With Stranger Things season 5 set to debut sometime in 2025, fans are eager to revisit Hawkins and its supernatural horrors as the show draws closer. The upcoming season will need to tie up multiple character arcs, close the gates to the Upside Down, and confront Vecna once and for all.
Given the complex storylines and fan-favorite characters, a rewatch of key episodes will help fans remember critical plot points and Easter eggs that will be important in the final season. If you don’t have time for a full rewatch, here are the 10 most important Stranger Things episodes to revisit before season 5 drops.
10The Vanishing of Will Byers (Season 1, Episode 1)
Any rewatch of Stranger Things should start at the beginning, with the series pilot episode, “The Vanishing of Will Byers.” This episode introduces the town of Hawkins’s key characters like Eleven, Mike, Joyce, and Jim Hopper and sets the stage for the chilling events that follow.
Will’s mysterious disappearance kicks off the series’ plot, and his connection to the Upside Down will remain crucial through the final season.
This episode also establishes foundational details about Eleven’s origins and Jim Hopper’s backstory, essential to understanding the characters’ arcs in the final season.
9The Upside Down (Season 1, Episode 8)
The season 1 finale, “The Upside Down,” parallels the series finale’s title and drops key hints about the dark dimension and its looming threat. Hopper and Joyce enter the Upside Down to rescue Will while the battle with the Demogorgon escalates.
This episode is pivotal for setting up future events, including the deepening of Mike and Eleven’s relationship and Steve Harrington’s redemption arc. As season 5 nears, the Upside Down’s connection to Hawkins and Will will play a major role, making this an essential episode to rewatch.
8MADMAX (Season 2, Episode 1)
Season 2’s premiere, “MADMAX,” is an important episode to revisit, as it introduces Max Mayfield, Billy Mayfield, Murray Bauman, and Bob Newby, all of whom play critical roles in later seasons. Max, in particular, will be central to season 5, given her connection to Vecna and the supernatural happenings in Hawkins.
Will’s continued connection to the Upside Down is also explored in this episode, and it’s likely to come into play during the final season as the battle against the dark dimension reaches its climax.
7The Spy (Season 2, Episode 6)
Will’s connection to the Upside Down becomes even more troubling in “The Spy.” The episode shows how the Mindflayer uses Will as a spy to infiltrate Hawkins and the kids.
This episode also delves into the tunnels beneath Hawkins, which result from the Upside Down’s portals, and introduces the themes of the dimension slowly bleeding into the real world. Similar tactics will likely be employed as Vecna continues to threaten Hawkins in season 5, making this episode crucial to understanding the series’ central conflict.
6The Mind Flayer (Season 2, Episode 8)
“The Mind Flayer” is the penultimate episode of season 2, and it’s packed with action, drama, and crucial developments. After a brief detour, Eleven reunites with the gang, and the group faces off against the Mind Flayer, an enormous monster from the Upside Down.
This episode also marks the beginning of Steve’s unlikely role as the group’s protector, and it’s the emotional turning point in Bob Newby’s arc. Bob’s death sets the tone for the stakes in Stranger Things going forward, and as the show ramps up in intensity, this episode will help re-establish the ever-present danger of the Upside Down.
5The Gate (Season 2, Episode 9)
In the season 2 finale, “The Gate,” Eleven closes the gate between the real world and the Upside Down. This episode highlights Eleven’s growing powers and sets up her eventual confrontation with Dr. Brenner and the emotional weight of her relationships with Hopper and Mike.
The gate’s closure is temporary, however, and by the end of season 4, the Upside Down is again infiltrating Hawkins. Eleven’s future role in shutting the gate for good may hinge on what this episode reveals, making it an essential part of your rewatch list.
4The Battle of Starcourt (Season 3, Episode 8)
The season 3 finale, “The Battle of Starcourt,” is a heart-pounding, emotional episode that sees the group fighting for their lives as the Mind Flayer attacks Hawkins. This episode is pivotal for several reasons: it marks Billy Mayfield’s tragic death, sees Hopper seemingly sacrificing himself, and leaves several character arcs dangling.
The consequences of this episode play out in season 4, especially Hopper’s storyline, which involves his capture by Russian forces. With the stakes escalating, this episode is critical to understanding where things stand as we head into the final season.
3Dear Billy (Season 4, Episode 4)
“Dear Billy” is one of the most important episodes of season 4, particularly for Max Mayfield’s character arc. As Vecna targets Max, the group works desperately to save her, and in doing so, they discover that music is the key to breaking his trance.
Max’s escape from Vecna’s clutches, while temporary, could hold the key to defeating him for good in season 5. This episode also delves into the emotional weight of loss and grief, themes that will likely carry over into the final season.
2The Massacre at Hawkins Lab (Season 4, Episode 7)
In “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab,” the true history of Eleven’s time at Hawkins Lab is revealed, including her first encounter with Henry Creel, who later becomes Vecna. This episode also uncovers the mystery behind the Upside Down, and the group discovers Hawkins’ version of the dimension is frozen in time.
This episode is full of revelations that will certainly be important as we head into season 5, including Eleven’s link to the Upside Down and her connection to Vecna, which will play a major role in the final confrontation.
1The Piggyback (Season 4, Episode 9)
The final episode of season 4, “The Piggyback,” is one of the most important episodes to rewatch ahead of season 5. It sets the stage for the final battle between the Hawkins gang and Vecna, revealing that Will is still connected to the dark force and that the Upside Down is more integrated into Hawkins than ever.
The episode also marks significant character moments, including Dustin’s grief over Eddie Munson’s death and Max’s unconscious state. As season 5 is likely to pick up where this episode left off, revisiting “The Piggyback” is crucial for understanding the emotional stakes and unresolved mysteries that will be addressed in the series’ grand finale.
Stranger Things season 5 is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the show’s intricate narrative, and these 10 episodes are essential for fans looking to refresh their memories before diving back into Hawkins’ eerie world.
By revisiting these key moments, viewers will be better prepared to follow the twists and turns, uncover hidden details, and fully appreciate the final chapter of this unforgettable series.
About Stranger Things
Stranger Things is an American sci-fi horror TV series created by The Duffer Brothers for Netflix.
Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show follows the story of a young girl called Eleven, who has superpowers and her adventures with her group of friends. These dangerous adventurers include surviving in and saving a town that has an evil parallel universe attached to it called the Upside Down.
It stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke. The show has been renewed for a fifth and final season.
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