15 Best Stranger Things Songs (and the scenes that made them iconic)
From Kate Bush to Metallica, discover the 15 most iconic songs featured in Stranger Things. We rank the tracks that defined the show's best scenes and emotional moments.
If there is one thing the Duffer Brothers mastered in Stranger Things beyond sci-fi horror and 80s nostalgia, it is the art of the needle drop. The soundtrack of Hawkins, Indiana, acts as a narrative device, a character builder, and, literally, a lifesaver.
From synthesized pop hits to heavy metal anthems, music shapes the emotional landscape of the Upside Down. Here are the 15 best songs from Stranger Things, ranked by their cultural impact and importance to the story.
Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
Kate Bush
Teenager El leaves her class in tears, storming out after a disastrous presentation. Meanwhile, Max heads down the hallway to meet with the school counselor, likely seeking guidance on his own issues.
1) "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" – Kate Bush
Season 4, Episode 4: "Dear Billy"
Max, trapped in the Upside Down and held by Vecna, hears the song through her Walkman. It opens a portal to reality, giving her the strength to sprint back to her friends while debris rains down.
Why it matters: The show’s most powerful metaphor for trauma and the will to survive. Max’s literal totem against depression and death.
As the stakes reach a boiling point, Eddie seizes control and delivers a blistering performance that electrifies the crowd. His impassioned speech leaves everyone stunned, a testament to his determination to stand up for what he believes in. The energy in the room is palpable as Eddie's words hang in the air.
2) "Master of Puppets" – Metallica
Season 4, Episode 9: "The Piggyback"
Eddie Munson shreds atop a trailer in the Upside Down to distract the Demobats.
Why it matters: The “most metal concert in the history of the world.” Completes Eddie’s arc from “coward” to legendary hero.
As Jonathan drives, he's struck by a familiar tune that instantly brings back memories of his friend Will. Later, when Joyce enters Will's room, she's surprised to find the song still playing on the stereo, a haunting reminder of what once was.
3) "Should I Stay or Should I Go" – The Clash
Season 1 & Season 2 (various)
Will sings it in the Upside Down to stay sane; later it’s used to reach him when possessed.
Why it matters: Heartbeat of the Byers family; the auditory anchor keeping Will connected.
As El finishes reading Hopper's emotional plea, she lets out a heartfelt cry. Taking a deep breath, she regains composure and begins carrying out her final box. Meanwhile, Joyce closes the door on their home, marking the end of an era.
4) "Heroes" – Peter Gabriel
Season 1, Episode 3 & Season 3, Episode 8
Plays when Will’s fake body is found and later as Eleven reads Hopper’s letter.
Why it matters: The sound of grief, bookending devastating lows and quiet heroism.
Dustin is convinced to belt out a tune over the radio to win Suzie over. As he sings, Suzie surprisingly joins in for an impromptu duet. Later, Max and Lucas get in on the fun, teasing Dustin with their own harmonies before Will makes his exit, packing up his things.
5) "Never Ending Story" – Limahl
Season 3, Episode 8: "The Battle of Starcourt"
Dustin and Suzie sing over the radio to get Planck’s Constant.
Why it matters: Absurdist relief at peak tension; proved Suzie was real and became the show’s most viral musical meme.
Hopper offers some much-needed reassurance to Joyce. Meanwhile, at the party, Mike takes a chance and asks Eleven to join him on the dance floor, where they're soon lost in their own rhythm. The camera then cuts to a montage of happy couples swaying to the music, sharing sweet kisses, and letting loose under the disco lights.
6) "Every Breath You Take" – The Police
Season 2, Episode 9: "The Gate"
Snow Ball dance; the Mind Flayer looms as kids celebrate.
Why it matters: Romantic sound with stalking lyrics mirrors the duality: joy on the floor, danger watching.
Max tags along as El shops for new clothes. Meanwhile, Mike tries to make amends with El by finding a thoughtful gift, enlisting the help of his friends Dustin and Will. The scene also captures a moment of relaxation as El and Max pose for a photo.
7) "Material Girl" – Madonna
Season 3, Episode 2: "The Mall Rats"
Max introduces Eleven to the mall and self-expression.
Why it matters: Eleven finally lives as a normal teen, discovering identity beyond the lab and romance.
Steve is behind the wheel, cruising with his friends as they head out for a night on the town. The camera captures the camaraderie and laughter among the group, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
8) "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" – Journey (Bryce Miller/Alloy Tracks remix)
Season 4 trailer & Episode 8
Plays as the group prepares for war against Vecna.
Why it matters: Aggressive synths signal the darker, horror-centric tone—kids to soldiers.
In this chaotic dance moment, Lucas fumbles an ask to Max, while Will gets hit up by a classmate. Meanwhile, Stacy shoots down Dustin's invitation, prompting Nancy to swoop in and ask him out instead. And amidst the social chaos, Hopper runs into Joyce outside and extends a cigarette offer.
9) "Time After Time" – Cyndi Lauper
Season 2, Episode 9: "The Gate"
Snow Ball slow dance; Nancy rescues Dustin from rejection.
Why it matters: Pure kindness; Nancy’s boost makes this one of the sweetest interactions.
10) "Pass the Dutchie" – Musical Youth
Season 4, Episode 4
Argyle drives the Surfer Boy van while chaos erupts.
Why it matters: Defines the California vibe; comedic contrast to Hawkins horror.
New student Billy arrives at school in style, cruising up in his ride. This is his first day on campus and he's making an impression already, literally, as he parks his car outside the entrance.
11) "Rock You Like a Hurricane" – Scorpions
Season 2, Episode 1: "MADMAX"
Billy arrives in slow motion, cigarette in hand.
Why it matters: Ultimate villain entrance—aggression, sexuality, danger.
12) "You Don’t Mess Around with Jim" – Jim Croce
Season 2, Episode 3: "The Pollywog"
Hopper and Eleven clean the cabin and dance.
Why it matters: Humanizes Hopper; shows his attempt to be a dad and build a home.
As Halloween approaches, two young friends don costumes and get ready to trick-or-treat. Their excited chatter fills the air as they're snapped by their beaming parents, capturing a sweet moment of childhood joy.
13) "Ghostbusters" – Ray Parker Jr.
Season 2, Episode 2: "Trick or Treat, Freak"
The boys wear full Ghostbusters gear to school; no one else dresses up.
Why it matters: Captures childhood embarrassment and nails the 1984 pop-culture anchor.
14) "Dream a Little Dream of Me" – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Season 4 (various)
Flashbacks to the Creel family; distorted as Vecna twists reality.
Why it matters: Corruption of innocence; turns a sweet classic into Vecna’s haunting signal.
Nancy and Steve share a romantic moment as they passionately kiss on Nancy's bed. The intimate setting adds to the romantic tension between the two characters.
15) "Africa" – Toto
Season 1, Episode 1
Steve and Nancy “study” while Barb waits by the pool.
Why it matters: Sets era and trope of the oblivious popular couple before Barb’s tragedy.
The soundtrack of Stranger Things is more than a playlist; it is a time machine. Whether saving a soul from Vecna or dancing at the Snow Ball, these songs ground the supernatural in real human emotion.