15 Best ‘Stranger Things’ Characters, Ranked
15. Holly Wheeler
Holly Wheeler may not speak much, but she adds a sweet, innocent touch to the chaos around her. She’s Mike and Nancy’s little sister and often pops up in funny or adorable moments during family scenes. Holly represents the small-town normalcy that Hawkins is constantly fighting to protect. Even though she doesn’t have big storylines, she brings warmth and lightness to the Wheeler family.
14. Bob Newby
Bob Newby will always be one of the purest souls to come out of Hawkins. Joyce’s sweet, supportive boyfriend and an all-around good guy, Bob is the kind of person everyone wishes they had in their corner. He genuinely cares, always tries to help, and treats Joyce’s boys like his own. Even though he wasn’t built for the madness of the Upside Down, Bob still stepped up when it mattered most
13. Murray Bauman
Murray Bauman is one of those characters you don’t expect to love, but somehow he becomes a favorite. He’s weird, funny, and always ready to dig into a mystery. His conspiracy theories may sound wild, but he’s usually the one who ends up being right. Murray says exactly what he’s thinking, even if it makes everyone uncomfortable, and that’s what makes him so entertaining.
12. Eddie Munson
Eddie Munson became a fan favorite the second he stepped into frame. Loud, dramatic, sarcastic, and proudly weird, Eddie is the ultimate 80s metalhead outsider and he embraces every part of it. As the leader of the Hellfire Club, he’s unapologetically himself, even when people judge him. But what makes Eddie truly special is his heart.
11. Mike Wheeler
Mike Wheeler is the emotional center of the original friend group. He’s loyal, determined, and always ready to fight for the people he cares about, especially Eleven. Even when he gets things wrong (and he definitely does), Mike’s heart is always in the right place. He’s the kind of friend who believes in others even when they stop believing in themselves.
10. Robin Buckley
Robin Buckley is instantly lovable the moment she shows up. She’s funny, honest, and wonderfully awkward in the best way. Her friendship with Steve brings out some of the most fun moments in the show, and their back-and-forth is always a highlight. Robin is smart, caring, and never afraid to call things out as she sees them.
9. Joyce Byers
Joyce Byers is the heart of the show. She’s emotional, protective, and ready to fight for her kids no matter how strange things get. From the very beginning, she believes in Will when no one else does, and that determination defines her character. Joyce doesn’t have powers or weapons but she has love, instinct, and endless persistence. Even when she’s scared, she never backs down.
8. Max Mayfield
Max Mayfield goes from the new girl to one of the most emotional and powerful characters in the show. She seems tough at first, but once you get to know her, you see how caring and thoughtful she really is. Her Season 4 storyline is heartbreaking and beautifully acted, showing how strong Max truly is inside.
7. Will Byers
Will Byers has been at the center of the story from day one. He’s sensitive, kind, and incredibly strong for everything he’s gone through. Even though he doesn’t get as much attention in later seasons, his experiences and emotions still shape a lot of the show. Will’s connection to the Upside Down makes him important, but it’s his gentle side we love so much.
6. Nancy Wheeler
Nancy Wheeler has one of the coolest glow-ups in the series. She starts off dealing with normal teenage drama, but soon becomes a brave, determined monster-fighting force. Nancy is smart, resourceful, and always ready to dig into the truth, no matter how scary things get. She turns into a total badass while still keeping her caring side. Even when her story gets messy at times, she always pushes forward.
5. Erica Sinclair
Erica Sinclair may be young, but she has enough confidence and attitude for the whole group. She’s smart, hilarious, and never misses a chance to speak her mind. Whether she’s roasting Lucas or jumping into an adventure, she brings so much fun to every scene. Over time, you see there’s more to Erica than jokes; she’s clever, quick on her feet, and surprisingly brave.
4. Dustin Henderson
Dustin Henderson is one of the brightest parts of Stranger Things. He’s cheerful, curious, and always full of ideas. Dustin’s humor and charm make the group feel complete, and his friendships, especially with Steve, are some of the best in the show. He’s simply impossible not to love.
3. Jim Hopper
Jim Hopper may look tough and grumpy on the outside, but underneath he has one of the biggest hearts in the show. He goes from a lonely sheriff to a protective father figure who would do anything for the people he loves. His bond with Eleven is incredibly sweet, and his relationship with Joyce adds so much emotion to the story.
2. Eleven
Eleven is the emotional core of Stranger Things. Watching her grow from a scared girl into a strong, confident young woman has been one of the best parts of the series. She learns what friendship and family really mean while trying to understand her powers and her past. El is powerful, but she’s also thoughtful and vulnerable, which makes her easy to connect with.
1. Steve Harrington
Steve Harrington has the greatest character glow-up ever. He starts off as the classic high school jerk, but over time becomes one of the most lovable people in Hawkins. Steve turns into a protective, caring “mom” friend, especially with Dustin and the younger kids. He’s funny, brave, and way more thoughtful than he first appears.
