10 Times Stranger Things characters almost died

Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

Fans of Stranger Things are kept on the edge of their seats by the show’s many dramatic, potentially fatal scenes. The characters of the show endure unthinkable risks, from horrifying Demogorgon to shocking near-death situations. These compelling sequences make the viewers understand their bravery and tenacity as well as the strong relationships that enable them to withstand supernatural threats and vicious adversaries. Here are 10 times Stranger Things characters almost died.

Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.


10. Mike Falling Off the Cliff (Season 1)

Scene from Season 1 | Image via Stranger Things
Scene from Season 1 | Image via Stranger Things

In the first Season of Stranger Things, Mike Wheeler (played by Finn Wolfhard) resisted the demand of his school bullies to jump from a cliff before Eleven (played by Millie Bobby Brown) saved him. Troy (played by Peyton Wich) leads the bullies to force Mike to jump off the cliff as they simultaneously threaten Dustin with a knife. Eleven stops her telekinesis on Mike when he stands at the edge of the cliff, trying to safeguard his friend. The sudden stop of Mike's fall comes through Eleven's telekinetic power, which freezes him in the air. She overcomes the bullying group while rescuing both Dustin and Mike.

9. Lucas Attacked by the Demodog (Season 2)

Lucas Sinclair | Image via Netflix
Lucas Sinclair | Image via Netflix

Lucas Sinclair (played by Caleb McLaughlin) becomes the target of a teenage Demogorgon in Stranger Things Season 2. Lucas and his companions encounter different Demodogs while searching the underground tunnels of Hawkins. During the fight, Steve Harrington (played by Joseph David Keery) defends Lucas Sinclair by using his signature weapon to stop an attacking Demodog from reaching his target. The deadly Demodog passes by Lucas because Steve hits the beast at crucial moments, indicating the dangerous situation the group faces.

8. Hopper is assumed Dead (Season 3)

Jim Hopper | Image via Netflix
Jim Hopper | Image via Netflix

The fans mourned the fate of Hopper (played by David Harbour) in the Stranger Things 3 Finale, as he seemed to perish in the intense ending. While injured by the upside-down gate, he asked Joyce (played by Winona Ryder) to shut it down in his desperate situation. The consequences of his requests would most likely be death because he understood their nature. The entire group thinks Hopper received destruction after vanishing from sight during the energy surge and subsequent explosion. After the end credits roll, a hidden sequence reveals his survival prospects for Season 4.

7. Nancy Almost Getting Caught by the Mind Flayer (Season 2)

Nancy Wheeler from Season 2 | Image via Netflix
Nancy Wheeler from Season 2 | Image via Netflix

In Season 3 of Stranger Things, Nancy Wheeler is exploring the mysteries around Hawkins when the Mind Flayer almost captures her. Tom and Bruce, who are both under the influence of the Mind Flayer, attacked her and Jonathan while they were at the hospital. Since things are getting more intense, the creature overwhelms Nancy and nearly captures her. With prompt help, Jonathan can repel the assailants as well as prevent Nancy from being devoured by the hideous creature.

6. Jonathan Fighting the Demogorgon (Season 1)

Nancy and Jonathan | Image via Netflix
Nancy and Jonathan | Image via Netflix

In Season 1 of Stranger Things, Jonathan Byers came face to face with the Demogorgon. To save his brother, Will, he and Nancy travel into the parallel dimension. However, they come across the powerful beast there. Since Nancy has quick thinking abilities and she attempted to repel the Demogorgon with traps and weapons, Jonathan barely escapes death when the monster attacks.

5. Steve Fighting off the Russian Soldiers (Season 3)

Steve from Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
Steve from Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

In Season 3 of Stranger Things, Steve Harrington has to repel Russian soldiers. In the converted Russian laboratory under the Starcourt Mall, he and Robin are taken prisoner and subjected to torture. Despite being questioned and assaulted repeatedly, Steve refuses to turn on his pals. Moreover, Robin and Steve are set free when Erica and Dustin perform a rescue. However, Steve’s perseverance and his companion’s prompt action prevent him from deadly outcomes despite his serious injuries.

4. Eleven Losing her Powers before the Mind Flayer (Season 3)

Eleven from Stranger Things | Image via Netflix
Eleven from Stranger Things | Image via Netflix

In Stranger Things, the Mind Flayer overpowers Eleven by removing her telekinetic powers during Season 3, nearly making her his victim. The intense fight has left Eleven so weak that she cannot access her psychic abilities. The Mind Flayer starts an endless attack when it locates the group inside Hopper's cabin. As her friends recognize her weakness, they unite to fight off the Mind Flayer, thus saving Eleven from capture and killing.

3. Joyce Drowning in the Lake (Season 2)

Joyce Byers | Image via Netflix
Joyce Byers | Image via Netflix

In Stranger Things Season 2, Joyce Byers is almost down while looking for information on the disappearance of Will. For locating the decaying pumpkin fields linked to the Upside Down, she and Hopper plunge into a lake. She attempts to break free after becoming entangled in vines underwater. However, Hopper, who prevents her from drowning, pulls her to the surface just in time.

2. Dustin trapped by Dart (Season 2)

Dustin Henderson | Image via Netflix
Dustin Henderson | Image via Netflix

In Stranger Things Season 2, Dustin Henderson learns that Dart, his pet Demogorgon, has developed into a terrifying animal. The fierce Demodog corners Dustin as he attempts to imprison Dart in the school’s basement. Due to Dart’s violent actions, Dustin is left with no way out, endangering his life. Luckily, Steve shows up with his spiked bat in time. Due to Steve’s prompt action, Dustin is spared from Dart’s attack and possible death.

1. Will Possessed by the Mind Flayer (Season 2)

Mind Flayer | Image via Netflix
Mind Flayer | Image via Netflix

In Stranger Things Season 2, the Mind Flayer takes control of Will Byers. His body is taken over by the beast, resulting in severe discomfort as well as a decline in health that is almost deadly. Will’s friends as well as family understand that they need to remove the Mind Flayer’s control to save him. They barely save Will’s life by forcing the beast out of him with extreme heat and emotional assistance.


We can conclude that this series offers tense and heroic moments that viewers will never forget, whether they are confronting human enemies or creatives from the parallel universe. Every near-death encounter deepens everyone’s personality as well as increases the story’s stakes. Fans of Stranger Things are looking forward to more heart-stopping, suspenseful situations that characterize the distinctive excitement and tension of the series as it goes on.

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Edited by Ishita Banerjee
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