Top 20 Funniest Stranger Things Moments

#20: Santa Murray

“Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap”

In the beginning of “Stranger Things” Season 5, with Hawkins in military lockdown mode, we learn that Murray is in charge of smuggling supplies for the group in a Bradley’s Big Buy truck. We can’t think of a better man for the job. In “Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap,” he pulls up with a major haul. But Dustin isn’t satisfied. He wanted more. Murray takes Dustin’s Christmas metaphor and runs with it as only he can. After pointing out his difficult job as a smuggler—and yeah, he’s got a point—Murray poetically chews Dustin out with incredible wit. Smooth Santa Murray, very smooth.

#19: “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim”

“Chapter Two: The Mall Rats”

It becomes clear early on in Season 3 that Jim Hopper is fed up with the relationship between Mike and Eleven, who he’s taken in as his daughter. They’ve violated his “three-inch minimum” rule and, in his mind, they’re spending way too much time together. Hopper later vents his frustration to Joyce, who offers some advice. Although, it doesn’t quite suit him, and he ends up going his own route. He’s a happy man when he realizes Mike won’t be coming over today. During his celebratory drive, Hopper fittingly listens and dances to the song, “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” Talk about a mood change! It’s especially funny and memorable because we’re not used to seeing him like that.

#18: “You Can’t Spell America Without Erica”

“Chapter Four: The Sauna Test”

The increased role of Lucas’s little sister Erica in Season 3 really starts to take form once Dustin, Robin, and Steve realize they need someone smaller to fit into the air vents at the mall. It’s a part of their plan to figure out the shady things the Russians are up to. So, in comes Erica, but not before some convincing. She’s a negotiator, that’s for sure… but also a funny one. Her patriotic line in response to Dustin suggesting she help their home country became instantly iconic. It’s true: You cannot spell America without “Erica.” Dustin’s realization of that fact only makes the moment better. It’s as sweet as the Scoops Ahoy ice cream that Erica loves.

#17: “Shmackin’” Risotto

“Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero”

With the Byers family and Eleven living in California in Season 4, we’re introduced to a new friend of Jonathan’s: Argyle. His silliness and stoner energy are on full display at various moments, but we gotta highlight the dinner at the Byers’ house, involving another comical character in Murray. Putting these two in the same room was destined to provide comedy. During this scene, there’s tension at the dinner table. Emotions are high after an incident at the roller rink. But Argyle provides some comedic relief. We learn that, apparently, Murray makes a mean risotto. Argyle, in hilarious fashion, calls it “shmackin.’” And Murray’s response is classic Murray.

#16: Steve’s KFC Endorsement

“Chapter One: MADMAX”

At the beginning of Season 2, we as viewers and Nancy know the dark truth about her friend Barb. She’s not just missing; she’s dead. Barb’s parents don’t know that, though. It’s tough for Nancy, who’s still grieving, to relay the truth. When she and Steve visit Barb’s parents’ house for dinner, we see that Barb’s parents still have hope that their daughter is alive. Nancy later excuses herself to go to the bathroom, leaving Steve with the parents. To break the awkward silence, following a loud bite of crunchy fried chicken, Steve drops an unforgettable one-liner, making him sound like a spokesman for KFC. It’s a moment that not only makes us laugh, but also makes us hungry.

#15. “Dick”

“Chapter Four: Sorcerer”

While trying to devise a plan to rescue the kids being contained by the military, Robin blurts something out, much to the surprise of Mike, Will, and Lucas. She then discusses the film “The Great Escape” and how it relates to their situation, explaining the tunnels named Tom, Dick, and Harry. Of the three, Robin says she prefers “Dick.” Pause. The reactions of the boys and Joyce are nothing short of priceless. And given we viewers know her sexuality, the irony makes the moment even funnier. But that’s not all. Later, when they all actually go into the tunnels to execute the plan and find the spot to break through, the “Dick” joke is taken to another comical level by Mike and Lucas. Oh, boys!

#14: Steve Waking up in the Car & Realizing Max Is Driving

“Chapter Nine: The Gate”

After Billy shows up to the Byers’ house and gives babysitter Steve a beating in the Season 2 finale, Steve is left down for the count. Steve had previously objected to the younger kids’ plan to go to the tunnels. It’s dangerous. But now he can’t stop them. Neither can Billy, because he’s sedated. So, they decide to go, even though none of them are old enough to drive. Later, Steve wakes up in the backseat of the car. Now it’s the younger kids, particularly Dustin, babying Steve, which offers a hilarious flip in dynamics. Whether it’s Steve calling Mike “Nancy,” his petrified realization that Max is driving, or the screams after a reckless turn, this whole scene is pure comedy.

#13: The Chocolate Pudding

“Chapter Eight: The Upside Down”

There’s a lot to love about “Stranger Things.” And sometimes it’s the simpler, non-supernatural moments we just can’t get out of our heads. Dustin’s chocolate pudding line from the Season 1 finale is a classic example of that. Look, it’s the season finale. The stakes are high with the need to rescue Will from the Upside Down, the threat of the Demogorgon, plus Brenner and his crew going after Eleven. Yet, amidst it all, we get to laugh thanks to an iconic line from Dustin, reminding us he’s just a kid—a kid who likes chocolate pudding. After finding a hoard of it and hilariously calling the lunch lady a “bald-faced liar,” he corrals several cans and shouts to Mike this revelation. Never change, Dustin.

#12: Dustin & Lucas Inviting Max to Go Trick-or-Treating

“Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak”

With the new kid Max, a.k.a “MADMAX,” in town, Dustin and Lucas see an opportunity to welcome someone new into their party. What better way to do it than inviting her to go trick-or-treating? Max’s sarcasm is on-point. As for Dustin voicing his desire to get full-sized candy bars? Very relatable. But things really get funny after Max’s use of the word “presumptuous.” It’s clear from Dustin and Lucas’s reactions that they do not know what that means. To be fair, that’s not an easy word for someone that age! Once Max leaves, Dustin repeats the word and questions whether “presumptuous” is a good or bad thing, only for Lucas to ignore him multiple times. This is great stuff.

#11: The “Never Ending Story” Duet

“Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt”

In the Season 3 finale we finally meet Dustin’s Utah-based girlfriend—at long last. And it does not disappoint. Dustin isn’t just getting a hold of Suzie via ham radio only to catch up. Time is of the essence. They need to know Planck’s Constant, which is the code to a safe inside the Russian base, where Joyce, Hopper, and Murray are. Dustin’s confident that Suzie knows it. But she won’t tell him—not until he sings “The NeverEnding Story” theme song with her. The reactions of the others are absolutely hilarious. Talk about an unexpected moment given the gravity of the situation! It’s only funnier when considering the fact that some of them had been doubting Suzie’s existence. And this is how they’re introduced to her!

#10: Pie with the Turnbows

“Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap”

This kid Derek Turnbow, introduced in Season 5, is downright hysterical! But he’s in trouble, ‘cause he’s next on Vecna’s list. To save Derek and track down Holly, the squad first needs to get the Turnbows out of the house. It’s Erica’s time to shine. She goes to their house and makes amends with Derek’s sister, Tina, offering some pie. We know that’s no ordinary pie, though. As all the Turnbows except Tina dig in, Derek makes multiple funny comments. Once that secret ingredient kicks in and his dad collapses, Derek bursts out laughing—and so do we. He laughs again when his mom goes down. Then, it’s his turn. Finally, to cap off this amazing scene, Erica does things the hard way with Tina.

#9: Dustin Being Brutally Honest with Mr. Wheeler

“Chapter Five: Dig Dug”

Someone had to say it. By the fifth episode of Season 2, we know by now that Ted Wheeler doesn’t really do all that much. Nor is he remotely aware of the mysterious and dangerous supernatural stuff his kids have been dealing with. Heck, as we see in this scene when Dustin shows up to the Wheeler house, Ted doesn’t even know where his kids are! He has to ask Karen. And Dustin, with unashamed bluntness, says what many of us had been thinking. For a kid to deliberately voice this to his friend’s dad was sure to catch our attention in the funniest way possible. He really said it! Hey, as Erica would say, it’s just the facts.

#8: Murray’s Car-Ride Rant

“Chapter Seven: The Bite”

Matchmaker Murray or psychoanalyzer Murray—whatever you want to call him—he can see right through people. And he’s not afraid to let them know when something they’re doing—or not doing—is ticking him off. With Hopper and Joyce bickering in the car during the seventh episode of Season 3, Murray has had enough. And he lets that be known in epic fashion, pleading them to stop arguing and to finally admit their romantic feelings for one another. He’s firm, direct, and utterly hysterical. To cap it off, he explains his rant to Alexei with a short, summarized Russian translation, and the two share a laugh. How could we not laugh during this scene, too?

#7: The Pull-Out

“Chapter Six: The Spy”

It does not take long at all for Murray to sniff out that there’s something more there between Jonathan and Nancy—feelings beyond those of just “friends.” Murray reads them like a book, pointing out their shared trauma. And the man’s got a point. He even seemingly gets under their skin a bit. We soon see he was indeed onto something, as Nancy and Jonathan kiss that night, and it seems the pull-out sofa won’t be necessary after all. Murray’s reaction the next morning, knowing he was right, is absolute gold. His “pull-out” pun is amazing. Combine that with Jonathan’s startled reaction and Murray saying “oops” after dropping his food, and this whole scene is downright hilarious.

#6: “She’s Our Friend & She’s Crazy!”

“Chapter Six: The Monster”

This moment from Season 1 is nothing short of classic. After two bullies threaten Mike and Dustin with a dark ultimatum, Mike jumps off the cliff to protect his friend. Not to worry, though. El shows up in heroic fashion, saving Mike with her telekinetic abilities. Dustin is visibly pleased to see her; as are we. El snaps one of the bully’s arms, and he and the other kid flee. A smiley Dustin then delivers an absolutely iconic line, ensuring these kids don’t mess with them ever again… or else. That’s right. He knows he’s safe now. His aggressive shouting with Eleven in the background is truly epic stuff.

#5: Hairy Steve

“Chapter Six: The Dive”

Steve “The Hair” Harrington is obviously known for his hair. And to those as close to him as Dustin, he’s also got a reputation for being hairy. Once Steve takes his shirt off before diving into Lover’s Lake during Season 4, Lucas gets to see for himself. His reaction is priceless, and Dustin, who points out his knowledge of the matter, only makes things funnier. Keep in mind, this is during a serious scene in which the characters are investigating a potential gate to the Upside Down located in the lake. And here’s Dustin talking about Steve needing to “tame that jungle.” Lucas and Dustin’s reactions to Max having a look cap off the moment brilliantly. We appreciate the comedic relief.

#4: Murray & Erica’s Fiery Meeting at Starcourt Mall

“Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt”

When Murray shows up to Starcourt Mall during the Season 3 finale, we get an absolutely golden personality clash between him and Erica. As they meet for the first time, let’s just say there’s no sharing pleasantries. Erica shows she’s more than willing to use her sass and directness even toward an adult she’s just met. As part of this hilarious confrontation, we watch her call Mr. Bauman “Mr. Bum-man” and a “bald bastard,” while blasting his faulty plan. Murray delivers a humorous line of his own—just as we’d expect. These two are beyond entertaining!

#3: Steve & Dustin’s Train-Track Conversation

“Chapter Six: The Spy”

This is a defining moment for arguably the most beloved and unexpected friendship in “Stranger Things.” We’re talking about Steve and Dustin. Their conversation on the train tracks in Season 2 is such a great comedic scene marking the beginning of a brotherly bond. Dustin’s comment about an “interdimensional slug,” a.k.a. his dear Dart, is very funny stuff. So is Steve trying to make sense of Dustin’s situation, as well as Dustin trying to understand what Steve means by feeling “electricity” when it comes to girls. But the highlight of the sequence? It has to be Steve revealing the secret to his stellar hair: Farrah Fawcett spray. Really, Farrah Fawcett spray? Yep, you heard the man. Can’t argue with that hair.

#2: Dustin’s Pearls

“Chapter Nine: The Gate”

Multiple times throughout Season 2, Dustin shows off his teeth, or what he calls his “pearls,” while making a funny sound. He does it twice toward Lucas after suggesting Max won’t be able to resist his “pearls.” And after Eleven’s emotional return toward the end of Season 2, Dustin does that purring sound again. It’s funny every time. But, since we have to choose one instance, we’re going with the one at the end of the Season 2 finale. In this case, Steve has driven Dustin to the school dance. We see Dustin rockin’ a new hairdo courtesy of Steve’s hairspray advice. Before going in, Dustin makes that funny sound again, and Steve hilariously reacts with disapproval. These two’s chemistry is unmatched.

#1: Steve & Robin Under the Influence of Truth Serum

“Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum” & “Chapter Seven: The Bite”

After being caught in an underground Russian base, Steve and Robin are injected with a truth serum of sorts. This stuff makes them quite loopy and giggly, kicking off an extremely funny sequence, starting in the sixth episode of Season 3 and carrying into the next episode. We see them laughing, insisting they work for Scoops Ahoy, and hysterically calling the guys “morons” for messing up the drugs. Among other things, we also get Steve calling Dustin “dad” and a hilarious “Back to the Future” conversation after their escape. While still feeling the effects of the drugs, Robin explains what’s happening in the movie to Steve, who is utterly confused. This whole sequence is peak “Stranger Things” comedy.

What other “Stranger Things” moments do you find really funny? Let us know in the comments!