Every Episode of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, Ranked

Ranking every episode of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 feels a bit like going into the Upside Down alone, and just when you think you know what exactly you’re getting into, something creepy and scary grabs you.

Some of the new episodes of the animated spinoff boast with its signature mix of small-town nostalgia and supernatural dread, while others… well, let’s just say they didn’t hit as hard as every trip back to 1985 would. This list ranks all ten episodes of the new series based on combined plot development plus thrilling action and drama.

TV Series:	Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85
Showrunner:	Eric Robles
Based on:	Stranger Things by The Duffer Brothers
Release Date:	April 23, 2026
Episode Count:	10

10 Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid Introduces A New Spooky Adventure (Chapter 1)

The first episode of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 lands at the bottom of the ranking, but that doesn’t make it a misfire. In fact, it’s a solid opener that carefully lays the groundwork for what’s to come.

We witness the first chilling attack of a mysterious creature, signaling that a new threat is creeping into Hawkins, only for the episode to cut off on a cliffhanger. If there’s one standout takeaway, it’s the joy of seeing our favorite kids back together again, this time brought to life in animated form.

9 Strange & Terrifying Things Begin to Take Root In Bad Harvest (Chapter 2)

As the gang tries to investigate the origins of these creepy creatures, Dustin introduces the Hawkins Investigators Club to his friends, which is basically what they call themselves. One of their plans is to gather tips from locals, collecting any reports of strange sightings around town.

Splitting up to follow different leads, they begin piecing together clues about the monsters and how they operate. When they learn about the so-called pumpkin creatures, they race to a pie-eating contest, worried the pumpkins might be tainted and dangerous.

It’s an exciting episode, but it lands in the lower tier of the ranking since it’s still deep in exposition, and our understanding of the threat hasn’t evolved much just yet.

8 The Party Sees The Gang Gearing Up to Go Underground (Chapter 8)

The group prepares for the biggest adventure of their lives yet as they descend underground. This episode witnessed a lot of action scenes featuring intense encounters with the mysterious creatures, and it also ended with a discovery that led the group closer to the answer they have been seeking.

This was a notch better than the previous entries, thanks to its surge of action and a major clue suggesting the Baxters may not be who they seem. This revelation instantly shifts viewers’ opinion of the new characters, and it proves crucial as the story moves toward the end of the show.

7 The Culprit Behind It All Reveals Itself In The Suspect (Chapter 9)

The penultimate episode delivers several thrilling moments, including the group’s attempt to uncover evidence inside the Baxters’ house and the reveal that Anna had nothing to do with the creatures. The revelation at the end about Daniel Fischer being the mastermind was kind of expected.

While it’s a fun episode, it leans on a familiar formula, and the audience could see the plot twist coming from a mile away. Although it’s a relief that Anna isn’t involved in the scheme, it also feels like a missed opportunity to give her a more meaningful role in the conflict, especially since she had been experimenting with reviving dead plants.

6 Tension Among the Kids Heightens In A Storm Is Coming (Chapter 6)

We learn more about the creatures this time, as the opening scene shows a scientist injecting serum into a bunch of remnants from the Upside Down. This episode also highlights the growing tension within the group, particularly among Nikki, Mike, and Will.

While the investigation continues, the episode places greater emphasis on the relationships between the characters. It shows that, despite the terrifying events unfolding around Hawkins, the core of the story remains centered on friendships built on trust and strengthened by shared experiences.

5 Teamwork Saves Mike, Will & Nikki In Enter the Storm (Chapter 7)

Mike, Will, and Nikki fight off a creepy monster inside the school while trying to find a way out. Using both their physical strength and scientific knowledge, they blast the creature and rescue Charlie. On top of that, we also learn an important detail about Daniel Fischer’s backstory.

This episode now gave us a clearer picture of what the kids are truly up against, from discovering how to defeat the monsters to gradually unraveling the mystery behind their origin. It steadily builds tension and sets the stage for the next “Code Red” emergency.

4 The Final Battle Against the Enemies Takes Place In Countdown (Chapter 10)

This is the final episode of the series, and it’s a bit of a shame that it isn’t ranked at the very top. That doesn’t take away from its strengths, though, as it still delivers plenty of standout moments, including the showdown between El and The Party against the Queen monster. Daniel’s death after his betrayal was also everything we could hope for.

Overall, this chapter remains one of the strongest—the gang gets a happy ending (for now), and we’re also treated to a major teaser towards the end with the mysterious blue flower growing from the dead body of the Queen monster. As the closing installment, it naturally focuses less on plot progression and more on the characters’ final effort to bring down the enemy.

3 Eleven’s Fate Hangs By A Thread In The Weekly Watcher (Chapter 5)

One of the standout episodes of the spinoff, The Weekly Watcher is an electrifying chapter from start to finish. Trouble begins when El’s photo falls into the wrong hands, prompting the team to hatch a risky plan to retrieve the Polaroid from the newspaper’s office.

While this episode doesn’t feature much monster action, it shines through the group’s teamwork, just exactly the kind of dynamic the series needs at its midpoint. Plus, Nancy Wheeler being a drama queen was the cherry on top!

2 Creepy Creatures Demystified By Science In Evolution (Chapter 3)

Starting right in the middle of the action fighting off monsters, before moving to the part where we learn about the science of it all, is why this episode ranks high in this list. The scene where Anna explains evolution, sparking a realization among the kids, plus learning more about Nikki, were some of its best parts.

This chapter lays the groundwork for the idea that the creatures didn’t simply come from the Upside Down. There’s a scientific explanation behind their return. In retrospect, it serves as a major clue that many viewers may have overlooked on their first watch.

1 Dustin & Steve’s Chemistry Remains Unparalleled In The Confession (Chapter 4)

After the team temporarily hits a roadblock and Dustin finds himself seemingly alone on the mission, he crosses paths with Steve Harrington, who was left stunned after a creepy creature attacked his car. The two set off on a journey together, and their chemistry, even in animated form, is undeniable.

Not only does this episode take the audience on a roller coaster of emotions, but it also shines a long-overdue spotlight on Will Byers, finally addressing a decade-long struggle the character endured in the original series.

The fourth episode stands out as the best in the spinoff, perfectly blending action, character development, and nostalgia while pushing the story forward.

Episode Number	Title	IMDb
1	Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid	6.4 (As of April 25, 2026)
2	Bad Harvest	6.4 (As of April 25, 2026)
3	Evolution	7.0 (As of April 25, 2026)
4	The Confession	7.0 (As of April 25, 2026)
5	The Weekly Watcher	6.8 (As of April 25, 2026)
6	A Storm Is Coming	6.6 (As of April 25, 2026)
7	Enter the Storm	6.7 (As of April 25, 2026)
8	The Party	6.5 (As of April 25, 2026)
9	The Suspect	6.6 (As of April 25, 2026)
10	Countdown	6.7 (As of April 25, 2026)

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Which was your favorite episode from the spinoff? Let us know in the comments!

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is now streaming on Netflix.