Premiering on November 26, 2025, the long-awaited fifth and ultimate season of Netflix’s cultural phenomenon, *Stranger Things*, promises to deliver the most thrilling, emotionally charged, and unsettling moments the series has ever produced. Created by the visionary sibling duo Matt and Ross Duffer, this climactic chapter is said to contain the most violent and shocking death of the entire saga — a statement that has sent fans spiraling into speculation about which beloved character might meet their tragic end. To anticipate the danger that looms over Hawkins, a small Indiana town perpetually shadowed by supernatural chaos, we have meticulously ranked the show’s 15 principal characters based on their likelihood of perishing in season five. **Serious spoilers ahead** for those who have not yet witnessed the events of the first four seasons.

The Duffer brothers have consistently emphasized that *Stranger Things* differs fundamentally from more ruthlessly violent shows like *Game of Thrones*. As Matt Duffer once said with wry humor, “This is Hawkins. It’s not Westeros.” His comment in 2022 came as a response to Millie Bobby Brown’s playful criticism in which she teasingly dubbed the brothers “sensitive Sallies” for their reluctance to slaughter more main characters. Indeed, while the series frequently places its heroes in mortal peril — whether it’s Will Byers enduring prolonged possession by the forces of the Upside Down, police chief Jim Hopper apparently killed in a fiery explosion, or fan favorites like Steve Harrington and Max Mayfield narrowly escaping death — the core ensemble has remained largely intact. Death has historically come for the more peripheral figures: Bob Newby’s heroism meeting a brutal end in season two, Billy Hargrove’s final act of redemption in season three, and Eddie Munson’s heartbreakingly noble sacrifice in season four.

Yet, with the Duffer brothers now openly promising a finale that will “go out with a bang,” audiences can’t help but brace for ruin. Ross Duffer confessed to *The Times* that their creative philosophy has always been to escalate the scope and maturity of the series in step with the characters and the audience alike: “The goal was always to scale up each series with their age — and with the audience’s — while keeping the heart intact.” Whether this evolution means a darker tone or genuine tragedy remains the burning question.

So who among our cherished Hawkins residents stands on the precipice of death? Below is a comprehensive survival ranking from least to most likely to die, with thoughtful reasoning for each.

**15. Erica Sinclair (Risk: Very Low)** — Portrayed by Priah Ferguson, Erica embodies the sharp-tongued wit and courage of the younger generation. Killing her off would not only defy narrative logic, given her comic-relief function and limited exposure to immediate peril, but would also alienate audiences. Fans adore Erica’s sass and youthful intelligence, and it’s nearly inconceivable that the Duffers would extinguish such an uplifting presence.

**14. Holly Wheeler (Risk: Very Low)** — Recently reintroduced as a recast, aging-up version of Nancy and Mike’s little sister, Holly’s expanded role does make one wary. However, killing an innocent child would shift the show’s tone drastically toward bleakness. Expect her journey to mirror Will’s early arc — entanglement in danger but ultimate salvation through familial love.

**13. Dustin Henderson (Risk: Very Low)** — The emotional heart of the group, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) symbolizes innocence, humor, and intelligence. Having already endured the trauma of Eddie’s awful death in his arms, further punishment would feel cruel and narratively excessive. The writers, well aware of his popularity, will surely allow him to survive.

**12. Max Mayfield (Risk: Low)** — Max’s seemingly fatal end in season four — her heart literally stopping before Eleven revived her — already delivered a gut punch. Her absence from promotional materials has fueled concern, but her confirmed return and sizeable paycheck suggest a recovery arc rather than another demise. When she awakens, it will likely be an emotionally climactic, not fatal, moment.

**11. Jim Hopper (Risk: Low)** — Having faked out viewers once before, Hopper’s death would no longer wield the desired emotional shock. His miraculous survival after season three’s explosion and the deeply moving reunion with Eleven in season four render a repeat tragedy redundant. Expect Hopper to carry his paternal protector role through to the finale’s end.

**10. Joyce Byers (Risk: Low)** — Joyce, portrayed by Winona Ryder, has endured immense suffering but remains the glue holding both her biological and chosen families together. To kill her now would tip the balance of trauma too far. The Duffers will likely preserve her maternal steadfastness.

**9. Mike Wheeler (Risk: Low)** — Interestingly, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) has never physically entered the Upside Down, marking him as somewhat sheltered compared to his peers. His death would be a jarring departure from precedent. While season five might finally send him into that nightmarish realm, the odds of him dying there remain slim.

**8. Eleven (Risk: Medium-Low)** — As the show’s protagonist, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) perpetually exists in danger. Nonetheless, repetition of her season one near-death sacrifice would feel uninspired. Audiences yearn to see her, after countless ordeals, claim the semblance of an ordinary life — or as ordinary as someone with telekinetic power can manage.

**7. Jonathan Byers (Risk: Medium)** — Jonathan has long functioned as a stabilizing figure, although he contributed less dramatically in season four. His destiny is undoubtedly linked to the fates of his brother, Will, and girlfriend, Nancy. Should either fall into danger, his selfless instincts would propel him directly into its path.

**6. Nancy Wheeler (Risk: Medium)** — Combative, strategic, and fiercely protective, Nancy (Natalia Dyer) frequently finds herself the vanguard of every battle. Yet her bravery could become her undoing; her determination to shield loved ones might lead to tragic overreach. Her double role as both older sister and warrior makes her vulnerability all the more poignant.

**5. Robin Buckley (Risk: Medium-High)** — Relative newcomer Robin (Maya Hawke) has won hearts with her quirky brilliance but fits a familiar *Stranger Things* pattern — freshly introduced teenage allies often meet fateful ends. Given the grim history of Barb, Billy, Chrissy, and Eddie, Robin’s odds are concerningly high.

**4. Lucas Sinclair (Risk: High)** — Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) might face the ultimate heroic choice. Fans once theorized his sacrifice to save Max, inspired by the lyrics of her favorite sanctuary song about trading places to spare another. A recent interview’s cryptic comments by McLaughlin, suggesting his finale experience differed from co-stars’, have kept theories alive.

**3. Will Byers (Risk: High)** — The narrative began with Will’s disappearance; it would be symmetrical for it to end centered on him. Bound psychically to the Upside Down and still haunted by Vecna’s influence, Will may need to destroy himself to destroy the evil tethering him. Such a selfless conclusion would complete his full circle — from victim to savior.

**2. Steve Harrington (Risk: Extremely High)** — Steve’s journey from arrogant jock to protective, self-sacrificing mentor remains one of modern television’s great transformations. Initially slated for early death, his redemption won him a reprieve and fandom adoration. Ironically, that love now paints a target on his back; his loss would devastate viewers, making it the ultimate emotional blow for the series finale.

**1. Vecna (Risk: Certain)** — Finally, the show’s monstrous orchestrator of suffering — portrayed chillingly by Jamie Campbell Bower — stands doomed. *Stranger Things*, steeped in the spirit of 1980s adventure cinema, will never conclude without the triumph of good over evil. Thus, Vecna’s annihilation is inevitable.

In essence, this ranking underscores the painful tension between audience hope and narrative necessity. As *Stranger Things* approaches its extraordinary conclusion, the Duffers are poised to balance grief with catharsis, terror with love, ensuring that when the dust settles over Hawkins, its heroes — living or dead — will be immortalized in pop culture forever.

Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/who-dies-stranger-things-season-5-2025-11