Anticipation for Stranger Things season 4 is at an all-time high, especially with the news of the supersized episode runtimes. But while each season of the show can almost be enjoyed as one long movie, there are certain episodes that really stand out as something special.
Throughout the three seasons of the show so far, Ranker fans have highlighted Stranger Things' best episodes yet. Some of these episodes feature defining character moments, some reveal shocking twists, and some deliver the big, exciting moments that Stranger Things fans want to see.
The Bite (Season 3, Episode 7)
Given how fun the character interactions on the show are, season 3 of the show took a big risk in keeping the main characters split up into smaller groups for most of the episodes. "The Bite" is when they started coming together again.
The episode also unleashes the full strength of the Mind Flayer, debuting some pretty epic monster designs. It is a fast-paced ride towards the ending and does a great job of seeing up for a wild finale.
The Battle Of Starcourt (Season 3, Episode 8)
It can be difficult to bring a season of television to a close, but many fans felt that the third season of Stranger Things had a satisfying conclusion. With all the heroes reunited, they join forces to take down the Mind Flayer once and for all while also dealing with the Russians.
It was an action-packed and emotional finale with plenty of shocking moments and a difficult ending as many of the characters are forced to say goodbye to each other. But it also hints at some of the things to look forward to in season 4.
Holly, Jolly (Season 1, Episode 3)
The first season of Stranger Things focuses on the disappearance of Will Byers and this episode delivers some huge moments in that mystery. Will's friends go in search of him with the help of Eleven while Joyce gets some hope that her son is still alive, all while the threat of the Demogorgon becomes clear.
There are so many chilling and emotional moments in the third episode. From Barb's demise at the beginning of the episode to the shocking discovery in the final moments, this is an episode that really hooked viewers to the show.
Suzie, Do You Copy? (Season 3, Episode 1)
While most first episodes of the season tend to be just for reintroducing fans to the world and setting things up, many found the opener of season 3 to be a great kickoff. The episode picked up with the young characters enjoying some summer fun with new relationships and the fun new setting of the mall.
Of course, it also doesn't take long for the new threat to come into play as well in some exciting ways. From the Russians playing a role this time around to Billy being chosen as the Mind Flayer's new weapon, it is a great way of throwing fans back into the story.
The Flea And The Acrobat (Season 1, Episode 5)
With Will's disappearance solved as far as the public is concerned, "The Flea and the Acrobat" sees the heroes taking some risks to bring him home themselves. It is also an episode that forms some of the show's best teams.
The young kids head off on their Stand By Me-inspired adventure while Hopper and Joyce attempt to get to the bottom of Hawkins Lab's secrets. The show works best when it plays on these character team-ups and this episode really started that trend.
The Case Of The Missing Lifeguard (Season 3, Episode 3)
"The Case of the Missing Lifeguard" was still in the early stages of the season 3 story, but it was already showing how exciting it was going to be. And while there were no actual monster sightings in the episode, the villains were showing their strength.
As Hopper and Joyce had run-ins with the Russians, Eleven and Max found that Billy's plans were already in motion. With various investigations going on at once, the episode had some fun with the characters being off on their own stories.
Trick Or Treat, Freak (Season 2, Episode 2)
After the cliff-hanger from the first season concerning the fate of Eleven, "Trick Or Treat, Freak" flashes back to reveal her sad few months of running on her own and the origins of her unexpected relationship with Hopper.
The episode also begins to kick off the central mystery of the second season as well as the much bigger threat. It is an exciting return after the catch-up episode of the season 2 premiere. There is also some Halloween fun which sets a nice creepy tone for the story.
Will The Wise (Season 2, Episode 4)
Perhaps no other character on Stranger Things has gone through as much as Will has. His mistreatment continues in "Will the Wise" which follows the aftermath of him getting possessed by the Mind Flayer.
The episode also finds Eleven looking into her own past and Nancy and Jonathan getting to the bottom on Hawkins Lab's continued shady work. But perhaps the biggest moment in the episode is Dustin realizing that Dart is not the cute and harmless house pet he thought he was.
The Spy (Season 2, Episode 6)
As much as fans love these characters, they also love to see them in the midst of serious danger. "The Spy" certainly delivers on that front as well as providing some fan-favorite interactions.
One of the crowd-pleasing aspects of the episode is continuing to see Steve turn into a hero as he plays protector to the young kids. But it is the final moments of the episode that really deliver the thrills as the possessed Will leads the soldiers into a trap and sends an army of Demogorgons to take out the heroes.
The Sauna Test (Season 3, Episode 4)
Season 3 of the show seems to have been a favorite among Ranker users and "The Sauna Test" is the episode that really kicks the story into high gear. With the young heroes suspecting that Billy has been taken over by the Mind Flayer, they set a plan to take him down.
The episode is an intense ride with a thrilling climax, including an excellent battle between Eleven and Billy that ranks among the show's best action moments. It also ends with a creepy moment set to the song "We'll Meet Again" that hints that things are just getting started.