10 Things ‘Stranger Things’ Taught Us About Friendship And Bravery

TV + Movies

'Stranger Things' delivers some profound lessons on the power of friendship and the courage to face the unknown. Here are 10 things the Netflix series teaches us about friendship and bravery, regardless of what lurks in the Upside Down.

By Mishal Zafar

Updated 2 hours ago, November 19, 2024

Anyone who hasn’t watched Stranger Things might wonder why millions of viewers stay up until 3 AM binge-watching kids battle monsters in a small Indiana town.

But beneath the surface of this Netflix phenomenon lies something far more compelling than just ’80s nostalgia and supernatural thrills. Between the synth-heavy soundtrack and the Dungeons & Dragons references, there’s an incredibly raw portrayal of friendship and courage that resonates with anyone who’s ever found their own family of misfits. Along with fighting demons from other dimensions, the Hawkins kids are showing us what it means to be loyal and brave in a world that often feels just as scary as the Upside Down.

1. Stand by Your Friends, No Matter What

There were plenty of times when the Hawkins kids could have just run away from their fears and trauma, but time and again, they proved how important it is to stand by your friends. That moment when they pull “Will’s body” from the quarry would leave anyone hopeless. But Mike straight-up refuses to believe it. Through all the crazy stuff – from actual monsters to middle school drama (sometimes hard to tell which is scarier) – these kids stick together like glue. Makes you wonder if your own friends would bike through demon-town to save you.

2. Embrace Each Other’s Differences

The friend group in Stranger Things is essentially what would happen if The Breakfast Club got mixed up with the X-Men, and somehow it works perfectly. Dustin drops random science facts like a walking encyclopedia. Lucas is the voice of reason nobody wants to hear (but totally needs to). And Eleven redefines what it means to be different. But rather than trying to fit into some predetermined mold, these kids celebrate what makes each of them unique. Their dynamic proves that the best friend groups are the ones where differences become superpowers.

3. Face Your Fears Together

Most people would run screaming at the first sight of a Demogorgon, but these kids choose to stand their ground – together. Take that time Dustin found D’Artagnan. Instead of freaking out alone, the whole squad shows up, even though they’re all secretly losing it. That’s the thing about fear – it’s way less scary when you’re scared together.

4. Forgive and Move Forward

The evolution of relationships throughout Stranger Things proves that true friendship can weather any storm. Take Steve Harrington. He went from total jerk to everyone’s favorite babysitter/monster fighter. That’s what happens when people actually give each other second chances. Same with Max joining the party – proof that friend groups can grow without falling apart. Because honestly, holding grudges is exhausting.

5. Be Loyal, Even When It’s Hard

Nowhere does loyalty shine brighter than in the countless sacrifices these characters make for each other. Mike harbors Eleven in his basement despite the real danger to his family. Look at Steve Harrington – king of Hawkins High turned babysitter with a bat. And Nancy ditched her perfect reputation to hunt down justice for Barb. That’s the thing about this show – doing the right thing usually means doing the hard thing, and these characters get that.

6. Stand Up for What’s Right

Nobody in their right mind picks a fight with shadowy government agencies or interdimensional monsters. But the Hawkins kids are different. When they stumble onto the whole Hawkins Lab mess, they don’t just pretend it’s not happening – they go all in. And sure, charging at a Mind Flayer might not be the smartest move, but sometimes the biggest acts of bravery come from the smallest defenders of justice.

7. Protect the People You Love

Joyce Byers becomes the ultimate symbol of protective love, refusing to accept her son’s supposed death even when everyone thinks she’s lost her mind. Hopper’s evolution from gruff police chief to Eleven’s devoted father figure shows how protective instincts can transform even the most hardened hearts. Every time Eleven raises her hand to defend her friends, despite the physical toll it takes, she proves that protecting loved ones gives people strength they never knew they had.

8. Ask for Help When You Need It

Throughout the series, characters learn that facing supernatural threats alone isn’t just scary – it’s impossible. The kids eventually trust Chief Hopper and Joyce with their discoveries. Steve swallows his pride to team up with his former rivals. Even the brilliant Bob steps up to help despite his fears. These moments of vulnerability become turning points in the story, proving that reaching out for help isn’t weakness – it’s wisdom. The show transforms the simple act of asking for help into one of its most powerful demonstrations of courage.

9. Grow Together Through Hard Times

Each season ramps up the horror but also deepens the bonds between characters in ways that feel earned and authentic. The friendship between Steve and Dustin blossoms from unlikely allies to genuine family. Nancy and Jonathan’s relationship develops through shared trauma and determination. Even Billy’s redemption arc shows how people can grow through adversity. These transformations don’t happen overnight – they’re forged in the fires of shared battles and mutual support, showing how hardship can strengthen relationships in ways good times never could.

10. Believe in Each Other

The power of belief runs through every episode like electricity through Christmas lights. When Will is trapped in the Upside Down, his friends’ unwavering faith helps guide him home. The party’s constant support helps Eleven see herself as more than just a weapon. Even Max’s letter to Billy shows the healing power of believing in someone’s capacity for good. Through every crisis, these characters demonstrate that believing in each other isn’t just about emotional support – it’s about seeing the best in people even when they can’t see it themselves. In a world full of monsters both real and metaphorical, sometimes faith in each other is the strongest weapon of all.