The Most Loved Character in Stranger Things, Ranked

Choose the character you think is the most loved!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:27
In the swirling, supernatural chaos of Hawkins, Indiana, each character of Stranger Things brings something unique to the table. As fans, it's natural to gravitate towards one character more than others due to their compelling arcs or the emotional depths they reach. By ranking these characters, viewers can share who stole their hearts and had them rooting from the edge of their seats. This dynamic list is shaped by your votes, reflecting real-time preferences and opinions of fellow fans. Whether you are a die-hard enthusiast of the series or a casual viewer catching up, seeing where these beloved characters rank can enhance your viewing experience. It sparks conversations and maybe even a friendly debate on the virtues of your favorite residents of Hawkins.

What Is the Most Loved Character in Stranger Things?

  1. 1
    27
    votes
    Eleven, also known as El, is one of the main characters in Stranger Things. She is loved for her bravery, determination, and deep emotional connections to the other characters.
  2. 2
    65
    votes
    Steve Harrington
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Steve Harrington

    The Duffer Brothers
    Steve, originally introduced as a stereotypical high school jock, evolves into a fan favorite due to his loyalty, humor, and character development.
    Steve Harrington is a fictional character in the television series Stranger Things. He is portrayed as a charismatic, popular high school student who starts off as a stereotypical jock but evolves into a complex and caring individual. Steve becomes an unexpected hero in the show, fighting alongside the main characters against supernatural threats.
    • Gender: Male
    • Age: Late Teens to Early Twenties
    • Occupation: Student (Formerly), Ice Cream Shop Employee, Babysitter
    • Appearance: Tall, Good-looking, Dark Hair
    • Personality: Charismatic, Initially Arrogant but Develops Compassion
  3. 3
    15
    votes

    Jim Hopper

    Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer
    Hopper is the gruff but lovable sheriff of Hawkins, Indiana. His protective nature and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep those he cares about safe make him a beloved character.
    Jim Hopper is a fictional character in the Netflix series Stranger Things. He is the chief of police in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Hopper is portrayed as a tough and dedicated officer, with a troubled past and a cynical personality. Throughout the series, he becomes one of the main protectors of the group of children known as the 'Hawkins AV Club', fighting against supernatural threats from the Upside Down.
    • Gender: Male
    • Occupation: Chief of Police
    • Age: Late 30s to early 40s
    • Personality: Cynical, tough, but caring
    • Backstory: Former detective and Vietnam War veteran
  4. 4
    28
    votes

    Dustin Henderson

    The Duffer Brothers
    Dustin is known for his wit, humor, and loyalty. He is a fan favorite due to his endearing personality and lovable quirks.
    Dustin Henderson is a fictional character in the Netflix series Stranger Things. He is one of the main protagonists and a member of the group of friends known as the 'Dungeons & Dragons party.' Dustin is known for his curly hair, wit, and loyalty to his friends.
    • Age: Approximately 13 years old
    • Appearance: Curly hair, missing front teeth
    • Personality: Intelligent, witty, cunning
    • Hobbies: Playing Dungeons & Dragons, science experiments
    • Friendship: Close friends with Mike, Lucas, and Eleven
  5. 5
    9
    votes
    Mike Wheeler
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mike Wheeler

    The Duffer Brothers
    Mike is Eleven's closest friend and a key member of the group. He is loved for his intelligence, bravery, and loyalty to his friends.
    Mike Wheeler is a character from the television series Stranger Things. He is one of the main protagonists and a leader of the group of friends known as the 'Dungeons & Dragons' party. Mike is portrayed as kind-hearted, brave, and loyal, with a strong sense of justice. He forms a close bond with the character Eleven throughout the series.
    • Actor: Finn Wolfhard
    • First Appearance: Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers
    • Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68m)
    • Hair Color: Brown
    • Eye Color: Brown
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Lucas Sinclair
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Lucas Sinclair

    The Duffer Brothers
    Lucas is another member of the group and is known for his skepticism and level-headedness. He is a fan favorite due to his practicality and loyalty.
    Lucas Sinclair is a fictional character in the Netflix series Stranger Things. He is one of the main characters and a member of the friend group, including the protagonists, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, and Eleven. Lucas is portrayed as intelligent, cautious, and resourceful, known for being skeptical and occasionally doubting the decisions made by his friends. He is also shown to have a protective nature towards his friends.
    • Full Name: Lucas Sinclair
    • Portrayed by: Caleb McLaughlin
    • First Appearance: Stranger Things, Season 1, Episode 1
    • Occupation: Student
    • Residence: Hawkins, Indiana
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Max Mayfield
    NOAA news feed. · Public domain

    Max Mayfield

    The Duffer Brothers
    Max is a newcomer to Hawkins and quickly becomes a valued member of the group. She is loved for her spunky personality, bravery, and loyalty.
    Max Mayfield is a fictional character in the Netflix series Stranger Things. She is a tomboyish and rebellious girl who joins the main group of friends in the second season. Max is known for her skateboarding skills and her strong-willed personality.
    • Gender: Female
    • Age: 14
    • Appearance: Red hair, freckles
    • Role in the series: Main character
    • Introduced in: Stranger Things Season 2
  8. 8
    18
    votes

    Joyce Byers

    The Duffer Brothers
    Joyce is the mother of Will and Jonathan and a key player in the events of Stranger Things. Her fierce determination and love for her children make her a beloved character.
    Joyce Byers is a character from the popular TV show Stranger Things. She is portrayed as a fiercely devoted mother who will stop at nothing to find her missing son, Will. Throughout the series, Joyce displays resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the supernatural occurrences happening in Hawkins, Indiana. She is known for her memorable line 'Will, where are you?'.
    • Gender: Female
    • Occupation: Supermarket Clerk
    • Relationships: Mother of Will Byers and Jonathan Byers
    • Personality: Determined, protective, and resourceful
    • Appearance: Short brown hair and somewhat disheveled attire
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Will Byers

    The Duffer Brothers
    Will is the character around whom the events of Stranger Things revolve. His bravery and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror make him a beloved character.
    Will Byers is a fictional character from the Netflix series Stranger Things. He is one of the main protagonists and is portrayed as a young boy who goes missing, leading to the events of the show's first season. Despite his limited screen time in the early seasons, Will's character arc and strength make him a beloved character among fans.
    • Gender: Male
    • Age: Around 12
    • Occupation: Student
    • Role: Main protagonist
    • Abilities: Strong resilience and determination
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Bob is a brief but beloved character in Stranger Things. His kindness, intelligence, and bravery in the face of danger make him a fan favorite.
    Bob Newby is a fictional character from the Netflix series Stranger Things. He is introduced in the second season as Joyce Byers' love interest and works at RadioShack. Bob is known for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to help others, especially Joyce and her children. He is portrayed as a geeky, yet lovable character who brings a sense of peace and stability to the troubled Hawkins community.
    • Season of first appearance: Season 2
    • Occupation: Works at RadioShack
    • Relationships: Love interest of Joyce Byers
    • Personality traits: Kind-hearted, geeky, lovable
    • Role in the show: Brings a sense of peace and stability to Hawkins community

Missing your favorite character?

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Ranking factors for loved character

  1. Character development
    How well the character grows and evolves throughout the series, facing challenges and learning about themselves.
  2. Relatability
    How easily viewers can connect with the character based on shared experiences, emotions, or personality traits.
  3. Complexity
    The depth and layers of a character, making them interesting and engaging to watch.
  4. Likability
    General audience sentiment towards the character, including how sympathetic or endearing they may be.
  5. Acting performance
    The skill with which the actor portrays the character, bringing them to life and eliciting emotions from the audience.
  6. Storyline importance
    The significance of the character in the overall plot and their impact on the story.
  7. Screen time
    How much the character is featured in the series, and whether their presence is well-utilized and effective.
  8. Interactions with other characters
    How the character forms relationships, conflicts, and connections with others on the show, contributing to their development and to the story as a whole.
  9. Memorable moments
    Scenes and quotes that make the character stand out, endear them to the audience, and become iconic.
  10. Cultural impact
    The character's influence on popular culture, including their recognizability, portrayal in fanworks, and their contribution to broader discussions about the show.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 2274 views
  • 148 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most loved character in stranger things

When Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show, set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s, follows a group of friends as they investigate supernatural occurrences that threaten their community. One of the show's biggest draws is its cast of lovable and relatable characters, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. From Eleven's telekinetic powers to Steve's unexpected heroism, fans have fallen in love with the residents of Hawkins. In this poll, we aim to determine which character is the most beloved among Stranger Things fans.

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