5 Most Impactful Deaths in Stranger Things, Ranked

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Over five seasons, Stranger Things gradually captivated audiences and became a worldwide phenomenon. Initially, the show was shrouded in mystery, making it difficult to understand the central conflict. However, the first death signaled that tragedy would be a recurring theme. What’s notable is that each character’s death wasn’t just for shock value; it served a purpose in advancing the plot, developing the core characters, and increasing the suspense. Ultimately, these deaths left a lasting impression on viewers.

Whether they were shocking or heartbreaking, these deaths in Stranger Things had a real impact on the story and its characters. Here’s a ranking of the five most powerful moments, guaranteed to have affected any dedicated fan.

5) Chrissy Cunningham

Season 4 of Stranger Things really shifted things into high gear – it felt much more intense and genuinely scary, especially with the introduction of Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Right away, you get a sense of how truly dangerous he is. We meet some new faces, and while Chrissy Cunningham (Grace Van Dien) doesn’t have a ton of screen time, her death is huge. It’s the first major kill of the season and it really sets the tone. Honestly, it was shocking because the show hadn’t gone that far before – it was surreal and pretty gruesome. Seeing her body contort and her eyes… well, it was disturbing, and it happened so fast. It instantly made you realize that anyone could be next. Chrissy seemed like one of those untouchable popular kids, so seeing her go like that was a real punch to the gut.

Chrissy’s shocking and swift death immediately establishes the intense stakes of the new season and demonstrates that Vecna is a uniquely terrifying villain. It’s this event that drives the group to begin their investigation and makes the threat of the Upside Down feel incredibly close to home. Despite being the first to fall victim, Chrissy’s death remains a pivotal moment throughout the story. The scene is exceptionally frightening, even for Stranger Things, and leaves a lasting impact on viewers from the very beginning.

4) Billy Hargrove

While Chrissy’s death was shocking, Billy Hargrove’s death had a much bigger impact. He starts as a character you love to hate, but by the end, you find yourself sympathizing with him and hoping he survives, realizing he was a product of his difficult life. His death in the Season 3 finale is narratively powerful: even while possessed by the Mind Flayer, he briefly fights for control and ultimately sacrifices himself to save Max and his friends. This completely transforms our view of him, changing the abusive bully into a surprisingly heroic figure in his final moments.

The effects of Billy’s death ripple throughout the entire series. Max is deeply affected by his loss, and Vecna later uses her grief against her. Beyond being a shocking moment, Billy’s death is a turning point for Max’s character, and it surprisingly shows a glimmer of redemption even in a villainous character. Seeing him brutally killed is heartbreaking and intense, but it’s a well-crafted plot device that isn’t just about Max – it also significantly impacts the development of other characters like Eleven.

3) Eddie Munson

Eddie Munson’s death in Stranger Things is one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series. Originally intended as a minor character in Season 4, he unexpectedly became a fan favorite. He perfectly embodies the series’ outsider archetype, and his heroic death is incredibly powerful. It’s not just how he dies, but the strong emotional impact it leaves on viewers. During the final fight with Vecna, Eddie bravely stays behind to distract the Demobats, allowing his friends to escape. This scene is unforgettable because it perfectly reflects his character – courageous, loyal, and willing to risk everything when others didn’t understand the danger. His death evokes both a sense of loss and deep respect; he doesn’t die in vain, but rather in a meaningful act that truly matters.

Just as Billy’s death affected Max, Eddie’s tragic fate fuels Dustin’s storyline in the final season. This isn’t just a surprising plot point—it fundamentally changes the show’s feel, making the audience realize that any character could die. By killing off Eddie, Stranger Things successfully created a genuine sense of danger and fear for all the characters. While it provides a fitting and emotional end to Eddie’s story, it’s also a harsh reminder to viewers that no one is safe.

2) Vecna/Henry Creel

Honestly, everyone was buzzing about what would happen to Henry/Vecna. We all pretty much knew he was going to die before Season 5 even came out – the big question was how it would go down. In the finale, the gang finally takes him and the Mind Flayer out, but it’s Joyce who delivers the final blow. It really felt like the end of Hawkins’ biggest nightmare. For so long, he was just this manipulative, terrifying force, killing people in these awful, almost ceremonial ways. Seeing him finally defeated felt like the show was closing a huge chapter. It wasn’t just about him physically being gone, either – it felt symbolic. After all the psychological torment and mysteries over the seasons, watching the villain who connected everything finally fall? It was deeply satisfying, truly.

As a longtime fan, I have to say that scene was intense, but exactly what we needed. Every punch Joyce threw felt like it represented all the pain everyone had gone through. It was genuinely moving, and Vecna finally getting what he deserved felt so satisfying. He wasn’t just some scary villain, you know? Even learning he was a victim himself didn’t excuse his choices, and those choices really drove everything that happened in Hawkins. Seeing him defeated like that felt like a complete and meaningful ending, making all the sacrifices and struggles throughout the series truly matter. It was a powerful moment, proving that ultimately, evil doesn’t win.

1) Eleven

Eleven’s fate was always uncertain throughout the series, and the finale deliberately keeps it that way, leaving both the characters and viewers to wonder what happens next. Seeing her seemingly prepare to leave for good is emotionally powerful. While not immediately as shocking as some other deaths, the scene resonates deeply because it represents the culmination of her entire journey. It’s the highest point of her development, and it’s heartbreaking to watch her accept the sacrifices her powers demand, a fitting end for someone who consistently puts others first. This isn’t just a sad moment; it’s a truly defining scene for Stranger Things.

The impact of her decision truly hits home when you see how the other characters respond. This isn’t a shocking death for the sake of it; it’s designed to propel the story forward, emphasize what’s at stake, and set up what’s coming next—though some, like Mike, believe she might still be alive. Eleven’s apparent death is the most powerful moment so far, significantly affecting the plot and deeply resonating with viewers. It feels like the only logical and impactful way for the story to progress.

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2026-01-07 22:20