Stranger Things has had its share of bumps along the way, with some episodes leaving fans underwhelmed. From 'The Lost Sister' to 'The Pollywog', this list explores the most hated episodes. Why focus on the less stellar moments? Because understanding what doesn't work can be just as engaging as celebrating what does. Episodes with unexpected plot detours and character choices that sparked online debates stand out for all the wrong reasons. If you're curious about which episodes might make you reach for the remote faster, or want to see if your least favorite made the list, keep reading. We're examining the controversial chapters that left even the Hawkins gang puzzled.
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About this list
- 1
Season 2, Episode 7.
Psychic visions lead Eleven toward a group of violent outcasts and an angry girl with a dark history.
Also ranks #34 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
57 - 2
Season 4, Episode 5.
Owen takes El to Nevada. El faces her past. The Hawkins kids search a falling house for clues. Vecna claims another victim.
Also ranks #33 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
12 - 3
Season 3, Episode 1.
Summer gets new jobs and a boyfriend. Dustin tries to contact Suzie. Dustin picks up a Russian broadcast on his radio. Will senses trouble.
Also ranks #24 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
4 - 4
Season 3, Episode 2.
Nancy and Jonathan check a lead. Steve and Robin join a secret mission. Max takes Eleven shopping. Billy has disturbing visions.
Also ranks #26 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
4 - 5
Season 2, Episode 3.
Dustin adopts a strange pet. Eleven gets impatient. Bob, who is kind, tells Will to face his fears.
Also ranks #31 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
2 - 6
Season 4, Episode 1.
School bullies Eleven. Joyce opens a strange package. A player shakes up D&D night.
Also ranks #22 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
2 - 7
Season 3, Episode 7.
An assassin follows close behind. Hopper's crew rushes back to Hawkins. El and others get ready for war against the Mind Flayer.
Also ranks #20 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
0 - 8
Season 4, Episode 3.
Murray and Joyce fly to Alaska. El faces serious results. Robin and Nancy find dirt on Hawkins' demons. Dr. Owens gives hard news.
Also ranks #32 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
0 - 9
Season 4, Episode 6.
Behind the Iron Curtain, a risky rescue mission starts. The California crew asks a hacker for help. Steve joins the team.
Also ranks #29 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-1 - 10
Season 2, Episode 5.
Nancy and Jonathan share theories with a new ally. Eleven looks for someone from her past. "Bob the Brain" solves a hard problem.
Also ranks #28 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-3 - 11
Season 1, Episode 2.
Mike, Dustin, and Lucas try to talk to the girl in the woods. Hopper questions Joyce about a scary phone call.
Also ranks #27 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-3 - 12
Season 4, Episode 8.
Nancy has sobering visions. El passes an important test. The gang gathers supplies and gets ready for battle in Hawkins.
Also ranks #30 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-4 - 13
Season 3, Episode 6.
Dr. Alexei shows what the Russians did. Eleven uses her power to see where Billy went. Dustin and Erica plan a daring rescue.
Also ranks #25 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-5 - 14
Season 3, Episode 5.
Strange things hide inside an old farmhouse. Something is hidden deep under the Starcourt Mall. The Mind Flayer gathers power.
Also ranks #23 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-7 - 15
Season 2, Episode 1.
As the town gets ready for Halloween, a top rival messes things up at the arcade. Skeptical Hopper checks rotting pumpkins.
Also ranks #19 on Best Stranger Things Episodes
-8
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