Stranger Things is without a doubt a modern pop culture staple. It’s a fantastic 80s-inspired sci-fi horror series with memorable characters, suspenseful mystery, and plenty of cool monsters. Each season tells its own story as part of a greater whole, which has had fans debating which season is their favorite since the Netflix series came to an end.

All of the seasons are great in my opinion, but some are still better than others. Because of this, it’s worth figuring out how I’d rank each of them from worst to best, which I’ve done below.

5) Season 5

I really enjoyed the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. It’s a really solid and emotional send-off to the characters and story as arcs are wrapped up in an epic conclusion. That being said, as painful as it is, something needs to be in last place. The reason why that’s Season 5 has nothing to do with how it ended, or even how it started, as it kicked off with all the characters together as a single, large group sticking it to the military, investigating the Upside Down, and battling Demogorgons.

It’s the rest of it that holds it back from being higher on this list. For starters, it lacks the intriguing mystery of the previous seasons, which is to be expected because its job is more to wrap everything up. It also treads water a bit in the middle of the season. Overall, I think it’s a good season; I just enjoy the others a bit more.

4) Season 3

Season 3 has plenty of fantastic elements, namely the spotlight on 80s mall culture, the introduction of Robin, and Billy’s almost-redemption arc. It’s an overall fun season, Scoops Ahoy uniforms and all. That’s about it, though. The Russia conflict came and went like it was just a distraction and nothing more. It felt pointless. The main monster is just the same one from the previous season, but meatier. It doesn’t do a whole lot to answer any questions or move the overall plot forward.

3) Season 1

Season 1 is a perfect example of how to kick off a TV series. It has mystery, suspense, and heart. The horror element is fantastic, as it’s one of the spookiest seasons. It’s a phenomenal introduction to the characters and the story, and even feels like a relatively complete story (because it was originally supposed to be).

It’s a bit small in terms of scale compared to other seasons, but that’s not always a bad thing. It also, unfortunately, gets one-upped by a couple of the other seasons just a bit.

2) Season 2

Season 2 takes everything from Season 1 and makes it bigger and better. The Mindflayer is a scarier villain than the lone Demogorgon. The Demodogs are just plain awesome. Sean Astin’s Bob Newby is one of the best characters and saddest deaths in the series. Max is introduced. It’s scary and impossible to look away from.

This season also explores Eleven’s history much more, which is exciting and interesting. However, it does muddy the overall pacing of Season 2.

1) Season 4

This was a tough choice because I love Season 2 just as much, but it’s really hard to beat Season 4. It’s the most suspenseful, as it’s hard not to feel worried for Eddie as he’s being hunted by the town. The horror is top-notch, including victims getting their limbs forcefully twisted by a telepathic threat. The finale featuring a variety of monsters is epic. Hopper competes in gladiatorial combat against Demodogs. It introduces Vecna as the main villain. 

Everything about this season is just plain awesome. It hits all the right notes, and is chock full of everything Stranger Things fans love. 

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