The stars of "Stranger Things," ranked by success
Think back to July 2016: a new show premiered on Netflix that blended '80s nostalgia from "The Goonies" and Steven Spielberg films with cutting-edge special effects and a cast of talented young actors unknown to the public. That show was "Stranger Things," which quickly became a massive hit for the streaming platform and instantly turned its young cast into rising stars.
However, not all cast members achieved the same level of fame beyond the show. Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and Joe Keery expanded their success into other franchises, musical pursuits, and even earned major nominations like the Tony Awards. Meanwhile, some actors chose a more low-profile path, focusing on indie films or their education.
We assessed post-show careers, social media influence, non-acting projects, and overall public recognition to rank the most successful "Stranger Things" child stars.
Notable Career Paths
- Millie Bobby Brown has built a prominent career outside the series, including leading roles in other franchises.
- Sadie Sink ventured into diverse acting projects and broader artistic endeavors.
- Joe Keery developed a musical career and received critical acclaim.
- Other cast members have mainly appeared in independent films or prioritized education over fame.
Emerging Young Talent
Priah Ferguson, playing Lucas Sinclair's witty younger sister Erica, stands out as the youngest primary cast member at 19 years old.
"Stranger Things" combined the '80s nostalgia of "The Goonies" and Steven Spielberg movies with state-of-the-art special effects and a cast of talented young kids no one had ever seen before.
Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and Joe Keery have all parlayed their success from the show into other things, including other franchises, musical careers, and even a Tony nomination.
As the excitement builds for season five, this ranking reveals how the child stars of "Stranger Things" have evolved and succeeded in their careers since the show's debut.
Author's summary: The "Stranger Things" young cast members have followed varied paths after the show's success, with some reaching major stardom while others remain focused on education or indie projects.