If you've paid any attention to the pop culture bubble in the past month or so, you may have noticed a little show called "Stranger Things." A Netflix original, "Stranger Things," chronicles the — for lack of a better word — strange going-ons in a small town in the 80s. A huge throwback to Spielberg films like "E.T" and "The Goonies." While also blending in other works like John Carpenter's "The Thing," and the general atmosphere of an early Stephen King novel, "Stranger Things" has proven to be the break-out hit of the summer TV season. Filled with numerous charming — and not-so-charming — characters, nearly everyone gets a moment to shine. But who really stands out? In no particular order, here's ten — and two must name — characters that captured our hearts, minds, and imaginations. Spoilers ahead!
10. Lucas Sinclair
A member of the core friend group, Lucas is the voice of reason within the group, providing skepticism and apprehension while dealing with some of the more supernatural elements going on in Hawkins. Though he leaves the group for a short time, he still rejoins, more loyal than ever, and it's Lucas who stands up to the Demogorgon with his trusty slingshot — er, wrist-rocket.
9. Steve Harrington
Oh Steve, what would "Stranger Things" be without that glorious hair? He's Nancy's boyfriend throughout the show, and he hits a few...rough patches when he misconstrues what Nancy and Jonathan are up to. Regardless, he comes around at the end — though fighting a monster tends to do that to people. In the end, Nancy chooses Steve which definitely tells us something about him. Plus, come on, that hair!
8. Mike Wheeler
The leader of our "Dungeons and Dragons" crew, Mike leads the main push of keeping Eleven around to find Will, always doing his best to find his missing friend. Mike is the epitome of loyalty and friendship, remaining true to both Will and Eleven, even when the going gets really, really tough. We would all do good to be more like Mike. Add in a fantastic performance by Finn Wolfhard, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better kid character in mainstream media today.
7. Jonathan Byers
Will's older brother, Jonathan, is the outsider of our teen cast, a photographer who prefers taking pictures of the action, rather than be in it. When Will disappears, and something more sinister is revealed to be going on, Jonathan more than steps up to the plate, with him and Nancy teaming up to take the monster down.
6. Nancy Wheeler
When we first see Nancy, the biggest thing she cares about is a Chem test and if Steve likes her or not. By the end, you have a hardened, smart, and as Dustin puts it, "bad ass." Nancy is one of the few characters to have a run-in with the Demogorgon and get out unscathed. If anything, she gets more determined to take it down and find Barb, her missing friend. Nancy may start the series as a typical teenage girl, but she sure doesn't end it as one.
5. Dustin Henderson
The glue that holds our kid cast together, Dustin, proved to be the breakout star of the show. What would "Stranger Things" be without Dustin? A whole lot less funny, that's for sure. Whether it's the lunch lady hoarding the chocolate pudding, or complaining that there aren't any "real 'nilla-wafers" at Will's funeral, Dustin brings levity to the show, while also being the heart of the kid's group.
4. Will Byers
He may go missing within the first ten or so minutes, but not a minute goes by that you don't feel Will's presence in the show. Whether it's Joyce desperately trying to talk with him, or just Mike looking at a picture, Will is what drives these characters into the story, and with good reason, as he's honest, and clearly a good friend. Let's just hope season two is more kind to Will the Wise.
3. Jim Hopper
Our resident Indiana Jones of the cast, Hopper, gets the heavy work done, from exploring the lab, to punching his ways through the numerous mysteries of the show. Hopper also battles some monsters of his own: the death of his daughter and his substance abuse, for example. However, while these give us insight into who Hopper is and how he operates, they never hinder his investigation. Hopper is unrelenting in his search for Will, and, later on, to bring him home.
2. Joyce Byers
The mother of Will and Jonathan, Joyce, is simply doing her best to provide for her children, and when Will goes missing, she goes through absolute hell to get him back. Joyce is one of the best-portrayed moms in television today. Even though she struggles from paycheck to paycheck, she does her best to keep up with her children's interests and feed into those interests. She absolutely will not give up on Will, and it's her knowledge of her child that gets him back to her.
1. Eleven
She's the absolute icon of the show, and if you don't consider Will the main character, then there's no one better to choose than El. Eleven is a forced to be reckoned with; possessing psychokinetic powers, and almost coming right out of "X-Men," El is more than just a girl with powers. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and ultimately sacrifices herself to keep them safe. Eleven proves to rise above her laboratory beginnings, becoming more human than anyone present in Hawkins Lab.
Honorable Mentions:
2. Connie Frazier
AKA the "social worker," Connie, is chillingly good at what she does, and every time she appears, the tension shoots even higher. The scene with her and Mr. Clarke is one of the show's scariest — just because of her presence. When she finally gets what's coming to her, thanks to El, it's bloody good satisfaction.
1. Barb Holland
Oh Barb. What's there to say that hasn't been said about the breakout character of the cast. Just about anyone can relate to Barb, and her sad, abrupt ending just makes it worse. Barb is the loyal friend unfortunately shoved to the sidelines when the action starts, and who can't relate to that?
