Stranger Things Finale Inspires Fans With Nostalgia And Reflection

After nearly a decade of supernatural battles, small-town camaraderie, and a healthy dose of synth-heavy nostalgia, Stranger Things has finally taken its last bow. The final season, which wrapped up with a limited theatrical release on New Year’s Day and continued to spark discussion into late January 2026, left millions of fans both satisfied and searching for more. As viewers said goodbye to Hawkins, Indiana, they were also reflecting on the show’s deeper resonance—how its characters, music, and emotional journeys mirror our own struggles and triumphs.

According to Nerdist, the conclusion of Stranger Things was more than just the end of an era for TV; it was a cultural moment. The site published a creative retrospective, reimagining each beloved character as a classic 1980s song—a fitting tribute to a series that has always worn its love for the decade on its sleeve. From Will Byers’ association with The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go”—a tune he clings to for comfort during his darkest moments—to Eleven’s ambiguous ending, paired with Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” the article explored the emotional core of each character through the music that defined their world.

For Will, it’s no surprise that “Should I Stay or Should I Go” became his anthem. As Nerdist points out, “He clearly associates the track with happy memories and home. It grounds him, makes him feel safe.” The song’s recurring presence throughout the series cements its place in the hearts of fans and in Will’s own story of survival. Meanwhile, Mike Wheeler’s synth-pop vibes are perfectly captured by A-ha’s “Take on Me,” a nod not only to the show’s aesthetic but also to the actor Finn Wolfhard’s real-life appearance in Weezer’s cover of the song.

Of course, no one’s journey has been as tumultuous as Eleven’s. Raised in a lab and forced to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders, her longing for normalcy is beautifully encapsulated by “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Nerdist reflects, “Despite always having to be the strong one, fate of the world in her hands and all, El really is just a girl. All she wants is a fun, normal life with her friends.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially as her story concludes with more questions than answers.

Max Mayfield’s connection to Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” is perhaps the most iconic musical moment in the show’s history. The song, which plays during her harrowing escape from Vecna in season four, has become synonymous with both her character and the series itself. “The song got Max through some tough times. You could say Kate Bush is a friend of hers,” Nerdist notes. The emotional weight of music as both a lifeline and a symbol of resilience is a recurring theme throughout the show.

But it’s not just the supernatural struggles that make Stranger Things so relatable. As highlighted in a reflective column for SMA News Today, the series’ depiction of grief, growth, and friendship hits home for viewers facing real-world challenges. The article, penned by a longtime fan living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), draws a poignant parallel between Dustin Henderson’s season five arc and the experience of feeling stuck, isolated, and overwhelmed by loss.

In the final season, Dustin—once the group’s comic relief and heart—finds himself withdrawn and bitter, unable to process the trauma of losing his close friend Eddie. “Whereas this character was known in earlier seasons for his optimism, levelheadedness, and comic relief, the first half of season five shows Dustin depressed, disconnected, and bitter,” the author observes. This shift, which sparked debate among fans, is ultimately portrayed as a necessary part of his healing. He eventually reconciles with his friends, most notably in a tearful reunion with Steve Harrington where Dustin admits, “The reason he pushed Steve and everyone else away was that he was unable to process the trauma of Eddie’s death.”

The column’s author shares their own experiences of feeling stuck—hiding health struggles in high school, collapsing under the weight of new dependencies in college, and finally reaching a breakthrough by acknowledging vulnerability and accepting help. “Once I recognized that I wasn’t OK and let my emotions pour out, I was able to move forward,” they write. The journey mirrors Dustin’s, showing that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope and connection are possible.

The Nerdist article further explores these connections through playful yet insightful music pairings. Holly Wheeler, who comes into her own in season five, is matched with Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now”—a nod to her newfound confidence and independence. Lucas Sinclair’s steadfast loyalty and carefree spirit find their soundtrack in TOTO’s “Africa,” while Dustin’s own legacy is immortalized in Limahl’s “Never Ending Story.” That infamous duet with Suzy, as Nerdist jokes, is “kind of perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder during a rewatch than at Dustin and Suzy’s poorly-timed duet.”

Steve Harrington, the unlikely hero and “national treasure” coach, is paired with Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” reflecting both his cool exterior and his complicated romantic history. Jonathan Byers’ quiet devotion is mirrored in The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” and Nancy Wheeler’s fearless journey is set to Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield.” Robin Buckley’s energetic personality and romantic subplot are captured by Stacy Q’s “Two of Hearts,” while Eddie Munson’s heavy metal spirit is forever tied to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”—the soundtrack to one of the series’ most unforgettable scenes.

Even supporting characters get their due. Jim Hopper, the gruff but loving sheriff, is matched with TOTO’s “Hold The Line,” a song whose lyrics and rock energy suit his unyielding nature. Joyce Byers, ever the protector, is paired with Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” a fitting tribute to her relentless love for her family and her eventual happiness with Hopper. And finally, Henry Creel’s eerie transformation is underscored by The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman,” an unofficial anthem that captures his duality—innocence laced with menace.

What emerges from these retrospectives is a portrait of Stranger Things as more than just a sci-fi adventure. It’s a coming-of-age story, a meditation on grief and growth, and an ode to the power of friendship and music. The series’ final season, with its emotional highs and lows, invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys—how we all, at times, feel lost, stuck, or unsure of the future, and how the right song or the right friend can help us find our way back.

As the credits roll on Hawkins and its heroes, fans are left with memories, melodies, and the comforting knowledge that, just like the characters they grew up with, they too can face the unknown—and maybe even dance along the way.