The Untimely Demise: Unforgettable Stranger Things Characters That Leave a Lasting Impression

Summary

The characters Barb and Bob from Stranger Things had a significant impact on fans, despite their early demise. The hashtag #JusticeForBarb gained popularity, reflecting the intense emotions that Barb's character evoked in just two episodes. Additionally, Bob's endearing and tragic qualities left a lasting impression.

Despite initially being a jerk throughout the show, Billy Hargrove managed to redeem himself before meeting an unfortunate demise. His ultimate sacrifice to protect his sister and her friends showcased a newfound depth to his character.

Despite their brief appearances, both Dr. Alexei and Chrissy Cunningham made a lasting impression. Dr. Alexei's carefree nature and Chrissy's tragic fate evoked sympathy from audiences. The limited amount of time they had on screen did not lessen their impact.

Stranger Things is filled with incredible characters, including eight who captivated audiences before their untimely deaths. As one of Netflix's most popular shows ever, Stranger Things has amassed millions of viewers worldwide and cultivated a dedicated fanbase. The story revolves around the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, constantly threatened by the Upside Down, an alternate dimension. The immense success of Stranger Things can be attributed to various factors, but its exceptional portrayal of characters stands out as one of its greatest strengths.

Indeed, Stranger Things excels in this aspect to such an extent that it can create characters who only appear for a single season or even a single episode, yet still leave a lasting impact on the audience. While the main characters of Stranger Things take center stage throughout the show, there is an abundance of engaging side characters whose brief yet convincing appearances contribute to the show's authenticity. It is highly likely that when Stranger Things season 5 is released, it will introduce new characters who, despite their premature demise, will steal the spotlight once again.

8 Barbara "Barb" Holland

7 Bob Newby

Despite her early demise in the second episode of Stranger Things season 1, Barb Holland, Nancy's best friend, deeply resonated with fans and stands out as a character with immense untapped potential. Her tragic fate sparked a viral hashtag, #JusticeForBarb, across social media platforms, underscoring the lasting impact she made on viewers in just a short time. Barb, a kind-hearted individual who aimed to steer clear of trouble, evoked a profound sense of injustice following her untimely death.

The character of Bob Newby is highly adored by fans of the Stranger Things series. Even though he only appears in one season, he manages to win over the hearts of viewers. It seems like Joyce finally finds some happiness with Bob, but this is short-lived as he ultimately meets his demise at the hands of a demodog in Stranger Things season 2, episode 8. Bob's untimely death is truly one of the most sorrowful moments in the show, especially since it occurs right in front of Joyce. Nevertheless, Bob's impact on the series ensures he remains a memorable character.

6 Billy Hargrove

Billy Hargrove, Max Mayfield's stepbrother, meets his demise in the finale of Stranger Things season 3, preventing him from becoming an ally to the main characters. Throughout this period, Billy holds significant importance and his tragic demise offers a sense of redemption for this frequently callous individual. In Stranger Things season 3, the Mind Flayer takes control of Billy's mind, but Eleven successfully liberates him from its clutches. In a final act of valor, he sacrifices himself to shield his sister and her companions. Despite his continuous mistreatment of Max over the course of two seasons, Billy remains an indelible character who ultimately finds redemption prior to his premature demise.

5 Dr. Alexei

The enigmatic character of Dr. Alexei adds an intriguing layer to Stranger Things season 3, despite his limited screen time. This Russian scientist, who exudes an unexpected free-spiritedness, falls into the clutches of Joyce and Hopper. Communicating solely in his native tongue, Alexei discloses crucial details regarding the Russians' intentions to infiltrate the enigmatic Upside Down to Murray, the sole Russian speaker in Hawkins. Tragically, Alexei meets his demise at the hands of a fellow Russian soldier, but not before making an indelible impression and forging an unlikely bond with Joyce and Murray.

4 Chrissy Cunningham

Chrissy Cuningham met a tragic end in Stranger Things season 4, sacrificing her potential for a captivating character development. As a popular cheerleader from Hawkins High, her seemingly perfect life takes a dark turn when she becomes haunted by Vecna. In an attempt to cope with her trauma, she seeks solace in purchasing marijuana from Eddie Munson, only to meet a brutal demise at the hands of Vecna in Eddie's trailer. This unfortunate incident leads to Eddie becoming the primary suspect in her untimely death. Despite her limited screen time in Stranger Things, Chrissy manages to evoke a great deal of sympathy from the audience.

3 Eddie Munson

Eddie Munson, one of the most adored characters in Stranger Things, meets a heartbreaking end after a single season on the show. His death is undeniably one of the toughest moments in the series. In Hawkins, Eddie leads the Hellfire club and captures hearts with his caring nature and lovable geekiness. Little did he know, he possessed an immense amount of bravery within himself. Eddie's simple desire to play Dungeons & Dragons with his friends takes a tragic turn when Chrissy is murdered in his trailer, and he becomes the scapegoat for her death. This compels him to join forces with Dustin and the rest of the gang in a quest to stop Vecna and prove his innocence.

Eddie meets a tragic fate in the finale of Stranger Things season 4 as he bravely faces a swarm of demo-bats, sacrificing himself to buy his friends time against Vecna. The scene where Dustin cradles Eddie in his arms during his final moments is undeniably heart-wrenching, mainly due to Eddie's endearing nature. In fact, Eddie's character becomes such a beloved figure that he emerges as one of the standout stars of Stranger Things season 4, leaving an indelible mark as one of the show's greatest characters.

2 Benny Hammond

Benny Hammond's fleeting appearance in the debut episode of Stranger Things may have slipped the minds of some fans. Nevertheless, it's difficult not to develop an affection for him in that brief encounter. Benny is the compassionate individual who first encounters Eleven subsequent to her escape from Dr. Brenner's laboratory. Despite catching her in the act of thievery, he graciously provides her with a warm meal and a place to seek refuge. Tragically, one of Brenner's henchmen discovers Eleven's whereabouts at Benny's diner and ruthlessly ends his life, preventing him from making any further impact on the storyline.

1 Fred Benson

Fred Benson, an employee at the Hawkins newspaper alongside Nancy, meets a tragic end in Stranger Things season 4 when he is murdered by Vecna. Despite his short appearance on the show, Fred quickly becomes an adored character as he assists Nancy in her quest to uncover the truth behind Chrissy Cunningham's demise. His genuine innocence brings a sense of renewed vitality to the ensemble, but sadly, his time is cut short. Fred's untimely demise feels unjust, echoing the countless other heartbreaking losses within the Stranger Things universe.