This list is the result of a poll done by PMHS’s student body. 

No. 5: Dustin Henderson

Dustin has consistently always been a level-headed and strategic thinker in the series. This was especially true in season three, when Dustin helped Robin, Erica, and Steve decode the Russian’s secret radio messages. However, in this season, some fans are disappointed by the way his character has been behaving. Since Eddie Munson’s death at the end of season four, Dustin has been erratically arguing with his friends and straying from group plans. 

No. 4: Max Mayfield

Max, who joined the Party at the end of season two, quickly became a favorite among viewers. After watching her brother die at the end of season three, her character became a direct target of antagonist Vecna. Season four was majorly focused on her development, which continues in season five as she works with Holly Wheeler to escape Vecna’s memories. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if she will wake up from her coma and reunite with Lucas and the rest of their friends. 

No. 3: Lucas Sinclair

Lucas has been the mediator in his group of friends for many seasons on the show, and always goes along with the Party’s plans, no matter how dangerous. His relationship with Max has made them both better characters, and his loyalty and determination to bring her back never wavered. He and Erica Sinclair, his sister, also make a great on screen pair (when they aren’t arguing.)  

No. 2: Jim Hopper

Hopper is a character who has lost almost as much as he has gained throughout the show. Adopting Eleven as his daughter and dating Joyce Byers has made him into a better person, and it is clear that he would go to the Upside Down and back for any of the other kids who work with him to bring Vecna down. His near death in season three shocked everyone, and it was a relief to see that he had become a prisoner of war instead of dying. 

No. 1:  Steve Harrington 

Steve is a fan favorite character who always shows up just in time before an important event takes place. He is reliable from season two onward, and had some of the best development in the show. His friendships with characters like Dustin and Robin make him even more likeable, and his bat with nails is one of the most iconic weapons on the show.