With its unique blend of endearing characters, 1980s nostalgia, spooky thrills, duplicate realms and worlds, and terrific creatures and monsters, Stranger Things has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The show has introduced viewers to a wide range of people throughout the course of its seasons, all of whom contributed to the depth of the storyline. We evaluate the top 10 Stranger Things characters in this article based on how well they performed and how they affected the plot.
The performance ratings and ranked characters are completely listed according to each character's contribution in season and fan based feedback. Moreover, we highly recommend our user's feedback on this and you can let us know in the comment section.
Top 10 Characters From Stranger Things
Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke)
Robin Buckley, introduced in the third season, quickly became a fan favorite. Working alongside Steve at the Scoops Ahoy ice cream shop, Robin’s sharp wit and intelligence brought a fresh dynamic to the group. Her way of decoding Russian secret codes and making her place in the cast with her skillful abilities and charisma was one of the best entries of a new character in the overall season. Her coming-out scene with Steve is one of the season’s most touching moments, showcasing her vulnerability and strength.
Performance ratings: 8/10
Robin’s quirky charm and relatable struggles make her a memorable addition to the cast. Her journey from a sarcastic ice cream scooper to a brave member of the gang is engaging and heartfelt. We rated her 8/10 for her overall performance and acting which changes throughout the season. At some points, she’s confused and sometimes highly confident and brave, and her appearance as a best with Steve Harrington is another charm to her role.
Steve Harrington (Joe Keery)
Steve Harrington’s character is one of the most impressive in the series. Initially portrayed as the typical high school bully, Steve evolves into a protective older brother figure for the kids. Well, the funny fact is his role is mostly portrayed as a babysitter for troublemaking boys. His growth is evident in his willingness to fight Demogorgons and protect his friends, even when it’s dangerous. This cool dude is really impressive not only for his looks but for his acting, skills in the series, and the roles he portrayed.
Performance ratings: 8.5/10
Steve’s transformation from a self-centered teenager to a beloved hero is a highlight of the show. His character’s development adds depth and showcases the power of redemption. We rated him 8.5/10 for his courageous efforts in beating Demogorgon and exploring the fictional worlds of Upside Down. Despite his failure in love with Nancy Wheeler he never stopped believing in her and supported his brother and his friends all the same.
Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin)
Lucas Sinclair is a key member of the original group of friends. Known for his practical approach and skepticism, he often grounds the group’s more fantastical ideas. His relationship with Maxine adds a sweet dimension to his character, showing his softer side. He’s without a doubt one of the examples of a friend who never steps back or leaves your hand in tough times from what he portrays from his character.
Performance ratings: 7.5/10
Lucas’s cautious yet brave personality makes him an essential part of the group. His loyalty and courage shine through in critical moments, making him a beloved character. We gave him 7.5/10 as he was tough and aggressive in the first season. Even though he didn’t accept Eleven at first when he met her later on when he came to see what she really was he accepted her anyway, but overall his character is impressive especially in season 4 when he saved Maxine.
Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink)
Isn’t she the most cute and beautiful character in the whole cast? Well, to most of the fan base, yes. Max Mayfield, the skateboarding tomboy, brings a fresh perspective to the group with her quiet entry in season 2. She was so quiet in the beginning that our boys began stalking her in the first episode of season 2. But later on, she revealed her true energy at the end of season 2. Her arrival in Hawkins adds new dynamics, especially as she bonds with Eleven. Max’s struggles with her abusive stepbrother, Billy, reveal her strength and resilience.
Performance ratings: 8/10
Max’s blend of toughness and vulnerability makes her an engaging character. She’s so strong that even in her hardest moments she was facing everything alone portrayed in season 4. And, when it comes to fighting she could beat villains like Vecna on her own. She’s a brave character who didn’t even bother her boyfriend Lucas. Her growth and determination to stand up to her fears are inspiring and that’s why she got 8/10 ratings.
Jim Hopper (David Harbour)
A Police Chief, friend, father, savior, and detective, this man has got multiple roles in the series and he plays all of them very well. Jim Hopper, the gruff yet caring member of the Stanger Things family, is a cornerstone of the series. His journey from a grieving father to a protective father figure for Eleven is both touching and heroic. His bravery and dedication to keeping the town of Hawkins safe are commendable. He’s so brave that he ends up in a Russian prison in order to save his town but by the end of season 4, he gets back to his home safely with the help of his dear friends, Joyce Byers and Murray Baumann.
Performance ratings: 9/10
Hopper’s complex personality and deep sense of justice make him a standout character. His sacrifices and fierce love for Eleven are particularly moving. Despite his failures for his own family and love life, that man always believed in destiny and made sure that every family in town remained safe in Hawkins. For his multiple charismatic roles, we rated him 9/10.
Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer)
Now comes the queen of Hawkins High School, Nancy Wheeler’s transformation from a typical high school student to a determined investigator is one of the show’s most compelling arcs. Her curiosity for truth and justice, even when it puts her in danger, showcases her bravery. Not once or twice, in all the seasons she’s always curious and cracks something weird. After Will, she was the first local resident who visited Upside Down by chance without its knowledge. Nancy’s relationship with Jonathan Byers adds an intriguing element to her character.
Performance ratings: 8.5/10
We are rating our Hawkins queen 8.5/10. At first, it was disappointing when she moved her camp from Steve to Jonathan, but later on, that also makes some sense and adds a twist to the story, especially in season 4. She is a key figure in solving the secrets of Hawkins because of her bravery and intelligence. Her transformation from an innocent youngster to an enthusiastic supporter of justice is admirable.
William Byers (Noah Schnapp)
From the very first moment, the only character who is filled with 100% cuteness and innocence, Will Byers is at the heart of Stranger Things. His disappearance and subsequent experiences in the Upside Down set the show’s events in motion. His trauma and connection to the supernatural world add an emotional depth to the series. Moreover, in the series, he’s working as a GPS tracker for Mindflayer Demon, it looks funny sometimes but he portrays this very well.
Performance ratings: 9/10
Will’s journey is one of resilience and survival. His struggles and bravery in the face of terrifying experiences make him a deeply sympathetic character. His attachment and emotions for his childhood friends explain all about himself. Never got a girlfriend but was always a true friend and that’s why he got 9/10.
Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard)
The brave and cute child who welcomes viewers from his basement of the house with his friends playing Dungeon & Dragons, Mike Wheeler, the group’s natural leader, is known for his loyalty and determination. His close friendship with Will and relationship with Eleven are central to the story. His bravery and quick thinking often help the group navigate dangerous situations. He was the reason actually Eleven made alive in the real world and that is why later on she fell in love with him.
Performance ratings: 8.5/10
Mike’s leadership and unwavering support for his friends make him a crucial character. His role as a compassionate friend and brave leader is a key element of the show’s success. But as we know, you sometimes do stupid things when you’re in love, and that’s where he chose Eleven over Will in season 3, which was sad but of course, he had his reasons, and he got 8.5/10 on our list.
Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo)
The most intelligent and gentle, Dustin Henderson is a lovable, nerdy, and endlessly optimistic member of the group. Known for his curiosity and intelligence, he often provides crucial insights that help the group solve mysteries. Especially, his relationship with Suzie Bingham (Gabriella Pizzolo) was another level of a long-distance relationship, which saved the world at the end of season 3. His friendship with Steve and his unwavering loyalty to his friends make him a fan favorite.
Performance ratings: 9.5/10
Dustin is the most lovable character in Stranger Things because of his contagious energy and good nature. He is our favorite character because of his function as the group’s moral compass and his everlasting faith in the healing power of friendship. Always a problem solver with a curious and caring mind and that’s why he got 9.5/10.
Eleven, El (Millie Bobby Brown)
On the top of the list, of course, comes the soul of the series, Eleven, with her telekinetic powers and mysterious past, is one of the most iconic characters in Stranger Things. Her journey from a lab experiment to finding a family and sense of belonging is central to the show’s emotional core. Eleven’s struggle to understand her powers and her place in the world is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Her whole story from beginning to end is really eye-catching. No one ever thought what a frightening child who ran away from a lab would become. She’s great and her acting skills are splendid.
Performance ratings: 9.5/10
Eleven is a remarkable character because of her special skills and complex emotional range. She becomes one of the most adored characters in the series because of her bravery and identity mission, which is captivating to fans. She’s got 9.5/10 not because of her role and transformation, but because of her innocence and learning curiosity. The main course is, if there was no Eleven there would be no Upside Down because she’s the one who opened the mysterious gates and began this fascinating story.
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