While the friendships between the main characters are the heart of Netflix’sStranger Things,there’s no denying that the popular series has some terrifying moments. From the freaky Upside Down that exists within the quiet town of Hawkins, Indiana to the various creatures that enter the story, from The Demogorgon to Vecna, there are many terrifying elements that balance out the heartwarming parts of the show.
TheStranger Thingsscariest scenes are the ones that still stand out, which is saying something given how many wild moments and unforgettable deaths happen in the series. From moments in the very first episode to the jam-packed fourth season, these scenes prove thatStranger Thingscan definitely be scary.
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Will Disappears From Hawkins: S1 E1 “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers”
It seems likely that Noah Schnapp’sWill Byers will be important in season 5as he has been such a significant character up until this point. The pilot episode centers around his disappearance, which is emotional as his mother Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) is paralyzed with fear and guilt and unsure of how to move forward. This moment is also scary since it’s the first sign that something is wrong with Hawkins and it also introduces fans to the Upside Down.
Stranger Thingsgives Will a moving storylinein the latter half of season 4, which is welcome and necessary given how sweet, caring, and loyal he is. Will is the right character to go missing because he feels more young and innocent than his friend group, and he wants to hold onto their days of playing games and joking around more than they do.
The Hawkins Lab Massacre: S4 E1 “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club”
While there are someconfusing parts aboutStranger Thingsseason 4,the show does give Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) more backstory. The first episode “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club” opens with a terrifying and bloody scene at the Hawkins National Lab. Many children die and Eleven is left wondering if she is the one who caused it.
This scene is not only horrifying to watch, as it paints a picture of total death and destruction, but it becomes important later on in the season, as Eleven realizes that Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) is One/Henry Creel, who she knew at the lab. This is one of the most violent ways to open aStranger Thingsepisode and one of the most violent scenes from the series, period.
The Demogorgon Takes Barb To The Upside Down: S1 E2 “Chapter Two: The Weirdo On Maple Street”
WhileStranger Thingsseason 4 has a disappointing death, fans still aren’t over the death of Barb Holland (Shannon Purser) from season 1. It’s devastating to see Barb attending a party that she doesn’t even want to go to because she wants to impress her best friend Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer). Barb hangs out by the pool and then a Demorgorgon attacks her, kidnaps her, and brings her to the Upside Down, where she then dies.
Barb is not only a fan-favorite character because she’s so kind and doesn’t deserve what happens to her, but she’s a hint at the trouble that is to come. It’s terrifying watching Barb in the pool since no one would expect this to occur at a party.
Vecna Hurts Max: S4 E9 “Chapter Nine: The Piggyback”
Max Mayfield’s (Sadie Sink) griefover her stepbrother Billy’s (Dacre Montgomery) death comes out when she listens to the Kate Bush song “Running Up That Hill,” which becomes one of the most memorable parts of season 4. While every scene that involves Max trying to get Vecna’s attention could be considered unnerving, one of the scariestStranger Thingsscenes is in the final episode of season 4 when Vecna kills Max. While she only dies temporarily, she’s in a coma, and the fact that she has broken bones and isn’t able to see proves that getting better will be an uphill battle.
Vecna’s practical effectsmake him memorable, and when he attacks Max and gets to Eleven as well, it’s hard to know that either one will be okay. Although Max and Eleven are such strong characters, Vecna is able to get into people’s minds and see their pain, which makes him an undeniable foe.
Vecna Kills Chrissy: S4 E1 “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club”
Grace Van Dien’sStranger Thingscharacter Chrissy Cunninghamdies at the end of the season 4 premiere, which is a bold choice that pays off and proves how Eleven has her work cut out for her with Vecna. Watching the monster move her limbs into weird positions and throw her up against the ceiling is a horror movie scene like nothing seen onStranger Thingsbefore.
Every detail of this scene is perfect, from the loud sound of the ticking clock to Chrissy’s sheer terror at the prospect of her impending death. While season 4 is almost flawless as it introduces fun new characters, allows the younger ones to grow up, and includes a smart new villain, this still remains one of the scariestStranger Thingsscenes.
NEXT:Stranger Things: Noah Schnapp Says Will Is A Major Fixture Of Final Season
