Ranking Every Season of ‘Stranger Things’

Nearly nine years after its initial debut, the final season of Stranger Things is set to release at the end of this month. Instead of doing one big release, Netflix will be breaking up the season into three parts: volume one will be released on Nov. 26, volume two on Dec. 25 and the final part on Dec. 31. 

The upcoming season is set in the fall of 1987 and will wrap up the storyline. To celebrate this new and final addition to the series, I have ranked the previous seasons with as few spoilers as possible.  

4. Season two

Although I wouldn’t say I dislike this season, compared to the other three, this one blends in my memory more than it stands out on its own. Of course this season introduces new characters, but it was heavily dependent on the events of season one and didn’t feel fully complete until the end of season three. 

Every other season does build off of the events of previous seasons, but they each have their own “thing” that makes them stand out more than season two. The ending of other seasons allows for a continuation of the story of Hawkins and Eleven but wraps up just enough to let the following season take on its own storyline. 

Of course, each season is a building block, but I like the other seasons a bit better. 

3. Season four

This is the most recent season that released and introduced a new horror-esqe feel to the show. The previous season showed each of the characters coming into their own, but this most recent season highlighted this growth. 

There were several characters added that had big roles in the plot, but not lasting. Although, I did like that the storyline branched off of the original group. It definitely gave the show a different vibe. 

This season definitely warrants a rewatch just to refresh about all the events and lore that was given on the origin of the Upside Down and to remember where the story left off.  

2. Season one 

This season earned its spot in my rankings because it’s what started this nearly 10-year journey. Like movies, I tend to think that the first seasons are almost always one of the best.   

Although I can appreciate a show that takes a little more time to build up, the creators of ‘Stranger Things’ knew that a great way to get an audience with a wide demographic was to make a show that was both fast paced and had a plot that allowed an insane amount of depth. 

Obviously, as the show continues, the plot has become deeper as the actual villain slowly reveals themselves. 

There are so many notable features of other seasons, but this one goes higher on my list for nostalgic reasons too. The firsts in any series tend to be my favorite because of the simplicity of being introduced into a new world, but the next season on my list has this one beat. 

1. Season three 

I didn’t start watching ‘Stranger Things’ when it first came out. By the time I did, season three was the most recent addition to the show. 

Although this season also ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, it was enough to properly wrap up a season while still leaving the viewer with questions and wanting more. The build up throughout the entire season was so good and the last episode was definitely a tear jerker. 

It has been a while since I have rewatched the show, but this is my number one pick because it is the most memorable and had me the most emotional. 

This is my current ranking from least favorite, to my favorite season but, I am sure it will change with this upcoming and highly anticipated release.  

Since its first release, Stranger Things has garnered every type of fans and has remained one of Netflix’ most popular shows. Although it’ll be bittersweet to see the end of this era, the completion of this storyline has been heavily anticipated and will almost surely live up to the hype.

• entertainment
• Netflix
• stranger things