For a show built on nostalgia, Stranger Things has a knack for delivering shocks that feel anything but old-school. While it lovingly borrows from classic horror films, the Netflix series often goes a step further, using timing, sound design and emotional investment to craft jump scares that hit harder than many genre-defining movies.The scariest Stranger Things scenes don’t rely solely on loud noises or sudden appearances but work because the audience is deeply connected to the characters and is misled into a false sense of safety just seconds before everything goes wrong.As the series heads towards its final chapter, here is a look back at 5 of the scariest Stranger Things scenes, across the seasons.Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.5 times Stranger Things gave us the best jumpscares of all time View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhen Will Byers disappeared in Stranger Things Season 1The scene that started it all, Will Byers' disappearance from the shed in the series' Pilot. As a seasoned fan, this scene might not look eerie enough now but it was all the craze when it was released back in 2016. Will's vanishing set the stage for the Mind Flayer and Demogorgons from the Upside Down to take over Hawkins and this scene gave us enough chills.From the flickering lights, eerie background score and Noah Schnapp's perfect acting, this scene will remain one of the best jump scares from the show.When the gang did a Sauna test on Billy in Stranger Things Season 3In the fourth episode of the third season, the kids did a sauna test on Billy, Max's brother, after he was possessed by the Mind Flayer. After they locked him in a sauna and exposed him to excruciating heat, Billy transformed from pleading to extreme rage, once the monster took complete control of his body. The cinematography, eerie lighting and Will feeling the monster's presence at the back of his neck, every element in this scene induced chills, literal chills.Billy's transformation after he developed red veins all over his body and channeled his rage on Eleven and the gang added a cherry on the cake, making it one of the scariest Stranger Things scenes.When the Mind Flayer possessed Will in Season 2While Will realized his accidental role in Vecna's plan only in Season 5, he was possessed by the Mind Flayer back in the second season, which is another scariest Stranger Things scene that deserves a spot on the list. Will finds himself transported to the Upside Down in the third episode, while looking for Dustin's 'pet' in the school gym.After Will makes good on Bob's advice and stands up to the shadowy figure, it literally possesses him, setting up the vicious cycle of horror in Hawkins. The eerie dark powers take over Will's body and mind, a classic jump scare for all horror genre enthusiasts.When Max almost fell prey to Vecna's curse in Season 4The moment that revived Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) and Max in the fourth chapter of the fourth season remains one of the scariest Stranger Things scenes across all seasons. After Max falls prey to Vecna's curse and is transported to the Upside Down, she roams around the horrific place, decorated with Vecna's victims like his personal trophies.The slow reveal as Vecna takes control of Max's body, attaches her to his pain tree, to the final moment when she makes a run for the real world (thanks to Kate Bush) remains equally iconic and chilling.When demo-bats attacked Steve in Season 4Our favorite character and the group's unofficial babysitter took a risky call in the sixth episode of the penultimate season, when he volunteered to take a plunge in the lake in search of the Upside Down portal in the dead of the night. While Steve managed to confirm Dustin's theory, find the portal and return to the surface, he was pulled inside by Vecna's veins in the water.As Steve is pulled inside the water and taken into the Upside Down by Vecna's minions, we see a bunch of demo-bats making their way to him, before the end credits of the episode roll. While this scene was naturally chilling, it left Steve's fate hanging in the balance, making it one of the scariest Stranger Things scenes.Tune in to the Stranger Things Season 5 finale on December 31.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.