Stranger Things Finale has come full circle after nearly ten years of supernatural battles, small-town camaraderie and synth-heavy nostalgia. The series finale, released to limited theaters on New Year’s Day 2026 and continued to spark discussion through late January 2026, left millions of viewers both satisfied and yearning for more as they bid farewell to Hawkins, Indiana while reflecting upon how its characters, music and emotional journeys mirror our own struggles and triumphs.
Stranger Things Finale Celebrated Through Iconic 1980s Music
Nerdist celebrated Stranger Things‘ conclusion as both an end and cultural milestone, publishing an artistic retrospective reimagining each beloved character as an iconic 1980s song–an appropriate tribute to a series that has long acknowledged this decade through its characters and lyrics. From Will Byers clinging to The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” to Eleven’s unceremonious departure with Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Nerdist delved deep into each character’s heart through music that defined their world.
Will readily associates “Should I Stay or Should I Go” with happy memories of home and the comforting feeling it provides him, according to Nerdist. As noted, its repeated presence throughout the series cements its place in Will’s heart as well as in that of fans who share his story of survival. Meanwhile, Mike Wheeler is best represented by A-ha’s “Take on Me,” an ideal fit with both its aesthetics and Finn Wolfhard’s appearance in Weezer’s cover version of it – perfect!
Stranger Things Used Music to Save Lives
No one’s journey has been as treacherous as Eleven’s. Raised in a lab and forced to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders, her desire for normalcy is beautifully expressed in “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” with Nerdist commenting that this song perfectly captures El’s longing for normality: she wants “just an ordinary life with her friends”. Nerdist adds: This sentiment hits home even as El’s story ends with more questions than answers: Nerdist reflects this:
Max Mayfield’s connection to Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” may be one of the show’s most iconic musical moments in its history. Playing during her harrowing escape from Vecna during season four, it became synonymous with both her character and series as a whole – “You could say Kate Bush is her friend”, according to Nerdist’s assessment; music as both lifeline and symbol of resilience was an ongoing theme throughout its run time.
Dustin’s Season Five Journey Mirrors Real-Life Grief
Stranger Things is relatable for more than just its supernatural challenges, however. As highlighted in a thoughtful column for SMA News Today, its depictions of grief, growth and friendship resonate strongly with viewers facing real-life hardships. Written by an SMA patient himself who saw Dustin Henderson’s season five journey as an allegory for feeling stuck, alone and overwhelmed after loss.
Dustin–once the comic relief and heart of the group–finds himself increasingly isolated and bitter after experiencing the trauma of Eddie’s death. “Whereas this character had previously been known for their optimism, levelheadedness, and comic relief, the first half of season five shows Dustin disconnected, depressed and bitter,” writes author Graeme Shields. This shift sparked considerable fan debate; ultimately it is seen as necessary part of Dustin’s healing. Eventually he reconciles with his friends; most notably tearful reunion with Steve Harrington where Dustin admits “The reason he pushed Steve away was that he couldn’t process Eddie’s death”.
Dustin and Suzy’s Duet Became Timeless Chaos
The author of the column shares their own experiences of feeling stuck–from concealing health struggles in high school to struggling under new dependencies in college and finally breaking through by accepting help and acknowledging vulnerability. They note, “Once I recognized I wasn’t OK and let my emotions pour out, I was able to move forward,” mirroring Dustin’s journey and showing hope and connection are still achievable despite overwhelming odds.
The Nerdist article dives deeper into these connections through engaging and informative music pairings. Holly Wheeler, who found her voice during season five, was given the perfect tribute by Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now”, reflecting her increased confidence and independence. Lucas Sinclair found steadfast loyalty and carefree spirit embodied by TOTO’s “Africa,” while Dustin found an eternal legacy in Limahl’s “Never Ending Story“, immortalizing both himself and Suzy with their poorly timed duet which made an Nerdist joke: “kind of perfect; never have I laughed harder during rewatch than at Dustin and Suzy’s poorly timed duet”.
Steve Harrington Became Iconic Through Music
Steve Harrington is an unlikely hero and “national treasure” coach who’s brought together with Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” reflecting both his cool exterior and complicated romantic history. Jonathan Byers finds expression in The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” while Nancy Wheeler courageous journey is set against Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield”. Robin Buckley captures her energetic personality with Stacy Q’s “Two of Hearts,” while Eddie Munson’s heavy metal spirit with Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”, an unforgettable scene from this series!
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Even supporting characters are given their due. Jim Hopper, the gruff but loving sheriff, is given his own theme song with TOTO’s “Hold The Line,” with its lyrical energy perfectly matching his unyielding nature. Joyce Byers stands in as protector, her relentless love for family matched by Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” paying homage to Cyndi Lauper and eventually leading to happiness with Hopper. And Henry Creel’s sinister transformation is highlighted by The Chordettes “Mr. Sandman”, an unofficial theme song which captures his dual nature-innocence mixed with menace.
Stranger Things fan emotional connection
Stranger Things emerges as more than a sci-fi adventure from these retrospectives; rather, it becomes evident as more than simply sci-fi entertainment. At its heart lies a coming-of-age story, an exploration of grief and growth, an ode to friendship and music–with its emotional highs and lows inviting viewers to reflect upon their own journeys; how we all, at times, may feel lost, trapped or uncertain of our future and how the right song or person can help guide us back onto our paths again.
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As fans take in Hawkins and its heroes for one last time, memories, melodies, and the comforting knowledge that they too can face the unknown and dance along the way are left with them.