and atmosphere. Season 3, however, was much faster-paced and action-packed. While some viewers enjoyed this shift, others felt it strayed too far from what they liked about the earlier seasons.

3. Stranger Things Season 2 (2017)

Episodes 9-17

Season 2 of Stranger Things comes in at number three. Thankfully arriving just a year after the first season in 2017, it continued the story. The series picks up a year after Will’s rescue from the Upside Down, but things in Hawkins aren’t as peaceful as they appear.

Even though Joyce has a new boyfriend, Bob Newby, and a new girl, Max Mayfield, arrives in town, Will is still deeply troubled by his experiences in the Upside Down. Season 2 of Stranger Things also marks the beginning of the beloved friendship between Steve and Dustin, the developing romance between Nancy and Jonathan, and the first appearance of the terrifying Mindflayer.

Season 2 of Stranger Things was a big success, avoiding the common problem of a second season not living up to the first. It kept the exciting feel of the original while also building out the story with fresh characters, relationships, and creatures.

The biggest weakness of Stranger Things season 2 was arguably the storyline about Eleven’s lost sister. This plot, which only appeared in that one season, wasn’t well-received by most viewers, who found it slow-moving and disconnected from the main story. Ultimately, it slightly diminished the season’s overall impact.

2. Stranger Things Season 4 (2022)

Episodes 26-34

Season 4 of Stranger Things is currently considered the second strongest season of the show. This season divides the characters, sending some to California, some to Russia, and keeping others in Hawkins. Meanwhile, a series of strange murders begins in Hawkins, and Max finds herself caught in the middle of it all.

This season, Mike travels to California to see Eleven, but she’s forced to confront secrets from her past. Elsewhere, Joyce embarks on a dangerous mission to Russia, believing Hopper might still be alive. The season also introduces exciting new characters like Eddie Munson, and features the most powerful villain the series has ever seen, Vecna.

Season 4 of Stranger Things was generally a hit. Although it wasn’t perfect, both viewers and critics mostly enjoyed it. Many people especially appreciated that the episodes were longer and explored more grown-up topics, which felt fitting as the characters aged.

As a fan, I really felt like Season 4 of Stranger Things was amazing at both moving the big story forward and tackling really important issues like dealing with loss, trauma, and mental health. It genuinely felt like everything was building towards a huge finale, and it did a great job of setting that up.

1. Stranger Things Season 1 (2016)

Episodes 1-8

It’s tough to say which seasons of Stranger Things are the weakest, but many fans agree the first season isn’t the strongest. Season 1 introduces us to key characters like Mike Wheeler and his friends, as well as Joyce Byers, a mother determined to find her son. We also meet Eleven, a young girl with telepathic powers who is central to the strange events unfolding in Hawkins.

Even though the first season of Stranger Things was designed as an introduction to the story and didn’t have high stakes, that actually makes it a fun and easy watch. With several more seasons now available, revisiting season 1 feels especially nostalgic.

The first season of Stranger Things is considered the strongest because it immediately grabbed viewers’ attention and launched the show’s popularity. This initial season expertly crafted a fascinating and original world, and without it, the rest of the series wouldn’t have resonated as deeply. It successfully blends 1980s pop culture with thrilling science fiction, creating a truly immersive story.

Season 1 of Stranger Things is where the magic began, with compelling characters and well-developed stories. It’s the season that launched the series and remains particularly memorable for many, as people often recall exactly when they first discovered the show.

2025-11-02 23:19