15 'Stranger Things' memes to brighten your day

Netflix X Gamescom 2023 In Cologne - Source: Getty
Netflix X Gamescom 2023 In Cologne - Source: Getty

If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ve likely found yourself laughing at memes and enjoying its mix of retro 80s vibes, supernatural chaos, and lovable characters. But beyond the gripping plot and jaw-dropping twists, there's an equally delightful side to the fandom—the memes. Yes, Stranger Things memes have become their own dimension of joy, creating a hilarious portal for fans to poke fun at the show’s quirks.

Whether it's Eleven’s obsession with Eggo waffles, Hopper's constant frustration, or the many times Steve’s iconic hair has saved the day, there’s no shortage of moments ripe for internet humor. In the dark world of Demogorgons, mind flayers, and Hawkins Lab mysteries, these memes offer much-needed comic relief. They’ve taken the emotional rollercoaster of Stranger Things and turned it into laugh-out-loud content that’s as bingeable as the show itself.


Get ready for a meme trip to the Upside Down—of

laughter!

1. The basketball player who lived meme

Remember when everyone thought basketball was just about dribbling and shooting? Well, this young athlete in a Wisconsin jersey has an uncanny resemblance to a certain telekinetic prodigy that has us all wondering if the Chicago Bulls ever considered recruiting from Hawkins Lab.


2. The world's most dedicated cover band meme

Talk about method acting! This collection of photos shows the "Upside Down Band" through their apparent 40-year touring career. From mullets to mustaches, from clean-shaven to full-beard energy, these transformative looks perfectly capture how our favorite characters evolved through the seasons. The commitment to the bit is so strong, you'd think they actually spent time in the Upside Down—though hopefully with better air quality.


3. Erica's epic takedown meme

The sass queen of Hawkins strikes again! This four-panel gem showcases Erica's legendary verbal judo skills that could probably take down a Demogorgon without breaking a sweat. Her evolution from annoying little sister to certified queen of comebacks is how all shows should be doing character development (take notes!). Because who needs psychic powers when you have that level of wit?


4. Vecna meets his match

In this mashup of a Tom and Jerry scene and Stranger Things lore, we see what would happen if Vecna picked the wrong target. Using the time-honored tradition of slapstick comedy, this meme perfectly captures how Erica would probably handle an encounter with our favorite supernatural villain. The bottom panel, showing the aftermath of this hypothetical meeting, suggests that perhaps Vecna should stick to his usual hunting grounds—because clearly, he's not ready for this level of sass.


5. The Byler moment

Capturing what appears to be an iconic moment between characters (labeled as Will, Mike, and Eleven), this meme has become a favorite among fans who enjoy analyzing every frame for deeper meaning. The moody winter backdrop adds to the dramatic effect, making it feel like a scene from an indie film about teenage supernatural drama—which, let's be honest, is exactly what we're here for.


6. The greatest story ever told—GIF version

Someone finally did it—they condensed four seasons of supernatural chaos into one perfect GIF. It's like if you asked an AI to summarize "small town meets supernatural phenomena" in under five seconds. Bonus points for the "Do Not Enter" sign in the background, which is basically Hawkins' unofficial motto at this point.


7. Maybe let's skip the sixth season meme

Well, well, well, how the tables turn... This meme imagining Season 6 shows our beloved characters enjoying what appears to be the world's most dramatic school lunch. The cafeteria setting and those classic lunch trays are giving us major "last day of senior year" vibes, except everyone looks old enough to be teaching AP Physics.


8. Is this a dream?

Just when you thought Hawkins couldn't get any more ominous, someone captured this photo that looks like it was taken straight from the Upside Down's tourism board. The blood-red sky and tangled power lines create an atmosphere so perfect for Stranger Things, you'd think the Duffer Brothers installed mood lighting over the entire town. It's the kind of sky that makes you think either Vecna's redecorating again, or the local weather person is having a really rough day explaining why the forecast calls for "partly cloudy with a chance of interdimensional portals."


9. Breaking news: Noah Schnapp found alive!

This not-so-little guy anymore has been dealing with quite a lot of backlash for his takes on major political events (read: genocide), and X users have been having a ball of a time memeing this.


10. Will x Vecna meme

BFFs for life, or something like that.


11. The biggest plot hole meme

Let's talk about the biggest plot hole in Stranger Things history: Nancy Wheeler somehow resisting Steve 'The Hair' Harrington's charms at that Halloween party. I mean, he showed up looking like Tom Cruise's more attractive cousin, and someone thought, 'Nah'? In what universe? Even the Demogorgon would've done a double-take.


12. Listen to your elders

Look, if anyone in Hawkins has the most sensible responses to supernatural chaos, it's Steve. While everyone else is playing amateur detective, our boy Steve is out here making logical suggestions like, 'Maybe we should tell someone about the flesh-eating creatures?' But no, apparently that's too mainstream for Hawkins' finest.


13. Will vs. Perpetually being stuck in the Upside Down

Give this kid a break!


14. Romance is not always magnetic

Ah yes, the classic 'boy meets girl, girl's magnets stop working, boy fights Russian conspiracy' love story. Hopper trying to ask Joyce to dinner while she's having an existential crisis about her refrigerator magnets is peak Stranger Things romance. Poor Hop—even his attempts at dating get interrupted by supernatural phenomena.


15. A summary of it all

Fan reactions to the show in a nutshell + a meta commentary on the state of the world + your current mood in a meme + (you get it).

comment icon
Comment
Edited by Sangeeta Mathew