STRANGER THINGS Characters If They Were Popular ’80s Songs

After ten seasons of watching the beloved misfit kids battle the terrifying Upside Down, Stranger Things has come to an end, leaving fans heartbroken. The show has been a part of many people’s lives, and it felt like it could go on forever. Thankfully, the final episode provided some satisfying answers. We all agree Steve the baseball coach is a gem! While some questions remain – like what exactly happens with Eleven – it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for the series. To keep the spirit alive, I started thinking about what ’80s songs would perfectly capture each character’s personality.

Lots of songs prominently feature synthesizers, and there are just as many memorable characters we can connect them to – sometimes based on who they are, and sometimes just on the feeling they give off. Get ready! Here’s a fun idea: what if the characters from Stranger Things were popular songs from the 1980s?

Will Byers – “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash

This song by The Clash is a perfect fit for the show, and Will often listens to it—especially in the first few seasons when he’s trying to escape the Demogorgon in the Upside Down. It reminds him of happier times and feels like home, giving him a sense of security. It just is his song, honestly. Whenever I hear those opening guitar chords, I immediately think of Will. Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh.

Mike Wheeler – “Take on Me” by A-ha

This pick is mostly about the feeling it gives off. Mike just feels like a character from a very ’80s synth-pop song, and A-ha’s “Take on Me” instantly came to mind. The lyrics also really fit his relationship with El – he spends so much of the show wanting to be with her, even when it seems impossible. It just feels like the perfect match.

Here’s a cool bit of trivia: Finn Wolfhard was actually in Weezer’s music video for their cover of “Take on Me” – that was back in 2019! Pretty neat connection, huh?

Eleven – “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Eleven has faced incredible hardship, spending her childhood in a laboratory undergoing experiments and constantly evading the government. The fifth season leaves her future uncertain, despite her consistently bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders. Ultimately, Eleven is just a young girl who longs for a simple, normal life with her friends. Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” perfectly captures her desire, and the joyful mall scene with Max in season three is a beautiful reminder of that. Hopefully, she’s found a place where she can finally relax and enjoy life, maybe even somewhere peaceful with waterfalls, and perhaps still enjoying a little music.

Honorable Mention: “Runaway” by Bon Jovi

Max Mayfield – “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush

It’s clear that Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” is inextricably linked to Stranger Things, and arguably defines the show’s most memorable moment. The intense, slow-motion scene in Season Four, Episode Four, where Max escapes Vecna, is unforgettable. The song first helped Max cope with the loss of Billy, and later served as a lifeline connecting her to reality. It truly got her through incredibly difficult times – you could even say Kate Bush became a source of strength for her.

Holly Wheeler – “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany

Season five introduces a fantastic new side of Holly Wheeler, and she truly shines. Her character is perfectly captured by the song “I Think We’re Alone Now,” which is especially evident in a key scene. In the first part of the season, Holly dances to the song while exploring Alice Creel’s clothes within Henry’s mind. It’s a joyful moment, but more importantly, it’s when we first see Holly really start to come into her own. This scene feels like her defining moment.

Lucas Sinclair – “Africa” by TOTO

It’s hard to definitively pick a song for Lucas based on the show, but I think TOTO’s “Africa” fits him well. The song has a relaxed and dreamy feel, which reminds me of Lucas’s supportive personality – he’s always there for his friends and family. Plus, the lyrics about love and wanting to be with someone – like the line “Gonna take a lot to take me away from you” – perfectly capture his relationship with Max.

Honorable Mention: “Forever Young” by Alphaville

Dustin Henderson – “Never Ending Story” by Limahl

I feel bad pointing this out, but the song choice was right there in the scene. Would Dustin actually listen to this song regularly? Maybe eventually. But definitely not after season four. I imagine he’d be into heavier music, like metal, to remember Eddie. Still, “Never Ending Story” actually fits really well. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard on a rewatch as when Dustin and Suzie sang their duet at the worst possible moment. Honestly, he’s never going to get that earworm out of his head.

Steve Harrington – “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell

Choosing a song for Steve Harrington, aka ‘The Hair,’ was surprisingly difficult! There are so many good choices, but ultimately it came down to the overall feeling. ‘Tainted Love’ perfectly captures Steve’s cool and slightly rebellious personality. The lyrics even subtly reflect his earlier relationship with Nancy. However, I mostly focused on the song’s sound and energy. Plus, it’s one of my all-time favorite ’80s tracks, and I really wanted to include it somewhere – it just feels right for Steve!

Also worth noting are the songs “Sunglasses at Night” by Corey Hart and “Everybody Wants to Rule The World” by Tears For Fears.

Jonathan Byers – “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

Jonathan is much more reserved and laid-back than his friends, so this song really suits his personality. It’s a gentler, more relaxed tune. He’s also consistently focused on Nancy, even though their relationship had its problems and their breakup was a bit complicated. He remained loyal and protective of her throughout it all. That being said, we’re choosing to overlook the potentially unsettling meaning behind the song “Every Breath You Take.” But if you know, you know.

Nancy Wheeler – “Love is a Battlefield” by Pat Benatar

Nancy Wheeler is a confident and brave character who’s always sure of herself. Throughout the series, she navigated complicated relationships with Steve and Jonathan before ultimately prioritizing her own needs. All the while, she fearlessly fought off Demogorgons! It’s easy to imagine her listening to Pat Benatar – this song is upbeat, memorable, and perfectly captures her spirit. While romance hasn’t always been easy for Nancy, she definitely feels more at home when facing real danger.

Honorable Mention: “Material Girl” by Madonna

Robin Buckley – “Two of Hearts” by Stacy Q

At first, I thought “Rockin’ Robin” by Michael Jackson was the perfect song, given the character’s name. But since it wasn’t released in the 80s, I had to choose something else. I ended up with “Two of Hearts,” which really fits Robin’s romance with Vicky in season five. It’s also a really cheerful and energetic song, just like Robin herself, and I think it’s a bit of a hidden gem.

Eddie Munson – “Master of Puppets” by Metallica

It was only a matter of time before this moment was mentioned. Eddie’s performance of this song is easily one of the most memorable scenes in the whole series. There’s nothing quite like facing a horde of Demobats in the Upside Down while heavy metal blasts in the background. Even now, the opening chords give me chills! Eddie was a true metal fan, and honestly, any classic song from bands like Metallica, Megadeth, or Dio would have worked. But “Master of Puppets” was perfect – a fitting tribute to a character we’re still missing.

Jim Hopper – “Hold The Line” by TOTO

I discovered this unexpectedly while working on this article, and it instantly reminded me of Hopper. The song’s strong, rocky sound and direct lyrics perfectly capture his tough but kind nature. I genuinely believe it’s so fitting that it could be used in the show, and I’m predicting it’ll appear within the next two years. The phrase “hold the line” resonates with Hopper on multiple levels. He’s always ready to fight and stand his ground, but it also speaks to his unwavering devotion to Joyce, just like the song’s meaning about steadfast love.

Joyce Byers – “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

Let’s talk about Joyce Byers – honestly, the show’s styling team nailed her ’80s vibe, and her taste in music is spot on with artists like Cyndi Lauper. Beyond the amazing wardrobe, though, Joyce is a powerhouse. The entire series, she’s driven by her worry for Will – and rightfully so! – but she’s fiercely protective of everyone she cares about. And it’s easy to forget, amidst all the chaos, that she’s the one who ultimately takes down Vecna, delivering the final, crucial strikes. But at her core, she’s a romantic. That song ‘Time After Time’ really captures her relationship with Hopper – it’s a perfect fit. Seeing them finally find happiness after everything they’ve been through? Absolutely heartwarming. It’s a well-deserved happy ending, and I was rooting for them the whole time.

Honorable Mention: “Cheri Cheri Lady” by Modern Talking

Henry Creel – “Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes

And finally, let’s talk about “Mr. Sandman.” I’m bending the rules a bit since it’s not strictly an ’80s song, but it feels right. In the fifth season, this song becomes closely associated with Henry. It has a deceptively sweet but slightly unsettling quality, mirroring the duality of Henry’s mysterious identity. It also evokes the time period of his childhood.

2026-01-27 18:06