17 Times Dustin Henderson from Stranger Things stole our hearts 

Dustin Henderson, portrayed by Gaten Matarazzo, is a fan-favorite character from Stranger Things. His curly hair, bright smile, and endearing personality have endeared him to viewers worldwide. Throughout the series, Dustin's bravery, loyalty, and humor consistently shine. This list highlights 17 memorable moments when Dustin truly stole our hearts, showcasing why he remains a standout character. Whether he's navigating supernatural challenges or sharing touching moments with friends, Dustin's charm and wit leave a lasting impression.

17) Meeting Eleven

Meeting Eleven was a pivotal moment for the boys in Stranger Things season 1. Some were cautious and apprehensive, others like Dustin appeared too blunt as in the first meeting he assumed Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, of either being deaf or a cancer patient. This awkward moment marked the beginning of a strong friendship which is one of the highlights of the popular sci-fi show.

16) Inviting Max to go trick-or-treating

Inviting Max to go trick-or-treating is another heartwarming moment for Dustin in Stranger Things. In Season 2, when the boys meet Max, played by Sadie Sink, they want to make her feel welcome. Dustin, dressed as a Ghostbuster, takes the initiative to invite Max to join them for trick-or-treating on Halloween. This moment shows Dustin's inclusive and friendly nature.

15) Dustin's memorable experience in Hawkins High's SnowBall

Dustin's experience at Hawkins High's Snow Ball is one of his most touching moments. In Season 2, during the Snow Ball dance, Dustin is excited but nervous about attending. He styles his hair, wears a suit, and hopes to dance with a girl. Nancy Wheeler ( Natalia Dyer), seeing Dustin feeling down, after facing rejection from girls, steps in and asks him to dance. This kind gesture from Nancy boosts Dustin's confidence and makes him feel special.

14) His phone conversation with Mr. Clark

Dustin's phone conversation with Mr. Clark is a classic example of his resourcefulness and determination. In Season 1 of Stranger Things, when the boys need help understanding the science behind the Upside Down, Dustin calls their science teacher, Mr. Clark, for guidance. Dustin, with his charming and persuasive tone, asks Mr. Clark how to build a sensory deprivation tank. Despite the unusual request, Mr. Clark's willingness to help shows his trust in Dustin's curiosity.

13) Babysitting his pet Demogorgon

Babysitting his pet Demogorgon, affectionately named Dart, is one of Dustin's most unexpected and memorable moments. In Season 2 of Stranger Things, Dustin discovers a strange creature and decides to take care of it, thinking it's a rare species. He names it D'Artagnan and keeps it as a pet, even though it eventually turns out to be a baby Demogorgon. Dustin hides Dart in his turtle's tank and feeds it Three Musketeers bars. Despite the danger Dart poses, Dustin's curiosity and empathy shine through as he tries to protect and understand the creature.

12) Trying to lie to cops

In Season 4 of Stranger Things, as Steve, Nancy, Robin, and Eddie are trapped in the Upside Down at the bottom of Lover's Lake, Dustin, Lucas, and Max get stuck with the cops who want to know what they were doing near the lake, late at night. Max comes up with a convincing lie but Dustin, being notoriously bad at lying, tells the cops that they went for a late-night swim, creating a funny scene in the tense environment.

11) His unwavering loyalty to his friends

Dustin has shown throughout Stranger Things how loyal he is to his friends and can go to any length to help them. In Season 1, when their bullies blackmail Finn Wolfhard's Mike to jump off a cliff or they will cut Dustin's teeth, Dustin asks Mike not to do what they tell him. Even when he is scared himself, he still doesn't want his best friend to die to save him, showing his bravery and strength in the face of impending danger.

10) Bonding with Erica in their mission against the Russians

Dustin and Lucas's younger sister Erica, played by Priah Ferguson, have many heartwarming moments in Stranger Things. In Season 3, when Dustin and Erica are navigating through the vents of the Starcourt Mall, Dustin realizes that Erica is pretty smart when she does complex calculations in her head. He instantly declares her to be a nerd. It’s a fun and sweet moment showcasing a new friendship being formed between Dustin and Erica.

9) His iconic "Purrrr" sound effect

Dustin annoyed several of his friends with his iconic purr in Stranger Things. One of the most funny yet memorable ones would be from Season 1, when Joe Keery's Steve, while dropping him at the school dance gives him a pep talk and tells him to show his lion's roar. Instead of a roar, Dustin ends up purring, making it one of the funniest scenes of Season 1.

8) His reunion with Steve Harrington

Dustin's reunion with Steve Harrington is a memorable and heartwarming moment that highlights their strong bond. In Season 3, when Dustin returns from his camp, he reunites with Steve at Scoops Ahoy, where Steve works. Dustin, feeling excited, surprises Steve at the mall by visiting his workplace. Their genuine happiness and the way they enthusiastically greet each other by doing a weird handshake showcase their strong bond that didn't fade even after not seeing each other for a while.

7) Saves his friends from Demodogs

In season 2 of Stranger Things, when Dustin and his friends, including Steve are attacked by Demogorgons, Dustin quickly recognizes his former pet Dart amongst them. In a heroic moment, he calmly approaches Dart, now a huge Demogorgon, and offers him candy. This allows his friends to escape the tunnels and also showcases the unusual bonding between Dustin and his Demogorgon pet.

6) Saving Steve and Robin from the Russians

Saving Steve and Robin from the Russians is a heroic and unforgettable moment that showcases Dustin's bravery and quick thinking. In Season 3, when Steve and Robin are captured by Russian agents in the underground facility, Dustin and Erica come to their rescue. They distracted the Russians by blaring the alarm, which allowed them to sneak into the room where Steve and Robin were tied up and drugged. Dustin uses a taser on the remaining guard and rescues Robin and Steve.

5) Being a peacemaker among his friends

Being a peacemaker among his friends is another way Dustin steals our hearts. Throughout the Stranger Things series, he often steps in to defuse tensions and keep the group united. In Season 1, when Dustin helps mediate a conflict between Mike and Lucas over their differing opinions on how to handle the situation with Eleven as Lucas didn't trust her at first. Dustin calmly listens to both sides and encourages them to find a way for the sake of their friendship and the bigger mission.

4) His bond with Eddie Munson

Dustin's bond with Eddie Munson( Joseph Quinn) is a touching and significant part of Stranger Things Season 4. Eddie, the leader of the Hellfire Club, initially seems like an unlikely friend for Dustin, but their shared love for Dungeons & Dragons brings them together. Dustin stands by Eddie during a dangerous encounter with the Upside Down creatures. Despite the risks, Dustin's loyalty and support for Eddie never waver. Their friendship grows stronger as they face challenges together, and Dustin's unwavering belief in Eddie's goodness helps Eddie feel accepted and understood.

3) He informs Eddie's uncle about his death

In Season 4, after the tragic events, Dustin feels the responsibility to share the news with Eddie's uncle. When Dustin meets Eddie's uncle, Mr. Munson in Hawkins High School who is putting missing posters for his nephew, Dustin approaches and tells him about Eddie's bravery and sacrifice. With tears in his own eyes, Dustin reassures Eddie's uncle that Eddie died a hero, fighting to protect their town. This moment highlights Dustin's empathy and his ability to offer comfort in difficult times.

2) His duet with Suzie

In Season 3 of Stranger Things, when the group needs an important code to save the day, Dustin calls his long-distance girlfriend, Suzie ( Gabriella Prizzolo), for help. Suzie agrees to give the code only if Dustin sings "The Never Ending Story" with her. Despite the urgent situation, Dustin enthusiastically joins Suzie in a charming duet over the radio. Their heartfelt and unexpected performance not only provides a moment of levity but also shows Dustin's willingness to do anything for his friends and loved ones.

1) Coming up with mindblowing theories

Dustin's ability to come up with mindblowing theories is one of his standout traits that often saves the day. His quick thinking and imagination help the group understand the mysteries of the Upside Down. A specific example is when Dustin theorizes about the communication methods of the Mind Flayer in Season 2. He, along with Mike and Lucas, connects the dots and realizes that the creature can control people through a hive mind. This theory helps the group devise a plan to combat the Mind Flayer.