The best songs played on ‘Stranger Things’
From the synth-heavy vibes of Hawkins to the Upside Down’s eerie echoes, Stranger Things has turned its soundtrack into a cultural phenomenon, resurrecting 80s gems that soundtrack epic battles against Vecna. Whether it’s Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill saving Max or Metallica’s Master of Puppets fueling Eddie’s heroism, these Stranger Things songs aren’t just needle drops—they’re plot-twisting lifelines. With Season 5’s finale dropping bangers like Prince’s Purple Rain and David Bowie’s Heroes, we’ve rounded up the absolute best tracks that defined the series.
Kate Bush’s uphill battle
No Stranger Things song captures the show’s supernatural heart like Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill which skyrocketed back to charts after Max’s Vecna showdown in Season 4 This ethereal 1985 track blending synth-pop with emotional depth became a lifeline symbolizing deals with gods and teen angst — very ’80s magic revived for modern ears
Metallica’s puppet mastery
Eddie Munson’s guitar-shredding heroism peaks with metallica’s Master of Puppets a thrash metal beast from 1986 that amps up the Upside Down chaos As a Stranger Things song it not only fuels epic distractions but also introduced headbanging to a new generation proving heavy riffs can battle interdimensional evil just fine
Prince’s purple reign
In Season 5’s finale Prince’s Purple Rain delivers a poignant needle drop evoking loss and triumph amid Hawkins’ ruins This iconic Stranger Things song from the 1984 album layers soulful guitar over emotional lyrics with the Duffer Brothers scoring two Prince tracks for maximum impact as revealed in recent Netflix insights
More must-hear tracks
David Bowie’s “Heroes” closes out Stranger Things with a triumphant yet melancholic vibe, rolling over the end credits of Season 5’s finale. This 1977 gem, with its soaring vocals and themes of fleeting victory, perfectly caps the Hawkins gang’s saga—proving once again why it’s a standout Stranger Things song that resonates across generations, as noted in recent Netflix Tudum breakdowns.
Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” gallops into the chaos of Season 5, fueling high-stakes battles with its gallant riffs and historical flair from 1983. As a pulse-pounding Stranger Things song, it embodies the show’s love for metal anthems, drawing fans into the fray much like Eddie’s earlier shred-fest, and sparking fresh streaming spikes per music blog analyses.
Pixies’ “Here Comes Your Man” brings indie edge to Stranger Things’ finale, its jangly 1989 hooks underscoring moments of tentative hope amid the Upside Down’s gloom. This under-the-radar Stranger Things song, blending surf-rock whimsy with alt vibes, highlights the Duffer Brothers’ eclectic taste, reviving interest in ’80s outliers as X posts from fans attest.
Prince’s dove lament
Prince doubles down in Stranger Things‘ Season 5 finale with When Doves Cry a funky 1984 synth-driven plea that underscores emotional reckonings in Hawkins. As a pivotal Stranger Things song it blends minimalism and raw vulnerability with the Duffer Brothers praising its needle-drop power in Netflix interviews reigniting streams for this purple powerhouse.
Cowboy Junkies’ sweet serenade
Sweet Jane by Cowboy Junkies drifts into Stranger Things‘ climactic moments its dreamy 1989 cover of the Velvet Underground classic adding haunting introspection to the Upside Down’s fallout. This understated Stranger Things song with its velvety vocals and sparse arrangement captures quiet resilience as fan X posts highlight its emotional punch in the finale.
Fleetwood Mac’s shifting ground
Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide brings reflective folk-rock to Stranger Things‘ Season 5 its 1975 lyrics on change mirroring the gang’s growth amid interdimensional strife. Emerging as a beloved Stranger Things song it evokes nostalgia and heartbreak with music analyses noting its revival alongside other 70s and 80s tracks in the series’ soundtrack.
Undeniable ’80s bangers
The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” blasts through Stranger Things from Season 1, becoming Will’s Upside Down anthem and a punk-rock beacon for the show’s mystery. This 1982 hit, with its infectious energy and bilingual flair, cements itself as a top Stranger Things song, sparking chart revivals and fan sing-alongs, as Billboard data shows.
Jim Croce’s “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” adds folksy grit to Stranger Things’ early episodes, underscoring Hawkins’ quirky underbelly with its 1972 storytelling charm. Revived as a clever Stranger Things song, it highlights the series’ knack for blending retro tunes with narrative tension, earning shoutouts in Netflix Tudum recaps and boosting streams among nostalgia-hungry viewers.
Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” powers Season 4’s dramatic splits, its 1983 synth-rock bombast amplifying the gang’s fractured quests. As an electrifying Stranger Things song, it captures epic heartbreak and heroism, with music sites like Consequence noting its role in reigniting ’80s arena rock for a new wave of fans.Legacy of the Upside Down
These Stranger Things songs have woven themselves into the fabric of pop culture, turning 80s relics into timeless anthems that battle demons and stir souls. From Bush’s ethereal pleas to Prince’s purple pathos, they remind us why the show’s soundtrack reigns supreme—stream them now and feel the Hawkins magic endure.
