The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is almost here! To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of the show’s best episodes – and the top pick might be unexpected.
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a decade since we first visited Hawkins! Over the years, we’ve seen thrilling adventures, a strong sense of nostalgia, terrifying creatures, and heartwarming relationships – but at its core, the show has always been about the strength of friendship.
The Duffer brothers have made something truly iconic, but like all good things, the popular Netflix show will be ending with its fifth season.
I’m so excited! The first part of the new season is coming out on November 26, 2025! While we wait, I’ve been revisiting all the old episodes and put together a ranking of my favorites – number one is seriously the best ever!
10. Chapter Six: The Spy
- Which episode is it? Season 2 Episode 6
- Release date: October 27, 2017
- Runtime: 51 minutes
Okay, so things are getting really intense with Will and his link to the Upside Down – everyone’s desperately trying to figure out what’s going on with that. And honestly, one of the best parts? Dustin and Steve are teaming up! It’s such an unexpected pairing, but they’re making a great duo. I’m so excited to see what happens with them!
‘The Spy’ is a standout episode because it expertly combines the show’s emotional moments with its supernatural elements. It’s where Will’s possession goes from unsettling to truly frightening. But the real highlight is the strong bond between Steve and Dustin, culminating in an exciting battle against the Demodogs at the junkyard – and yes, the iconic nail bat is back!
9. Chapter Four: The Sauna Test
- Which episode is it? Season 3 Episode 4
- Release date: July 4, 2019
- Runtime: 52 minutes
The group suspects the Mind Flayer is coming back, so they try to prove it by trapping Billy in a sauna. Meanwhile, Joyce and Hopper are investigating a Russian presence under the town of Hawkins.
‘The Sauna Test’ is a brilliantly scary episode cleverly hidden within a fun teen adventure—think ‘The Faculty’ meets the world of ‘Stranger Things.’ Dacre Montgomery delivers a career-best performance as Billy, while Maya Hawke’s Robin truly shines, and Priah Ferguson’s Erica proves she’s a standout character. This episode reminded viewers that ‘Stranger Things’ can still be genuinely terrifying, even without relying on its iconic monsters.
8. Chapter Eight: The Upside Down
- Which episode is it? Season 1 Episode 8
- Release date: July 15, 2016
- Runtime: 54 minutes
Joyce and Hopper bravely enter the dangerous alternate dimension known as the Upside Down to rescue Will, all while Eleven makes a heartbreaking sacrifice to protect those she cares about.
This episode is a perfect example of what makes Stranger Things so great. It’s packed with everything fans love – monsters, iconic visuals like Christmas lights, and memorable moments with characters like Steve and Lucas – but it’s the powerful emotional moments that truly stand out. ‘The Upside Down’ wasn’t just a season finale; it was the episode that launched Stranger Things from a quirky show into a worldwide sensation.
7. Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer
- Which episode is it? Season 2 Episode 8
- Release date: October 27, 2017
- Runtime: 47 minutes
With Will increasingly controlled by the Mind Flayer, the group battles the monsters invading Hawkins Lab, fighting to stay alive.
This episode is particularly strong because it doesn’t shy away from danger and emotional impact. Poor Bob’s tragic death is a real shock, but it demonstrates the show’s willingness to take risks. The episode leans heavily into horror with Will’s possession storyline, but it’s skillfully combined with touching scenes of friendship and culminates in a fantastic finale.
6. Chapter Nine: The Piggyback
- Which episode is it? Season 4 Episode 9
- Release date: July 1, 2022
- Runtime: 2 hours 19 minutes
The season 4 finale is a large-scale showdown where Eleven battles Vecna inside Max’s mind. Meanwhile, across the world, the Hawkins group, Hopper, and Joyce work together to defeat the evil forces at play.
While ‘The Battle of Starcourt’ was a huge, exciting climax, ‘The Piggyback’ serves as a satisfying and well-executed finale. Despite having many different storylines to follow, it manages to deliver a powerful emotional impact. Like all the best episodes, it excels in its visuals, sound, acting, and overall rhythm – it’s simply perfect.
5. Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt
- Which episode is it? Season 3 Episode 8
- Release date: July 4, 2019
- Runtime: 1 hour 16 minutes
The Mind Flayer attacks the mall, forcing the kids and adults to team up in a dramatic battle. This fight will permanently alter Hawkins and everyone involved.
This episode is a thrilling mix of action and emotion, complete with dazzling visuals, intense moments, and a truly heartbreaking letter from Hopper. It felt like a big-budget summer movie, especially with the energetic soundtrack. And who could forget the unforgettable (and hilarious) performance of ‘Never Ending Story’ by Suzie and Dustin, and the reactions of everyone else?
4. Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab
- Which episode is it? Season 4 Episode 7
- Release date: May 27, 2022
- Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Eleven travels back in time to confront her past, revealing the terrifying beginnings of Vecna and changing our understanding of what happened at Hawkins Lab.
This episode of Stranger Things is a masterpiece, delivering a shocking twist that will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in television history. The reveal is far more disturbing than anyone could have imagined, and it’s the culmination of everything the show has been leading up to – prepare to be amazed!
3. Chapter Six: The Monster
- Which episode is it? Season 1 Episode 6
- Release date: July 15, 2016
- Runtime: 46 minutes
Following a confrontation with bullies, Eleven demonstrates just how powerful she really is. At the same time, Hopper and Joyce’s investigation starts to uncover the hidden and disturbing truths about Hawkins Lab.
This episode stands out because it’s where Stranger Things really cemented its central theme: that love and loyalty can overcome any evil. From that moment on, that idea became a defining part of the show. The episode perfectly balances heartwarming small-town moments with exciting supernatural events, creating a truly magical, Spielberg-like atmosphere. It feels deserving of a top three ranking because it’s where the show truly discovered what made it special.
2. Chapter Nine: The Gate
- Which episode is it? Season 2 Episode 9
- Release date: October 27, 2017
- Runtime: 1 hour 2 minutes
Eleven comes back to Hawkins determined to finally shut the portal to the Upside Down, and her friends fight against the growing army controlled by the Mind Flayer.
The season finale, ‘The Gate,’ truly delivers. Eleven’s return is incredibly satisfying, Max discovers her inner strength with help from her friends, and the final battle with the monster is brilliantly done. Plus, the Snow Ball ‘84 scene – Nancy and Dustin dancing together – remains one of the sweetest moments in the entire series.
1. Chapter Four: Dear Billy
- Which episode is it? Season 4 Episode 4
- Release date: May 27, 2022
- Runtime: 1 hour 18 minutes
As Vecna gets closer, Max tries to cope with her sadness by writing a letter to her brother, Billy, who has passed away. However, Vecna interferes with her attempt to find peace.
Okay, so this episode is number one and honestly, it totally deserves it. A lot of people probably figured a Season 1 episode would be at the top, because that’s when everything started – the bikes, the walkie-talkies, the whole Demogorgon vibe. That first season is what made the show what it is. But ‘Dear Billy’ really shows how the show isn’t afraid to change and get even better, which is awesome.
This episode is the most impactful one yet. Sadie Sink gives an Emmy-deserving performance, the scene featuring ‘Running Up That Hill’ immediately became a cultural phenomenon, and the whole thing is both deeply moving and genuinely frightening.
And ultimately, the show really emphasizes what makes Stranger Things so popular: the strength of friendship. I’m going to stop listing moments now, because just remembering the ending is making me emotional!
If you enjoyed this, you might also like to read about which Stranger Things characters are most at risk in the final season, what we know about the time jump in Season 5, and a list of new shows coming to Netflix this month.
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2025-10-27 22:51