The finale of Stranger Things Season 5, “The Rightside Up,” brought closure to many story arcs—and heartbreak to some. In a series known for its dramatic losses and brave sacrifices, the final chapter didn’t hold back. Here’s a breakdown of who survives, who falls, and what each death means for the Hawkins gang.
Major Character Deaths in the Finale
Kali (Eight) – A Heroic End
Kali, aka Eight, returns to support Eleven and Hopper but is tragically shot and killed by a government soldier, Akers, while helping disable a device threatening Eleven’s autonomy. Her death is both sudden and meaningful—underlining her loyalty and bravery.(cosmopolitan.com)
Vecna – Overcoming the Ultimate Evil
Vecna (Henry Creel), the puppet master behind so much of Hawkins’s devastation, finally meets his end. Eleven impales him, and Joyce delivers the fatal blow—decapitating him once and for all.(cosmopolitan.com)
The Mind Flayer – Destroyed Alongside Its Host
The monstrous Mind Flayer, entwined with Vecna’s power, is obliterated through a combined assault—El’s psychic might and coordinated physical attacks from the group.(cosmopolitan.com)
Eleven (Jane Hopper) – A Sacrifice Shrouded in Hope
Eleven’s fate is left intentionally ambiguous. She appears to sacrifice herself to save the world from further harm, remaining behind as the Upside Down collapses. But a hopeful epilogue—featuring Mike narrating a peaceful fantasy of Eleven living hidden away—suggests she may have survived.(cosmopolitan.com)
Other Significant Character Deaths
Eddie Munson – A Final Stand
Season 4’s breakout character, Eddie Munson, doesn’t survive Season 5. His heroic sacrifice while distracting demo-bats remains one of the most emotional moments. Showrunners have confirmed definitively that Eddie will not return.(gamesradar.com)
Dr. Martin Brenner – A Complex Goodbye
Dr. Brenner, Eleven’s tormentor-mentor from Seasons 1 and 4, dies in Season 4, shot while trying to escape with Eleven. Despite his harmful past, his final moments reveal an uneasy but real affection for her.(time.com)
Notable Past Deaths and Their Impact
Season 1: Barb and Benny
Barbara “Barb” Holland became a fan-favorite despite her limited screen time. Her brutal death sparked widespread “Justice for Barb” campaigns. Benny Hammond, an early ally to Eleven, was fatally shot by Brenner.(vecnavolde.com)
Season 2: Bob Newby’s Brave Moment
Bob Newby’s death at the hands of demodogs hit hard—his kind-hearted bravery and sacrifice left a lasting emotional impact on both the characters and the audience.(yahoo.com)
Season 3: Billy’s Redemption
Billy Hargrove began the season as a menacing antagonist. In a redemptive move, he ultimately sacrificed himself to save Eleven and others from the Mind Flayer.(yahoo.com)
Season 4: Massacre Unleashed
In one of the series’ most chilling sequences, Henry Creel (Vecna) massacres children and staff at Hawkins Lab in 1979—underscoring the horrors tied to the Upside Down.(capitalfm.com)
Deaths Ranked by Heroism
Fan discussions often weigh the emotional weight of each character’s final act. In many rankings, characters like Bob Newby, Eddie Munson, Billy Hargrove, and lesser-seen heroes like Agent Harmon emerge as some of the most courageous in their deaths. While subjective, audiences choose heroism by impact and intention.(reddit.com)
Conclusion
Listening to voices both on and off screen, Stranger Things crafted deaths that were rarely gratuitous—each one carried narrative weight and emotional resonance. From heroic sacrifices to tragic losses, every death left a mark on Hawkins’s story. The finale brings a quiet closure—for some—while leaving just enough mystery for Eleven’s fate to spark lingering hope. Ultimately, the series’ ending speaks to the power of friendship, sacrifice, and the belief that some bonds transcend even the darkest dimensions.
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