Ranking Every Main Character Ending On Stranger Things
After five seasons of supernatural chaos, Demogorgons, and Upside Down adventures, Stranger Things finally wrapped up the stories of our favorite Hawkins heroes.
Some characters got happy endings full of hope and new beginnings, while others faced bittersweet goodbyes that left us reaching for tissues.
How do these final chapters stack up against each other?
Disclaimer: Rankings reflect editorial opinion and emotional takeaways, not definitive fact or universal consensus on which endings were “best.”
12. Robin Buckley – Off To Smith College
After spending years feeling like she never quite fit in around Hawkins, Robin finally gets her ticket out. Smith College becomes her destination, a place where she can truly discover who she’s meant to be.
Her journey represents finding your tribe after years of searching. Though it’s not the most dramatic conclusion, it feels honest and hopeful for someone who spent so long hiding parts of herself.
11. Mike Wheeler – The Chronicler Of Hawkins
Instead of leaving town like many of his friends, Mike stays behind to pursue writing. His supernatural experiences become the foundation for his creative work, transforming trauma into storytelling.
There’s something poetic about the kid who started it all becoming the one to document everything.
However, watching everyone else chase big dreams while Mike stays put feels a bit underwhelming compared to other character arcs.
10. Jonathan Byers – NYU Film School Dreams
Photography has always been Jonathan’s escape, and finally, he gets to make it his future. NYU Film School in New York City gives him the chance to explore independent filmmaking far from Hawkins’ shadow.
His anti-capitalist movie project, The Consumer, shows he’s still the thoughtful, socially conscious guy we’ve always known.
Breaking free from years of family responsibility to chase his passion feels earned and satisfying.
9. Nancy Wheeler – Investigative Journalist Career
Dropping out of Emerson College might sound wild, but Nancy has never been one to follow the traditional path.
The Boston Herald offers her real-world reporting opportunities that classroom lectures just can’t match. Choosing career ambitions over romance shows serious character growth.
She’s done playing it safe or letting relationships define her future, and honestly? That’s pretty empowering for someone who’s been pulled in multiple directions throughout the series.
8. Lucas Sinclair – Devoted To Max’s Recovery
While his friends scatter across the country chasing dreams, Lucas makes a different choice entirely. Staying in Hawkins to support Max through her rehabilitation takes incredible strength and loyalty.
His commitment shows what true love looks like when the Hollywood romance fades away.
Being someone’s steady rock through the hardest times? That’s hero behavior without needing superpowers or monster-fighting skills to prove it.
7. Will Byers – Art Studies In New York
Few characters have suffered as much as Will throughout this series, making his fresh start feel especially meaningful.
New York City’s art scene gives him space to explore creativity and identity without Upside Down baggage. Finding acceptance and love in the big city represents healing from years of trauma.
Will finally gets to be a normal young adult discovering himself, which feels like the peaceful ending he desperately deserved after everything.
6. Steve Harrington – Baseball Coach And Mentor
From popular jock to monster fighter to beloved babysitter, Steve’s transformation culminates in becoming Hawkins High’s head baseball coach.
His character arc has always been about finding purpose beyond popularity contests and dating drama.
Mentoring the next generation suits him perfectly, especially since he’s spent seasons protecting kids anyway.
5. Eleven – Sacrificing Powers For Peace
Talk about ultimate sacrifice! Giving up her powers to seal the gates forever means Eleven can finally live the normal life she’s always wanted.
No more government experiments, no more monster fighting, just regular teenage existence. Having agency to choose her own path represents everything she’s fought for since escaping the lab.
Whether she truly died or escaped with Kali remains ambiguous, but either way, her story concludes with hard-won freedom and self-determination.
4. Dustin Henderson – Valedictorian Speech For Eddie
Graduating as class valedictorian is impressive enough, but Dustin uses his moment in the spotlight for something bigger.
His speech publicly honors Eddie Munson, clearing his friend’s name and ensuring he’s remembered as the hero he truly was.
Using academic achievement to fight injustice perfectly captures Dustin’s brilliant, loyal heart.
3. Jim Hopper & Joyce Byers – Engaged And Moving To Montauk
After surviving Russian prisons, Demogorgons, and countless near-death experiences, these two finally get their happy ending.
Hopper’s proposal and their decision to relocate to Montauk represents choosing peace over chaos for once.
They’ve both lost so much and fought so hard that watching them build a family together feels incredibly earned.
2. Max Mayfield – Miraculous Recovery And Freedom
Against all odds, Max wakes from her coma and makes a full recovery that defies every medical prediction.
Seeing her back on her skateboard in the final moments symbolizes triumph over the guilt, trauma, and darkness that nearly consumed her.
Her journey from Vecna’s clutches back to health represents resilience in its purest form.
After watching her suffer through grief, possession, and near-death, this healing conclusion feels like the victory the entire series needed.
1. Joyce Byers (Individual Journey) – Finding Peace After Endless Battles
Beyond the romantic ending with Hopper, Joyce’s personal resolution deserves recognition as the series’ most satisfying conclusion.
She’s spent five seasons fighting impossible battles, losing loved ones, and carrying her family through unimaginable horrors.
Reuniting with both sons and finally allowing herself happiness represents a mother’s ultimate reward.
