From the moment Stranger Things hit the screens, this show has given characters who have become icons! With the highly anticipated Season 5 approaching fast, now is a good time to rank the characters who made this series unforgettable. From the brave to the downright mysterious, each character brings something unique to the table. But here is the twist: not everyone you might expect sits at the top. The suspense, the depth, and the bold decisions of these fan-favorites will keep you guessing—who truly reigns supreme in Hawkins? 

As you dive into the rankings, prepare for some surprises, because while one character holds the top spot, the fan favorite may not even crack the top five!

In the heart of Hawkins, Bob Newby stood as a light of hope and normalcy. Played by Sean Astin, Bob was the manager of the local RadioShack and the boyfriend of Joyce Byers. While Bob’s heroism was clear when he sacrificed himself to save the group from the Demodogs, his time on screen was tragically short. 

Unlike characters like Eleven or Hopper, Bob did not have the opportunity to develop throughout multiple seasons. His death in Season 2 made Bob's heroic feat memorable, but ultimately, his arc was short, leaving less room for fans to connect with him.

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Murray Bauman, played by Brett Gelman, is a private investigator and former investigative journalist who turns out to be an unlikely ally for the main characters in Stranger Things. Often at odds with local law enforcement because of his unorthodox approach to problem-solving, Murray's methods are unconventional, but his commitment to justice is unshaken, as is his gift for connecting the dots. 

This makes his character all the more complex and intriguing as he sails through the murky waters of conspiracy and deception, all with a sense of dry humor and skepticism that will always keep him remembered as a significant part of the Stranger Things universe.

In the small town of Hawkins, Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder, comes as a powerful expression of maternal love that refuses to give up. Being a single mother to Jonathan and Will, she deals with the trials of raising two boys amidst the demands of her job. Despite the skepticism from those around her, Joyce never gives up on her determination, showing time and again how far a mother’s love can go. 

Although Joyce Byers has a very potent storyline and richness in depth, she finds herself ranked lower in character assessments. This might be due to the overshadowing presence of characters who have more dramatic portrayals of supernatural skills or whose position in the series' main plot is more central. Without even a doubt, Joyce Byers is the unsung hero of Stranger Things with her steadfast love and determination, which will continue to be remembered as an anchor for the series. 

Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, is the mysterious powerhouse that takes center stage in Stranger Things. From being an unknown girl with telekinetic powers to being a friend and hero, she has captured audiences all over the world. While Eleven's storyline forms the core of the story, the crew of Stranger Things features a diverse group of lovable characters who add to the story in different ways, all of them building Evelyn's story, making it intriguing and exciting. 

This is probably why Eleven's character is pushed to the lower end of the ranks despite holding the very central role in the series.

Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, hit the scene in Season 2 of Stranger Things and became a part of the group in no time! Her sharp wit and fearless attitude made her stand out. She never had qualms about speaking her mind and challenging the boys, not afraid to speak up for herself. She brought a rich element to the storyline by being a loyal friend and courageous ally and soon became the show's darling character. 

Eddie Munson, the charismatic leader of Hawkins High's Hellfire Club, quickly became quite the fan favorite in Season 4 of Stranger Things. Played by Joseph Quinn, Eddie's journey from misunderstood outsider to heroic figure struck a chord with viewers. His final act, playing Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' to divert demobats, sealed his status as a real hero. 

When Robin Buckley, played by Maya Hawke, first came into the scene of Stranger Things in Season 3, she was just a quirky ice cream scooper at Scoops Ahoy. But as the series progressed, she evolved into a fan favorite, securing the 4th spot in the ranking. Her sharp wit and fearless nature quickly made her a strong presence in the group. The platonic relationship between Robin and Steve Harrington brought humor, adding a much-needed break of comic relief to the series from time to time making them one of the most loved duos. 

Standing as the firm police chief in the little town of Hawkins, Indiana, Jim Hopper is that grizzled-looking detective with a heart of gold. Throughout the series, Hopper, played by David Harbour, evolves from a cynical lawman to a protective father figure, for Eleven whom he takes in as his daughter. His journey through the series is quite beautifully marked with moments of vulnerability, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those whom he loves. It is his consistent dedication and care for the ones he loves that have had fans rooting for him, pushing him straight up to the top three 

Steve Harrington, portrayed by Joe Keery, has undergone a remarkable transformation from the quintessential high school jock to the adored fan favorite in Stranger Things. From being Nancy Wheeler's boyfriend to becoming a protector and a lovely figure to the younger groups and especially his relationship with Dustin has had fans swooning! Steve's character development, coupled with Keery's strong performance, brings depth and complexity to the table, making him one of the most interesting characters in the series.

Dustin is the emotional glue that ties the group of friends together and has become quite the fan favorite because of his unwavering loyalty and great sense of humor. From his first appearance in the show, Dustin’s sense of innocent curiosity and intelligence has shined captivating hearts. His witty jokes and energetic banter lighten the mood even on the darkest nights. 

Dustin's deep connections with his friends are a big point in his favor, especially his guidance of younger characters like Erica, showing his care-giving nature. Dustin, remaining calm during intense situations again him more of a dependable friend. These traits have clearly made Dustin played masterfully by Gaten Matarazzo the most loved as he stands to be the best character in the series.

While Eleven remains a fan favorite, the true gems of the series lie in the unexpected spots on this list. Each character, with their own struggles and victories, has earned their place in fans' hearts. As Stranger Things 5 looms, one thing is for sure—the Hawkins crew will continue to surprise, captivate, and challenge our expectations. 

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Who do you think deserves the top spot? Did your favorite character make the list? Drop your thoughts and rankings in the comments below!