Netflix’s Stranger Things is no stranger (wink) to twists and turns, the supernatural, and the inevitable deaths caused by the chaos that unfurled season after season. In anticipation for the show’s final season, here’s how we ranked those deaths.
After its premiere in 2016, Stranger Things has cemented itself as one of TV’s most iconic series. From Demogorgons, kids who have Jean Grey-like powers, a parallel universe that continues to hold people captive and authorities stepping in, things get messy. Like, real messy.
So much so that certain plot twists allowed for some deaths to be imminent, some to be a fake-out, and some to be downright tragic. Let’s take a look at some of them.
5. Barbara “Barb” Holland
While waiting for Steve and Nancy to finish doing…whatever it was they were doing, a creepy, malevolent presence that had been stalking her from the woods snatches Barb up. We later find out it was the demogorgon. Initially, her fate was up in the air. We also later find out through Eleven, that she had indeed passed.
This death was a precedent in the forthcoming deaths that would follow. It was an indication that no lives would be spared in the telling of this story. Not even the popular girl’s nerdy, harmless best friend who only wanted to protect her.
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4. Chrissy Cunningham
Some know her from the viral “Chrissy wake up” Tiktok sound. Others know her as the girl Eddie Munson was vying for. Fans know her as the it-girl of Hawkins High School introduced in season 4.
After experiencing ominous premonitions, Chrissy seeks solace through drugs she hoped to obtain from Eddie. Once there, she loses consciousness and starts to levitate. A visibly shaken Eddie tries to snap her out of it but we know what happens next.
Chrissy dies in Eddie’s trailer along with his reputation. The citizens of Hawkins wrongly blamed Eddie for the string of deaths that would follow.
3. Bob Newby
Escape was within arm’s reach. They’ve avoided every Demodog that’s been chasing them but after stopping to share a smile with Joyce, one attacks Bob and kills him.
Season 2 introduced the nerdy fan-favorite who would eventually become Joyce’s lover. This added layer makes it all the more difficult to watch him die. After witnessing Joyce’s breakdowns in season 1, it was nice to see her do normal things like fall in love, a stark contrast to what she went through when she was trying to retrieve her son from a parallel universe, meant to destroy everything she’s ever known. Now can you say you’ve been through something like that?
Joyce deserved better. So did Bob.
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2. Billy Mayfield
Season 2 introduced Max Mayfield and Billy Hargrove as the newest additions to the cast. Where Max integrates herself into the friend group and becomes beloved, the opposite happens for Billy. The irritable, abusive older brother, Billy becomes the perfect host for the Mind Flayer.
The show highlights what could become to children when they’re put in tumultuous households as we see play out in Billy, a parallel to Eleven’s upbringing. Some fans argue that his villain trajectory was thus inevitable.
In an ultimate showdown between Billy and Eleven, Billy meets his end. In a heart-shattering twist, Billy ends up sacrificing himself to save the kids.
The Starcourt Mall in ruin, the main characters narrowly escaping death, we say goodbye to one of the most controversial villains so far.
1. Eddie Munson
This death was so tragic given how much of this character we got to see. He was introduced in Season 4 as the leader of the Hellfire club, and died a hero. He sacrifices himself in a battle against the Demobats and for a moment, he’s winning. It’s not until after Dustin gets to him that we see his many injuries.
Eddie lies detrimentally wounded in Dustin’s arms. Dustin, along with us, is sobbing uncontrollably. Eddie passes the torch that is leading the Hellfire club to Dustin and with that, we say goodbye to Eddie.
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The Stranger Things saga is very much alive despite these losses. Whether you rejoiced at the demise of a character you despised, or had to take a couple of days to recover from never being able to see one of your faves again, there’s a silent acceptance that it had to happen in order to move this beloved story along. Which character’s death were you most upset about?
The fifth and final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things will be released in three parts starting with the first four episodes on November 26, 2025. Followed by three episodes on Christmas, and the finale on New Year’s Eve. Seasons 1-4 are now available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: Netflix, Collider, BuzzFeed, Rolling Stone, ScreenRant, GameRant
