The Most Frightening Season of Stranger Things, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the season you think is the most frightening!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:27

Fans of 'Stranger Things' have long debated which season is the most thrillingly terrifying. Each season blends creepy atmospheres, supernatural elements, and character-driven scares in unique ways. Understanding which season reigns supreme in horror can enhance rewatch experiences and spark lively debates among fans. By casting your vote on the most frightening season, you contribute to a larger consensus and see how your opinions stack up against others. This interactive ranking adjusts in real-time as more votes are cast. Don't miss out on the chance to make your voice heard and see where your favorite season stands in the scare scale!

What Is the Most Frightening Season of Stranger Things?

1

76
votes
Season 1

Sarah Kane

The first season of Stranger Things sets the tone for the series with its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storyline. The disappearance of Will Byers and the appearance of a mysterious girl with telekinetic powers keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Season 1 of Married at First Sight was the groundbreaking reality TV show that started it all. It followed the journey of six brave individuals who agreed to marry a complete stranger on their very first meeting. The season was filled with intense emotions, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments as the couples navigated the challenges of building a relationship from scratch.

Number of couples: 3

Number of episodes: 11

Filming location: New York City, United States

Premiere date: July 8, 2014

Broadcast network: FYI
Season 1 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular season of Stranger Things
- Position 10 of 10 in Most dramatic season of "Married at First Sight"
2

25
votes
Season 3

The third season of Stranger Things brings the horror of the Upside Down to the forefront, with the Mind Flayer unleashing its full power on the citizens of Hawkins. The tension is high as the characters fight to save their town and each other.
Season 3 of Married at First Sight is known for its intense drama and emotional rollercoaster. The season follows six brave singles who agree to enter into a legally binding marriage with a stranger, chosen for them by a team of relationship experts. The couples have just a few weeks to decide whether to stay together or get a divorce.

Number of couples: 6

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Duration: 10 weeks

Wedding budget: $35,000 per couple

Relationship experts: Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Dr. Joseph Cilona, and Pastor Calvin Roberson
Season 3 in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular season of Stranger Things
- Position 6 of 10 in Most dramatic season of "Married at First Sight"
3

28
votes
Season 2

FYI Television Network

While not as frightening as the first or third season, the second season of Stranger Things still has its moments of terror, particularly with the introduction of the Demodogs and the Mind Flayer's increasing control over Will.
Season 2 of Married at First Sight was an intense and highly dramatic season that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. It featured a group of brave individuals who agreed to marry a complete stranger without ever meeting them before. As the couples embarked on their unpredictable journey of love, they faced numerous challenges and emotional ups and downs that made this season incredibly compelling to watch.

Number of Couples: 3

Location: New York City

Wedding Budget: $25,000

Married Life Duration: 6 weeks

Relationship Experts: Dr. Joseph Cilona, Dr. Logan Levkoff, Greg Epstein, Dr. Pepper Schwartz
Season 2 in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular season of Stranger Things
- Position 8 of 10 in Most dramatic season of "Married at First Sight"
4

14
votes
Season 4

As the newest season of Stranger Things has not yet been released, it is difficult to say how frightening it will be. However, the trailer suggests that the characters will face new and terrifying threats.
Season 4 of Married at First Sight is known for its intense emotional moments and unexpected twists. The couples faced numerous challenges that tested their compatibility and commitment to each other.

Season: 4

Number of couples: 3

Location: Miami, Florida

Premiere date: July 26, 2016

Number of episodes: 17
Season 4 in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular season of Stranger Things
- Position 7 of 10 in Most dramatic season of "Married at First Sight"
5

5
votes

None

Some viewers may not find any season of Stranger Things particularly frightening, as horror is subjective and varies from person to person.

None is not an actual season of Stranger Things. It refers to the absence of a particular terrifying or frightening season in the series.
6

7
votes
Season 1 Chapter 8: The Upside Down

The Duffer Brothers

This episode features some of the most intense and frightening moments of the first season, including the reveal of the monster and the characters' attempts to escape the Upside Down.
In Season 1 Chapter 8: The Upside Down, the thrilling supernatural series Stranger Things reaches its climax. The episode follows the main characters as they explore the mysterious alternate dimension known as the Upside Down, a dark and dangerous parallel world that mirrors their own. With the creature they call the Demogorgon on the loose, tension rises as the characters and their friendship are put to the ultimate test.

Episode Number: Chapter 8

Season: 1

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller

Release Date: July 15, 2016

Running Time: 55 minutes
7

11
votes
Season 3 Chapter 8: The Battle of Starcourt

The Duffer Brothers

The final episode of the third season is a rollercoaster of emotions, with suspense, horror, and heartbreak as the characters face off against the Mind Flayer and its army.
Season 3 Chapter 8: The Battle of Starcourt is the thrilling finale of Stranger Things Season 3. It is an action-packed episode that takes place at the Starcourt Mall, where the main characters confront the Mind Flayer and its army of possessed townspeople.

Runtime: approximately 77 minutes

Director: The Duffer Brothers

Writers: The Duffer Brothers

Original release date: July 4, 2019

Setting: Hawkins, Indiana
8

8
votes
Season 2 Chapter 9: The Gate

The Duffer Brothers

The season two finale is a nail-biter as the characters attempt to close the gate to the Upside Down and stop the Mind Flayer's plans.
Season 2 Chapter 9: The Gate is the ninth and final episode of the second season of the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things. In this episode, the story reaches its climax as the residents of Hawkins, Indiana face the ultimate battle against the Upside Down. The main focus is on Eleven and her friends as they try to close the gate to the Upside Down in order to save their town and rescue their captured friend, Will Byers.

Episode Number: 9

Season: 2

Release Date: October 27, 2017

Director: The Duffer Brothers

Writer: The Duffer Brothers
9

6
votes
Season 1 Chapter 7: The Bathtub

The Duffer Brothers

This episode features some of Eleven's most powerful moments as she uses her powers to save her friends from the monster.
In Season 1 Chapter 7: The Bathtub, the main characters of Stranger Things face several challenges as they try to rescue their friend, Will Byers, from the Upside Down. During this episode, they come up with a plan to create a makeshift sensory deprivation tank in order to communicate with Will and locate him in the parallel dimension.

Episode Number: Season 1 Chapter 7

Title: The Bathtub

Original Release: July 15, 2016

Running Time: Approximately 51 minutes

Director: The Duffer Brothers
10

11
votes
Season 3 Chapter 5: The Flayed

Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer

This episode ramps up the horror with the reveal of the Flayed and their connection to the Mind Flayer. The tension builds as the characters try to figure out how to stop the upcoming threat.
In Season 3 Chapter 5: The Flayed, things take a terrifying turn as the Mind Flayer's presence becomes stronger and more dangerous than ever. The episode explores the spreading of the Mind Flayer's influence among the town's residents and the ensuing chaos it creates.

Episode Number: 5

Season: 3

Title: The Flayed

Release Date: July 4, 2019

Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Drama

Missing your favorite season?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for frightening season

Atmosphere

Consider the overall atmosphere of the season, including the setting, color palette, and cinematography, as well as how these elements contribute to the feeling of dread, suspense, or horror.
Storyline

Evaluate the plot of each season and the extent to which it relies on frightening or suspenseful elements, such as supernatural occurrences, mysteries, or eerie locations.
Monster designs

Assess the appearance and abilities of the monsters or supernatural creatures featured in the season, and how terrifying they are to the characters and the audience.
Character development

Consider how the development of the main characters, especially their fears and vulnerabilities, adds to the sense of danger and suspense in the season.
Jump scares and tension-building scenes

Analyze the frequency and effectiveness of jump scares and other tension-building scenes that contribute to the season's fright factor.
Pacing

Evaluate the pacing of the season, taking into account how effectively the suspense, mystery, or horror elements are revealed and resolved.
Psychological horror

Consider the extent to which the season delves into psychological horror, such as mind control, possession, or manipulation, and how these elements contribute to the overall sense of fear.
Emotional impact

Assess the emotional impact of the season, particularly how the stakes, conflicts, and losses faced by the characters contribute to the audience's feelings of fear and apprehension.
Sound design and music

Evaluate the effectiveness of the sound design and music in heightening the sense of horror or suspense in the season.
Reception and audience reactions

Consider how the season was received by fans and critics, paying attention to reviews and discussions around the fear factor and horror elements in the season.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most frightening season of Stranger Things. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or season is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2194 views
192 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each season once every 24 hours. The rank of each season is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most frightening season of stranger things

Stranger Things, the popular American science fiction horror series, has taken the world by storm since its debut in 2016. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s. The series follows a group of friends as they uncover supernatural mysteries, including the disappearance of one of their own and the appearance of a strange girl with telekinetic abilities. Each season of Stranger Things has its own unique storyline, but all are interconnected and build upon each other. As the show progresses, the stakes get higher, and the horror becomes more intense. Fans of the show often debate which season is the scariest, with some arguing that the first season sets the tone for the series, while others argue that later seasons bring even more terror and suspense. In this article, we'll take a closer look at each season of Stranger Things and try to determine which one is the most frightening of them all.