Ranking the main cast of 'Stranger Things,' from totally rad to maybe they should be in the Upside Down

Are you surprised not to see one of the core crew in the top spot? Well, hardcore fans of Stranger Things know all too well that Robin is the real Queen Bee of the series. Ever since she popped up in that Scoops Ahoy ensemble in season three that delighted those who miss mall culture, Robin has been a key player in the joy that comes with the misadventures of Hawkins. She’s cool, not always calm nor collected, but she’s a welcomed presence among the older members of this ragtag group of misfits who are just trying their best to make it through the madness.

It didn’t take long for the little sister of the bunch to win over fans. All she had to do was utter “nerd,” and many were hooked. Of course, her role was beefed up, and now she’s out there telling it like it is to everyone. If there’s one person in Hawkins who could beat whatever lies in the Upside Down with just her words, it’d be Erica.

Every season of Stranger Things introduces a new character, lets them nestle into fans’ hearts, and then rips them away in the worst possible scenario. After Barb, it became the norm, but it still isn’t an easy pill to swallow, especially when it comes to Eddie Munson in the Netflix hit’s fourth season. Audiences quickly fell head over heels for the metalhead with a heart, so to say goodbye — it was a rough one. If there’s any chance for Eddie to return, it’d be a moment that breaks the internet, for sure.

In the first season of Stranger Things, Steve Harrington could have perished in the Upside Down, and no one would’ve batted an eye. However, with the redemption arc of the century, Steve turned it around, going from the stereotypical ‘80s doūchebag to the coolest babysitter on earth. His relationship and attachment to Dustin and his friendship with Robin helped fans see him in a new light.

A season before she ran up that hill and became the star of one of the most talked about scenes in television history, fans were introduced to Max Mayfield. The new kid, the skater girl, the apple of Lucas’ eye. When Eleven needed a best friend, someone to talk to about how teenage boys can be the most pain-in-the-behind things on earth, Max was there for her. Soon enough, they were all there for one another as the nightmares of Hawkins continued to consume them.

If one were to compare the four boys that kicked off Stranger Things to the South Park crew, Lucas would be Kyle, as he's the most level-headed of the bunch, a moral compass, if you will. Some may say that's WIll, but let's be real: Will is the drama. Yeah, Lucas tried to be a popular kid for a minute, but that was just a necessary character arc, a journey he had to go through. All in all, though, Lucas is the true heart of the group.

Joyce Byers is the true representation of an ‘80s parent: overworked and always stressed but willing to kick whatever butt needs to be kicked when it comes to her kids.

Should Nancy have paid more attention to Barb that one time? Most definitely, but she’s redeemed herself since that oopsy by being a bat-wielding powerhouse. Nancy could’ve gone the damsel in distress route, but if there’s one thing Stranger Things doesn’t do, it's make their female characters helpless.

Sean Astin was already an icon of the ‘80s thanks to The Goonies and had a renaissance with Lord of the Rings. He could’ve sat back the rest of his career, but he didn’t. Instead, he stepped into the role of a RadioShack manager — and a hero — as Bob Newby. While his stay in Hawkins wasn’t long, he won’t be forgotten.

Rough around the edges but encompassing a loyal heart of gold, Jim Hopper proved time after time that he's someone you want on your side. The only negative thing about him is that he can be a bit too overbearing when he gets into dad mode. Which, speaking of, that dad bod? Yes, please!

Will Byers is forever getting the short end of the stick. He got stuck in the Upside Down, was obviously not ready to mature as fast as his friends, felt left out when it came time to couple up, and then was going through it when his family moved across the country. Will needs a freaking break!

Eleven went from a scared runaway to a vibrant piece of pop culture history with her shaved head, insane superpowers, and love of Eggos. She lands in the middle of the pack, though, as she's sort of a chaotic good with all the craziness that follows her. It's no fault of her own, and the show wouldn't exist without her, but even when it's not about Papa and Venca, she's still going over the top. Remember the skating rink incident?

There is no doubt that Dustin Henderson is one of the most endearing characters on the show. Just look at that face! Since day one, fans have adored him. However, at times, it's felt like Dustin hasn't been as ready to be his own person, and we want that for him. He latched onto Steve and then Eddie, so it's about time he realized his own worth.

Jonathan Byers could have gone off to college or art school, and the show would've been fine after the first season. He's kind of just there for Nancy to have someone to hang out with, but now that she has a friend in Robin, Jonathan is even less of a necessity.

Mike is fine. He's there for his friends when need be, but he's also got a major teenage boy brain and sometimes focuses too much on his relationship with Eleven, leaving his friends by the wayside.

Nothing against Argyle, but he did seem like the show just wanted to toss their own Jeff Spicoli into the mix. He had a car, but what else did he provide, ya know?

While Murray has never done anything to make one think he's a bad dude, he's also got this air about him that, if he could, he'd turn, and we just don't know if we can still fully trust him.

There wasn't enough backstory in the world for many to be able to forgive and forget when it came to how badly Billy treated most people. Yeah, he was basically possessed for part of his series run, but he was still not-so-great before that, too.

Vecna is the drama queen of the Upside Down. Just an evil-hearted kid who managed to find himself the lord of the Upside Down.

None of the parents, except Joyce, are very attentive to their children. Yes, it was the '80s, and that's how the world worked then, but Karen Wheeler took things a step further: ignoring her children's whereabouts while trying to get herself a piece of Billy Hargrove? Wild.

The man behind all of the madness, otherwise known as "Papa," Martin Brenner, used kids as science experiments. He belongs in the deepest depths of the Upside Down!