15 best Stranger Things characters, ranked

5. Joyce Byers

Talk about going through it all. Joyce has been through all the ups and downs especially when it comes to dealing with her son Will. She’s the mother that all mothers strive to be. Since season 1, there has been a strange love vibe between her and Chief Hopper. A vibe that turned into a small reality at the end of season 3 but we all know how that played out. Joyce cracks the top 5 for her strong, never give up mentality. She believes what she believes and she doesn’t care who believes her. She faces fear head on and goes to the ends of the earth to defend the people she loves.

4. Mike Wheeler

Mike was the leader of the group since season 1, and Mike Wheeler deserves to be on the Mount Rushmore of characters. He is another member of the group that is extremely loyal to the people he loves, sometimes to a fault. The love he shows for Eleven is out of this world.

Mike did get a taste of what it’s like when he lies to El in season 3, and he got dumped and kicked to the curb. Fortunately for mike, that didn’t last long at all as Eleven forgave Mike after he apologized to her. And the way he took up and defended El against Billy in season 3 is another reason why we love Mike. Forever a legend.

3. Chief Hopper

Well, we’ve made it to the top 3 and you know we had to put this man in.

Hopper is another one of those characters that has grown in every way over the last three seasons. He only wants what is best for Hawkins as he is always defending the small town every time a threat is approaching.

The biggest growth we saw from Hopper was him being a father to Eleven. He took in a child he didn’t know and saw that love flourish and turn into something beautiful. The Duffer brothers really pulled on our heartstrings at the end of season 3. The letter he wrote to Eleven just tore our already broken hearts out of our chest and then stomped on it. But the question still remains, is Hopper alive?

2. Dustin Henderson

Dustin is easily the funniest and most enjoyable character in all of the series. He’s geeky and proud of just that. His words of wisdom to Steve in season 3 about women speak volumes to the maturity and level-headed mindset that Dustin has.

There is never a dull moment when it comes to him. The series would not be where it is today without Henderson, so it is only right he ranks among the top 3 of our list. Besides, singing The NeverEnding Story theme at the top of the highest point in Hawkins was the highlight of season 3.

1. Eleven

Come on, were you really expecting someone else to take the top spot?

Eleven is by far the most impactful character that has graced the series. From the time we first saw her pop out of those dark creepy woods behind Benny’s burgers to seeing her leave Hawkins with the Byers family at the end of season 3, we’ve attached ourselves to her.

Seeing her find herself in season 3 was so refreshing and monumental for her growth at a somewhat normal life. There are so many questions heading into season 4. Are her powers gone for good? I think that’s the biggest question heading into the new season. There is no question Eleven belongs at the top of the list in these rankings.