Since its debut on Netflix in 2016, Stranger Things has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Beyond its compelling storylines and nostalgic 1980s setting, the series is celebrated for its masterful use of music. Stranger Things doesn’t just use songs; it weaponizes them, weaving iconic 80s tracks and original scores into the very fabric of its narrative. This curated selection of tunes enhances emotional beats, amplifies suspense, and has catapulted forgotten gems back into the spotlight, embedding itself into the playlists of fans globally. Here are ten of the most unforgettable songs from Stranger Things that underscore why its soundtrack is as essential as its monsters and mysteries.
Stranger Things Season 4 Poster
10. “Stranger Things” — Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon – Every Episode
While the needle drops of 80s classics in Stranger Things are often what grab headlines, the original score, composed by Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon of the electronic band Survive, is the show’s subtle heartbeat. This Emmy Award-winning score is far from background noise; it’s an integral character in itself. The main theme, simply titled “Stranger Things,” is a masterclass in synth-driven suspense.
Opening every episode, the “Stranger Things” theme song immediately transports viewers to the eerie, nostalgic world of Hawkins. Its prominent use of bass synthesizers and arpeggiated melodies evokes a sense of 80s sci-fi mystery, blending adventure with a palpable undercurrent of horror. This instrumental piece is crucial in setting the atmosphere, preparing audiences for the strange and otherworldly events that unfold, proving that sometimes, the most impactful songs are those written specifically for the story.
9. “Every Breath You Take” — The Police – Season 2, Episode 9 (2017)
The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” a global sensation from 1983, was one of the biggest songs of the 80s. Its inclusion in the Stranger Things Season 2 finale was initially deceptive. At first listen, the song, played at the Snow Ball dance, signals a return to normalcy for the Hawkins kids. Mike and Eleven share their long-awaited first kiss, Max and Lucas enjoy a sweet dance, and Dustin, sporting a new hairdo, attempts to charm Nancy.
However, Stranger Things subverts the song’s romantic facade. As the scene progresses, the tone shifts dramatically. The camera pans to the Upside Down, revealing the Mind Flayer still looming over Hawkins, its shadow cast over the seemingly happy ending. “Every Breath You Take,” initially a song of romance and comfort, becomes chilling and ominous, underscoring the persistent threat and the fragility of peace in Hawkins. This brilliant use showcases the show’s talent for layering meaning into familiar songs.
8. “The First I Love You” — Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein – Season 3, Episode 8 (2019)
Another standout from Dixon and Stein’s evocative score, “The First I Love You,” demonstrates the power of original music to amplify emotional resonance. This delicate and synth-laden piece perfectly encapsulates the tender yet fraught romance between Mike and Eleven. While Stranger Things is known for its high-octane action and horror, it’s also grounded by the genuine emotional connections between its characters.
“The First I Love You” plays during the pivotal scene where Mike and Eleven finally confess their feelings for each other. Their relationship, constantly tested by external and internal conflicts, reaches a heartwarming peak in this moment. The score elevates the scene, adding layers of vulnerability and sincerity to their declaration of love. It’s a testament to the composers’ ability to create music that is both nostalgic and deeply emotive, proving that original scores can be just as impactful as iconic hits.
7. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” — Scorpions – Season 2, Episode 1 (2017)
Stranger Things excels at character introductions, often using music to immediately define and foreshadow a character’s impact. Billy Hargrove’s entrance in Season 2 is a prime example, set to the roaring guitars of The Scorpions’ “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” This high-energy anthem isn’t just a cool 80s rock track; it’s a sonic embodiment of Billy himself.
“Rock You Like a Hurricane” accompanies Billy’s arrival in Hawkins, immediately establishing him as a disruptive, powerful force. The song’s aggressive energy and rebellious spirit mirror Billy’s personality, hinting at the chaos he will bring to the lives of the main characters. While undeniably cool, the song also carries a sense of danger, foreshadowing Billy’s volatile nature and the trouble he will stir up. This masterful musical cue perfectly encapsulates Billy’s character and his disruptive role in the narrative.
6. “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” — The Clash – Season 1, Episode 2 (2016)
The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is more than just a classic punk-rock anthem in Stranger Things; it’s a recurring motif representing connection and resilience. Its initial appearance in Season 1, Episode 2, highlights the bond between brothers Jonathan and Will Byers. The song becomes a lifeline for Will when he’s trapped in the terrifying Upside Down.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” is established as Will’s favorite song, a comforting anchor in his frightening ordeal. Later in Season 4, it’s revealed that Will used the song to maintain his sanity and hope while isolated in the Upside Down. The song’s lyrics about indecision and uncertainty take on a poignant new meaning in the context of Will’s situation. Beyond its narrative significance, the song’s inclusion demonstrated Stranger Things‘ power to reintroduce classic songs to a new generation, sparking renewed interest in The Clash and their iconic music.
5. “Heroes” — Peter Gabriel – Season 1, Episode 3 (2016) & Season 3, Episode 8 (2019)
Originally a David Bowie hit, Peter Gabriel’s stripped-down, melancholic cover of “Heroes” gains profound emotional weight in Stranger Things. The song, about lovers divided by the Berlin Wall, transcends its original context to become a powerful anthem of resilience and love in the face of despair. The Duffer Brothers utilize this rendition twice, each time in moments of deep sorrow and perceived loss.
The first instance is in Season 1 when the group believes they’ve found Will’s body, and again in Season 3 after Hopper’s apparent death, as Eleven reads his heartfelt letter. In both scenes, “Heroes” underscores the characters’ grief and their quiet determination to persevere despite devastating circumstances. The song’s yearning tone and themes of hope amidst despair resonate deeply with the show’s narrative, amplifying the emotional impact of these critical moments. Its repeated use solidifies “Heroes” as an anthem of hope within the darkness of Stranger Things.
4. “Never Ending Story” — Liamhl – Season 3, Episode 9 (2019)
Season 3 of Stranger Things, while debated among fans, delivered some truly unforgettable moments, none more purely delightful than the “Never Ending Story” duet. Dustin’s girlfriend Suzie, initially a source of skepticism among his friends, is revealed in a scene that perfectly blends humor, romance, and 80s nostalgia. To get Planck’s Constant from Suzie, Dustin must fulfill her whimsical request: a duet of the theme song from The NeverEnding Story.
What ensues is a hilariously endearing moment as Dustin reluctantly belts out the cheesy-but-charming tune over the radio, joined by Suzie in perfect harmony. Even amidst a monster crisis, this scene provides a lighthearted, purely 80s interlude. The “Never Ending Story” performance is a testament to Stranger Things‘ ability to balance high stakes with genuine, innocent fun, showcasing that even in the face of danger, there’s room for a little musical whimsy.
3. “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” — Jim Croce – Season 2, Episode 3 (2017) & Season 3, Episode 2 (2019)
Jim Croce’s “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” is the unofficial theme song for Hawkins’ Chief of Police, Jim Hopper. This classic track, with its rugged charm and playful swagger, embodies Hopper’s personality perfectly. Stranger Things uses it twice, each time highlighting a different facet of Hopper’s character.
Initially, in Season 2, it plays during a montage of Hopper and Eleven cleaning and fixing up their cabin, showcasing their burgeoning father-daughter bond and Hopper’s softer side. Its more comedic and memorable use is in Season 3 when Hopper, after successfully banishing Mike from the cabin due to his over-involvement with Eleven, celebrates his victory with Croce’s tune. “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” becomes a humorous anthem for Hopper’s gruff exterior and his ultimately good-hearted, if overprotective, nature.
2. “Master of Puppets” — Metallica – Season 4, Episode 9 (2022)
Eddie Munson, the metalhead hero of Season 4, gifted Stranger Things one of its most iconic musical moments with his electrifying performance of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” Eddie, initially presented as an outcast, becomes a central figure in the fight against Vecna, and his guitar solo in the Upside Down is a defining moment of heroism and metal mayhem.
“Master of Puppets” isn’t just background music; it’s Eddie’s battle cry. Blasting the heavy metal anthem to distract the demobats and protect his friends, Eddie delivers a performance that is both epic and deeply emotional. This scene resonated globally, sending “Master of Puppets” surging back into the charts decades after its release and earning praise from Metallica themselves. Eddie’s guitar solo became a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place as one of the most powerful and memorable musical moments in television history.
1. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” — Kate Bush – Season 4, Episode 4, (2022)
Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” in Stranger Things Season 4 achieved a level of cultural impact rarely seen in television music integration. Its prominence in the episode “Dear Billy” transformed a beloved 80s track into a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide nearly four decades after its original release. The song became intrinsically linked with Max Mayfield’s struggle against Vecna, symbolizing her fight for survival and her battle with grief and inner demons.
“Running Up That Hill” is not just a song in Stranger Things; it’s Max’s lifeline. It represents hope, resilience, and the power of music to connect and save. The song’s resurgence is a testament to Stranger Things‘ influence and the enduring power of Kate Bush’s masterpiece. “Running Up That Hill” is more than just the best song in Stranger Things; it’s a cultural moment, forever intertwined with Max’s heroic journey and the show’s emotional core.
NEXT: The Best High School Series to Watch on Netflix
