Stranger Things Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in the Upside Down, Ranked

The actors in ‘Stranger Things’ range from rising stars to seasoned veterans, and their income comes from various sources – including their Netflix salaries, previous projects, business ventures, concerts, and book deals. To determine their overall wealth, we considered how long they’ve been working, how much they’ve earned from major franchises, income from branding and music, any production work they’ve done, and ongoing payments from past successes. This gives a clear picture of how the show’s cast members are doing financially when you consider everything they’ve accomplished.

This countdown highlights how the cast earns money outside of the show. Some actors had established financial success before becoming famous, while the younger stars quickly boosted their careers with films, fashion deals, music, and business ventures. Everyone on this list has multiple sources of income – from popular streaming shows and movies to books, albums, and merchandise – ensuring a steady flow of revenue even when the show isn’t airing.

20. Charlie Heaton

Charlie Heaton first gained attention as Jonathan Byers in the hit show ‘Stranger Things.’ Before that, he was a drummer for several indie bands, earning money through touring and recording. He continued to build his career with roles in films like ‘The New Mutants’ and independent dramas, staying busy between seasons of ‘Stranger Things’ and becoming well-known internationally.

Heaton supplements his income through fashion work and promotional events for his shows and movies, allowing him to earn appearance fees and sponsorship deals. He also continues to act in independent films, which provides ongoing income from residuals and film festival payments, creating a reliable income source beyond his salary from Netflix.

19. Natalia Dyer

Natalia Dyer successfully used her role as Nancy Wheeler on ‘Stranger Things’ to launch a consistent career in film and streaming, appearing in projects like ‘Yes God Yes’ and ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’, often filming during breaks from the show. This allows her to earn income not only from her series salary, but also from ongoing payments like residuals and international distribution rights.

Maya Hawke has become increasingly well-known thanks to features in magazines and appearances at fashion shows, which she often combines with sponsored brand deals. By balancing work in smaller films with fashion projects, she’s built a varied career that provides income beyond her role on ‘Stranger Things’.

18. Cara Buono

Cara Buono is a seasoned television actress with a long list of impressive credits, including significant roles in popular shows like ‘Mad Men’, ‘The Sopranos’, and ‘Person of Interest’. Because these shows continue to air and generate income over time through residuals, they contribute significantly to her financial stability.

Let me tell you, Sadie Sink is *everywhere* right now, and it’s fantastic to see. Her role as Karen Wheeler on ‘Stranger Things’ has really put her on the map – fans all over the world are still clamoring to meet her at conventions. But it’s not just that one show; she’s consistently working with a bunch of guest spots and recurring roles on both network TV and streaming services. It’s smart career building, and it means a steady income now *and* down the line as those shows get re-run and syndicated. She’s really setting herself up for long-term success.

17. Brett Gelman

Before becoming known for his role as Murray Bauman, Brett Gelman had a diverse career in comedy, including sketch, stand-up, and television shows like ‘Fleabag’. This varied work provides him with income from several sources, such as writing payments, acting wages, and ongoing royalties from shows being re-aired.

I’ve noticed he’s constantly working – taking on film roles, doing voice work for animated projects, and even touring and hosting podcasts. It’s great because he’s built up a lot of different income streams, so he’s not reliant on just one job. He gets paid for each session and continues to earn from those projects over time, which is really smart.

16. Jamie Campbell Bower

As a big movie fan, I immediately recognized Jamie Campbell Bower when he showed up in Hawkins! He’s got a history with some huge franchises – ‘Twilight,’ a couple of projects connected to the ‘Harry Potter’ universe, and he even led ‘The Mortal Instruments’ series. It’s cool to see an actor with that kind of background get such a prominent role, and it makes sense that he’s still getting work from those earlier projects – those movies and shows are still really popular with fans and on streaming services!

In addition to his acting work, Jamie Campbell Bower has released music and toured with his band, bringing in income from performances and merchandise sales. His popular role as Vecna has greatly increased demand for international events and sponsorships, providing a significant income source when he’s not filming.

15. Dacre Montgomery

After gaining recognition for his role as Billy in ‘Stranger Things’, Dacre Montgomery transitioned to larger film projects like ‘Power Rangers’ and ‘Elvis’. These films increased his visibility and provided ongoing income from box office success around the globe.

He also creates and manages audio projects that earn money through streaming and sponsorships. In addition to acting, he generates income from brand collaborations and by performing at conventions.

14. Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin’s background in Broadway’s ‘The Lion King’ helped prepare him for his breakout role as Lucas Sinclair, and has since opened doors to leading roles in films like ‘Concrete Cowboy’ and ‘Shooting Stars’. His work on both the series and these films creates ongoing income from residuals that will continue to pay him over time.

He earns money through fashion and sports-related work that aligns with his personal passions, including payments for appearances and ongoing royalties. He also boosts his income with music projects and live performances, which fit around his acting commitments.

13. Gaten Matarazzo

You know, it’s amazing watching Gaten Matarazzo. Everyone knows him as Dustin from ‘Stranger Things,’ but he’s a serious stage actor too! He keeps jumping back to Broadway – he’s done shows like ‘Les Mis,’ ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ and even ‘Sweeney Todd.’ It’s not just the Netflix money for him, though. He’s got income from those theater gigs, plus money from cast recordings and union stuff, so he’s really building a solid career for himself.

In addition to his other work, he hosted ‘Prank Encounters’ on Netflix, which provided another income stream through salary and international payments. He also consistently earns money from appearances at conventions, game shows, and voice acting roles, creating a varied and reliable income each year.

12. Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink gained recognition for her role as Max in ‘Stranger Things’ and then impressed audiences with performances in films like ‘The Whale’ and the short film ‘All Too Well’. Because of the success of these projects – including awards campaigns, film festival events, and worldwide releases – she’s also earning income from ongoing residuals and travel expenses.

Sink is now regularly featured in major fashion and beauty advertising, often with contracts lasting multiple seasons, along with payments for using her image and invitations to sit front row at fashion shows. Combining this with her successful acting roles sets her up for continued financial success.

11. Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp, known for playing Will Byers, has launched a hazelnut spread company called TBH, turning his acting success into a business venture. Like many food and beverage companies, TBH generates income through sales in stores, online directly to customers, and potential partnerships, creating a brand worth more than just his role on TV.

He’s also been working in film, with roles in movies like ‘The Tutor,’ and continues to do voiceover work that provides ongoing income from royalties and international licensing. He also uses a strong social media presence to collaborate with brands and promote his own products directly, without needing a third party.

10. Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard has earned significant income from popular series and major film franchises like ‘It,’ its sequel, and the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies. These projects continue to generate revenue through streaming, television broadcasts, and related merchandise.

He’s a co-leader of the band The Aubreys and also directed the film ‘Hell of a Summer’. Beyond that, he earns money from touring, music publishing, and producing. He also does voice work for stop-motion and animated movies, and continues to earn royalties from that work whenever it’s re-used.

9. Joe Keery

Joe Keery has taken on roles beyond his popular character Steve Harrington in movies like ‘Spree’, ‘Free Guy’, and ‘Marmalade’, and also appeared in a notable story arc on ‘Fargo’. His work in both mainstream and critically acclaimed TV shows and films provides a mix of immediate payment and ongoing royalties, which are distributed at different times around the world.

Djo actively tours and releases music, consistently attracting a large audience online and at his shows. He also earns income through having his music featured in films and TV, as well as performing at festivals, which all contribute to his growing yearly earnings.

8. Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke successfully juggles her role on ‘Stranger Things’ with film appearances in movies like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and ‘Asteroid City’. This work not only keeps her in contention for awards but also provides ongoing income from streaming and TV sales.

She’s released several albums and consistently tours, earning money from ticket sales, merchandise, and music publishing rights. She also makes significant income from fashion campaigns and perfume lines, providing a steady income beyond her work as an actress.

7. Cary Elwes

Cary Elwes was able to join the show thanks to consistent income from popular films he made earlier in his career, like ‘The Princess Bride’ and the ‘Saw’ movies. These films are still shown on TV and streaming services around the world, generating ongoing payments whenever they air.

He’s consistently cast in popular action and spy movies, ensuring consistent work from major studios. Beyond acting, he earns income from his bestselling memoir, ‘As You Wish,’ through book sales and appearances at fan conventions and festivals.

6. Matthew Modine

Matthew Modine is a veteran actor known for iconic roles in films like ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and ‘Vision Quest,’ as well as numerous large-scale productions that continue to be shown globally. These projects generate ongoing income for him, in addition to his popular role as Dr. Brenner in ‘Stranger Things.’

He earns extra money by producing and directing certain projects, and also through licensing and selling his work. He supplements his income further with payments from brand collaborations and film festivals, going beyond what he makes just from acting.

5. Sean Astin

Sean Astin has starred in some incredibly popular and enduring franchises, including ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘The Goonies’, and ‘Rudy’. These films continue to generate consistent income for him through various platforms like television and streaming services.

He works as a voice actor for cartoons and video games, and regularly appears at comic and fantasy conventions, which provides a reliable income. He also takes on guest acting roles and appears in family films to supplement his earnings and maintain a high yearly income.

4. David Harbour

David Harbour leveraged Hopper’s widespread fame to secure leading roles in popular films like ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Violent Night,’ as well as high-quality, internationally appealing TV miniseries. These studio projects offer significant immediate payment and continued earnings through residuals as the films and shows are released and viewed over time.

David Harbour earns income from both stage productions and adapting popular video games into other formats, often with additional bonuses based on his performance. Beyond his well-known role in the ‘Stranger Things’ franchise, he also works with international brands, significantly increasing his overall earnings.

3. Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown is a rising star, not only acting in leading roles in films like ‘Enola Holmes’ and monster movies, but also producing them. Being a producer means she earns extra money on top of her acting salary, and she could even receive bonuses based on how well the films do.

Florence by Mills, Millie Bobby Brown’s beauty and lifestyle brand, generates income through sales to retailers, direct-to-consumer purchases, and licensing agreements. The brand also expands its revenue with book releases, new fragrances, and collaborations with partners around the world, all contributing to consistent growth.

2. Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder was already a well-known actress with a long and successful career in films like ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘Edward Scissorhands’, and ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ when she joined ‘Stranger Things’. Those films continue to be watched and generate income for her even now.

In addition to her acting roles, she earns money through fashion work and representing brands, which includes fees for her appearances and how her image is used. Being back in the ‘Beetlejuice’ franchise put her in the spotlight with a worldwide press tour, often resulting in extra payments and better opportunities for future projects.

1. Paul Reiser

Paul Reiser came to Hawkins with a successful history in television comedy, largely due to his hit show ‘Mad About You,’ which continues to earn him money through reruns and a recent revival. He’s also appeared in popular film franchises like ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’ providing him with decades of ongoing income from those movies as well.

Reiser still performs stand-up comedy, which provides a reliable income from ticket sales and private appearances. He also earns money from books, producing projects, and regular TV work, giving him a very stable and diverse financial situation compared to other members of the ‘Stranger Things’ cast.

If you think another character from Hawkins deserves to be on this list, or ranked higher, let us know in the comments and share your opinion!

2025-09-23 08:17