The stars of 'Stranger Things,' ranked by success

The Stars of "Stranger Things," Ranked by Success

In July 2016, Netflix released a show that quickly became a cultural phenomenon: Stranger Things. The series blended '80s nostalgia reminiscent of The Goonies and Steven Spielberg films with cutting-edge special effects and introduced a cast of talented young actors who were then unknown.

This breakout series propelled its young cast to stardom almost overnight. However, not all actors from the show have achieved the same level of fame beyond it.

Low-Key Careers

Other cast members have kept a lower profile, focusing mostly on indie films or their education rather than widespread fame.

Evaluating Success

To rank the most successful child star from Stranger Things, factors such as post-show résumés, social media presence, external projects, and overall fame were considered.

Notable Cast Highlight

Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's sharp and often correct younger sister Erica, is the youngest main cast member at 19 years old.

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As anticipation builds for the new season five trailer, fans continue to celebrate the show’s impact and the rising careers of its young stars.

Summary: The Stranger Things cast skyrocketed to fame, but only a few have expanded their success broadly, while others remain focused on more personal or indie projects.

Business Insider — 2025-11-01