Stranger Things has quickly become one of the most popular and talked-about television shows. With each new season, the show dives deeper into the strange adventures of our main characters in the town of Hawkins. With the right mix nostalgia and unique storytelling, the show is filled with epic moments.
Though the show embraces the supernatural fun, it never loses sight of its characters. From the young kids to the caring adults, the show succeeds because of its heroes. As we grow fonder of these characters, the show knows how to pull our heartstrings with some truly sad moments. Here are the most heartbreaking moments from Stranger Things.
Dustin At The Dance
With all the monsters and covert government agencies these characters have battled with, it's easy to forget that they are just kids. Though they might survive those deadly situations, fitting in at school can be just as hard.
As the kids attend the school dance, Dustin puts in his best effort to finally get noticed by some girls. After a new hairdo and a pep talk from Steve, he goes in with confidence. Sadly, each time he approaches a girl, he is rejected until poor Dustin is standing along while everyone else dances.
Eleven's Mother
So much of the show revolves around Eleven and her mysterious past. While there are still many unanswered questions, the show has gradually revealed pieces to the bigger puzzle. One of the most significant moments was when Eleven meets her mother.
Being without parents has been difficult for Eleven so to have this reunion should have been such a happy moment. But when she finds her mother, Terry Ives, she is catatonic and unable to communicate with Eleven. Through her memories, Eleven sees how desperately her mother tried to find her years ago.
Will Destroys Castle Byers
Will Byers has probably been through more than anyone else in the series. First, he was taken by the Demogorgon and trapped in the Upside Down. Then he was possessed by the Mind Flayer until it was painfully exercised from his body.
After going through so much trauma, Will understandably just wants to play games with his friends. However, in Season 3, Will's friends have moved on to girlfriends while Will just wants the innocent childhood that was taken from him. In a fit of rage, he destroys his childhood hideout, feeling totally alone.
The Byers Move Away
Hawkins has not been a very safe place for the Byers family, so it's not too surprising that they would want to get out of that town. Even still, watching the family move away at the end of Season 3 was a very emotional moment.
This gang of friends has been together since the beginning and they care deeply for one another. We see Nancy having to say goodbye to Jonathan. We see Will having to say goodbye to his friends. And we have to see Eleven say goodbye to Mike. Time will tell if they'll see each other again.
Hopper's Daughter
Hopper is the brave yet flawed hero of the tale and he makes for an extremely fun guy to cheer for. Though he can be a bit angry and impatient, he is ultimately a good man with some very sad memories of his own. We learn that Hopper and his wife separated after losing their daughter to cancer.
In Season 1, Hopper and Joyce find Will in the Upside Down but he isn't breathing. As Hopper performs CPR on Will, he has a flashback to the doctors similarly trying to revive his daughter. While Hopper tragically lost his daughter, he is able to save Will.
Barb
One of the most shocking moments in Season 1 was the death of Barb. Being best friends with Nancy, Barb decides to go along to a party with her, though she is very reluctant. While Nancy goes off with Steve, Barb sits alone by the pool where she is taken by the Demogorgon.
Though there were several theories about her survival, Season 2 confirmed her death. Unable to explain what happened, Nancy regularly visits her parents who hold out hope that their daughter will come home someday.
The Body
The first season begins with a very simple mission for the kids to find their missing friend, Will. While everyone else worries about the missing boy, the youngsters are confident they can uncover the mystery and bring Will home safe. However, things quickly take a dark and heartbreaking turn.
The kids arrive on the scene as the police are bringing a body out of the lake. Though first in disbelief, they soon realize it is will. The body is later revealed to be a fake but seeing these young kids thinking their friend is dead was hard to watch.
Hopper's Death
Stranger Things has not been shy about killing off characters, but there were some of the series' main heroes that we were quite sure were safe. But Season 3 of the show really kept fans on their toes with Hopper's apparent death in the finale.
After battling a Russian goon while attempting to shut down the portal, Hopper discovers there is no escape for him. Sharing one parting glance with Joyce, the machine explodes and Hopper is gone. Though sad to see such a beloved character go, we do expect it's not the last we've seen of him.
Billy Vs The Mind Flayer
Billy Hargrove was introduced in Season 2 of the show as the sadistic and cruel brother of Max. While he wasn't a nice guy to begin with, Season 3 makes things even worse as the Mind Flayer possesses Billy, making him its instrument for spreading.
As the Mind Flayer closes in on Eleven, she makes a plea to Billy. Recalling his own sad childhood memories, Eleven is able to shake Billy out of his trance. With his last bit of strength, Billy holds back the Mind Flayer so the others can escape before being killed.
Bob's Sacrifice
Bob Newby didn't look like a typical hero, but he stepped up to the challenge when needed. As Joyce's sweet and caring boyfriend, Bob always wanted to help and was nothing but kind to those around him.
Though initially skeptical of the supernatural elements at work, Bob is soon convinced and helps the heroes go to the research lab, looking for answers. Bob volunteers to go to the control room to unlock the door, but when he is almost out safely, he is attacked and killed by the Demodogs.