Stranger Things is not just a science fiction or horror series; it is a story of friendship, family, loss, and love. In this Netflix series, the terrifying “Upside Down” kept the audience on their toes as much as the personal moments of the characters made them cry.
Many times, the audience forgot about the fear of the monsters and choked up during a small conversation or an unexpected farewell scene.
Now, we will rank the scenes one by one and see which ones were the most emotional in Stranger Things.
Stranger Things: Ranking the most emotional scenes

1. Eleven’s farewell to “Papa” (Season 4, Volume 2)
Eleven’s long-standing relationship with her lab father, Martin Brenner, has been complicated throughout the series. Although Eleven calls him “Papa,” Brenner is both a tormentor and a protector. When Brenner lies on his deathbed in Season 4, shot and wounded, Eleven stands before him and bids him farewell.
This scene of Stranger Things is emotional because it is where we see Eleven express pain, love, and hatred from her childhood all at once. She says,
“Goodbye, Papa.”
The audience sheds bitter tears because this is the conclusion of a complicated relationship where there is love, but no forgiveness.
2. Bob's sacrifice (Season 2)
Bob Newby brings light to Joyce Byers' life in Stranger Things' Season 2. Bob was an ordinary man who wanted to give Joyce and her children a normal life. But when the monsters attacked Hawkins Lab, Bob sacrificed himself so that Joyce and the others could survive.

When the Demodogs attacked Bob, Joyce's helpless screams were heartbreaking. This scene proves how an ordinary person can be a hero. The audience could not hold back their tears at Bob's death.
3. Max's near-death (Season 4, Episode “Dear Billy”)
Max is consumed by grief after the death of her brother, Billy, and Vecna begins to consume her mind, pulling her into the world of the “Upside Down.” Just then, her friends play the song 'Running Up That Hill,' by Kate Bush, and Max races back from the brink of life and death.
For a moment, it really looks like Max might die. You can see she’s scared, and everything is happening so fast. Her friends try extremely hard to help her. The scene is full of worry, hope, and friendship. Honestly, this moment in Stranger Things is one of those that are cherished.
4. Will's tears (Season 4, Volume 1)
Will Byers is always the quiet and shy one in the group. He feels a lot but struggles to express. In Season 4, you can see he really likes Mike, but can’t talk about it. Remember that car scene? Will tries to help Mike see how much Eleven means to him. But really, Will is talking about his own feelings.
Mike doesn’t notice, and Will looks out the window and cries. This heartbreaking scene in Stranger Things depicts how tough it is to grow up, especially when you have feelings you can’t share; it feels like a pathetic scuffle with oneself to survive.
5. Hopper's farewell letter (Season 3 Finale)
Hopper fights hard at the mall. He does everything to protect Eleven and his friends. Then, he is gone. Most people assume he passed away. Three months after his disappearance, Eleven also ends up finding a letter from Hopper that reads, Hopper loves her like a daughter. He tells her he learned how to live again after she entered his life.

Hopper also writes,
“I don’t want things to change.”
As a viewer, you break down with Eleven as she reads the letter. At that time, nobody knew Hopper was still alive. Therefore, this Stranger Things scene feels really sad.
6. Billy's death (Season 3 Finale)
Billy is not nice. He acts tough all the time, and people tend to believe that he isn't capable of any kind deeds. But at the end of Season 3, he surprises everyone. He stands in front of Eleven to save her from the Mind Flayer. He gets hurt and is aware of the consequences of his actions. Before he dies, he looks at his sister, Max. He says,
“I’m sorry.”
Then he passes away. Max shouts and cries a lot for her brother. This moment illustrates that even not-so-good people can be brave enough to do something good.
7. Hopper and Eleven's moment (Season 2, Episode "The Lost Sister" and later)
Hopper takes Eleven to his cabin. At the beginning, it is weird and uneasy. Hopper makes lots of rules, and Eleven doesn’t listen much. She actually does what she wants. They argue sometimes, just like real families. But then, after a fight, Hopper looks at her and says, “I just care about you.” You can really feel that he means it.
In that moment, you see they care about each other. It isn’t just about monsters or scary stuff anymore. They become a real family in their own way. Those moments stay with you even after you finish watching Stranger Things.
8. Eddie's sacrifice (Season 4 Finale)
Eddie Munson was initially viewed as a "different" boy in the eyes of the town, a suspect. But by the end of Season 4, he proved his mettle. The scene of him playing his guitar and drawing the Demobats into the Upside Down, then ultimately sacrificing his own life, ends up being both epic and heartbreaking.

When Dustin cries on Eddie's deathbed, the emotion shakes the audience's heart. Eddie proves his point, stating,
"I didn't run away this time."
9. Joyce and Will's reunion (Season 1)
Okay, so remember that part where Joyce saves Will from the Upside Down? Wow, that hits hard. The show is spooky and strange, but here, you just see a mom fighting like crazy to save her child. You really feel this heart-touching moment in Stranger Things.
It is about a mother who refuses to give up, no matter the consequences. Be it monsters or science, nothing can stand in her way.
10. Eleven's promise to her friends (Season 1 Finale)
Eleven stands in front of the Demogorgon. It’s scary. She looks at Mike and says,
“Goodbye, Mike.”
She means it. Then she bravely uses her powers to stop the monster, and it looks like she might die.

This moment is especially sad. Eleven is ready to sacrifice herself in a heartbeat to help her friends. You can see how much these friends care about each other. It highlights their strong friendship and her brave choice.
Stranger Things is all about friends, their different families, and well-wishers. The characters help each other and make hard choices. Sometimes, they fall in love. The battles not only comprise against monsters, but in some cases, with oneself as well.
Brawling with monsters in addition to their own fears, sadness, and problems with friends: these real-life moments make the show special for the fans.