Stranger things has confusing disappearances, unbreakable friendships, mysterious labs, and demogorgons! Stranger Things has kept people hooked since the first episode. Each season brings something new, like new characters, new monsters, and new relationships as well as friendships. Some seasons create curiosity while others end with cliff hangers that leave you on the edge of your seat. Based on our google form we sent out to you Tigers we will be ranking Stranger Things season from least to favorite season along with our opinions!!
Fifth Place: Season Five
The Tigers’ least favorite season of Stranger Things is season 5. Season 5 was the final season of Stranger Things and had so many people eager to watch as they came out in 3 volumes on major holidays. The first volume was released the day before Thanksgiving, the second on Christmas day and the third and last volume on New Years Eve. Taking three and half years from the previous season to produce and edit. Although some were happy and felt the ending was appropriate for this series our Tigers say “it wasn’t written as well as other seasons” and “All the buildup for the main antagonist to go bye bye with a 5 minute fight and so many potholes,” “ the dialogue sucked, editing mistakes, some of it did not make sense, did not feel like a satisfying ending,” and “no Byler.” Not just our Tigers feel this way but many fans of the show were highly disappointed with the ending, wanting just like our tigers more of a last fight, and answers to many different story lines.
Molly’s Opinion – I agree with the Tigers. My least favorite season was the show’s finale. This season seemed rushed even though they still had many years to create it. It was also a bit boring and didn’t really get the ending that I was expecting.
Lexi’s Opinion – I definitely agree with the Tigers and Molly for the entirety of the season. It was missing so many things and had way too many mistakes. Although I didn’t hate the ending, there could and should have been a much better ending than what we got.
Fourth Place – Season 2
In second to last place we have season 2. Season two was released only a year and three months after the first season. This season held the title for the least watched episode in The Stranger Things series for over 8 years, just recently dethroned by “The Bridge” (Season 5, Episode 7). The episode named “The Lost Sister” shows Eleven traveling to Chicago to find her “sister,” Kali, who just like her was tested on in the Hawkins lab and escaped. She meets Kali and her gang, they are on a mission of revenge against people who have wronged them. Eleven joins them but realizes that just like Kali needs her gang and her gang needs her, Eleven needs her friends and her friends need her, Eleven returns to Hawkins. Many people who re-watched the show tend to skip this episode. Finding that there was no point to the episode and not liking the character Kali.
Molly’s Opinion – I agree, I did not like season 2. There were many events to the plot that did not contribute to the main problem. Some of this season seems like it was slowed and did not go well with the plot.
Lexi’s Opinion – I really enjoyed this season as it really sets up the connection Will has to the upside down. It definitely was a slower paced season, and I personally did find myself skipping “ The Lost Sister” episode. Compared to the other seasons, I do agree with this ranking.
Third Place: Season Four
In third place we have season 4 of Stranger Things. This season’s first volume came out May 27th, 2022 and second volume came out on July 1st, 2022. A summer that you would have to have been there for to understand the hype that this season brought. The season introduces Vecna, a “new” villain who has really been in the shadows all along. This season was one where so many new plot lines were introduced. Even putting one of our main characters Max Mayfield in danger. Kate Bush’s “Running up that hill (A deal with god)” being the song of the season.
Molly’s Opinion – I agree with the Tigers. I think that this season deserved third place. I like the new introduction of Vecna and the events happening. This season wasn’t the best but also wasn’t the worst, which is why I think third place suits it.
Lexi’s Opinion – I do not agree with the Tigers as this season of Stranger Things is my favorite. I loved the introduction of Vecna and all the different story-lines of the California, Hawkins, and Russia group. The comeback of characters from previous seasons was also something I really enjoyed about this season.
Second Place: Season One
In second place, we have season 1. Season one was released on July 15th, 2016, the show going for almost 10 years. This season was nominated for 18 Emmy awards, winning 5. Many people hold season one close to their hearts as it is the beginning of the story of these young kids and families. Showing us the importance of empathy and trust, as well as bringing 80’s nostalgia. Giving us the Iconic “friends don’t lie” line.
Molly’s Opinion – I think that season 1 was my favorite season. It was the most interesting in the beginning. Since it was the first season, everything was first introduced, like the characters, scenery, and villains.
Lexi’s Opinion – This season was perfect to show all the elements that make this show so special. It brought fear in the best way possible, in my opinion this season has the best ending.
First Place: Season Three
The Tigers’ favorite season of Stranger Things is season 3. Season 3 was released July 4th, 2015 which is very fitting for this season. This season took two years to come out after the previous season. Season 3 is a very loved season as it introduces new friendships that are unbreakable. Our Tigers telling us that the reason this season was their favorite is because “It was the funniest and had the best character arcs,” “Fun story, entertaining, would have wrapped up the series pretty well if some things were changed,” “ it was very action packed,” and “It has a cool vibe and it felt like everyone got closer that season.” It’s pretty safe to say that our Tigers and fans of the show value friendships like no other.
Molly’s Opinion – I really enjoyed this season. I thought it was interesting when the Mind Flayer took over Billy and he started to capture people. I liked how the Russians had a secret lab in the mall, this made it more interesting. I agree with the Tigers, though I would rank this in second place.
Lexi’s Opinion – I loved this season as it has some of the funniest senses, between all the characters. I also believe this was one of the scarier seasons so I really enjoyed watching it.
These were the rankings and opinions of Tigers on which season of Stranger Things is the best. Both of us agreed for the most part of what the Tigers have to say! But what do you think is the best season?
References
Lang, R., Petski, D., & Gomez, D. (2025, November 6). The final chapter unfolds: “stranger things” season 5 volume 1 first look gallery. Deadline. https://deadline.com/gallery/stranger-things-season-5-first-look-gallery/strangerthings_s5_0011/
Debnath, N. (2022, August 2). Stranger things explained: How long was will in the upside down?. Express.co.uk. https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1649682/Stranger-Things-How-long-was-Will-in-the-Upside-Down
