Stranger Things

:

Season 3
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 15, 2016
Season #: 5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 448 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 320 out of 448
  2. Mixed: 62 out of 448
  3. Negative: 66 out of 448

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  1. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    Many people don't like it and I don't really understand them. As for me, it's a quality sequel.
  2. Fixer84
    Mar 16, 2023
    8
    A third season that keeps the stakes high, that of Stranger Things. Which is by no means the weak link in the chain but, more than anything else, a reconfirmation of the many (beautiful) things done in the past. And that has a bittersweet conclusion but which is perfectly consistent with the narrative used.
  3. phoenix_prjct
    Mar 14, 2023
    7
    Final Thoughts:

    Season 3 struggles a little to balance its gritty, heavy themes against its more campy fun with some nonsensical inclusions (Russians, really?), but tight casting, performances, and character arcs more than make up the difference, playing nicely with some horror and gore. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) continues to stand out and, despite some narrative retreads, interesting    Final Thoughts:

    Season 3 struggles a little to balance its gritty, heavy themes against its more campy fun with some nonsensical inclusions (Russians, really?), but tight casting, performances, and character arcs more than make up the difference, playing nicely with some horror and gore. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) continues to stand out and, despite some narrative retreads, interesting plot points set up an intriguing 4th outing.

    For the full review and more posts like it, visit my site: https://thephoenixprjct.com/%f0%9f%8d%bf-stranger-things-season-3-basic-review-%f0%9f%8d%bf/    … Expand
  4. Fatbob15
    Oct 21, 2022
    9
    Better than both of it's predecesors, if you were dissappointed by Season 2, this season is a complete 180 of that
  5. Gts08
    Jun 22, 2022
    7
    Netflix's wonderful nostalgia bomb, that captured millions of child hearts, 80s kids' imaginations, with its 3rd and penultimate season, poses new challenge to our protagonists, both in their personal lives, but also in the fight against the terrifying secrets that can change the fate of Hawkins. Binge-watchable, although not as great as S1 was, the very top of this series (probablyNetflix's wonderful nostalgia bomb, that captured millions of child hearts, 80s kids' imaginations, with its 3rd and penultimate season, poses new challenge to our protagonists, both in their personal lives, but also in the fight against the terrifying secrets that can change the fate of Hawkins. Binge-watchable, although not as great as S1 was, the very top of this series (probably forever), better than S2, and provides a foundation for the finale that is still more than encouraging. Horror and visuality are stronger than ever, albeit some characters were just...unnecessary. You know what I mean. Cliché on cliché sometimes, but who cares, if you can not stop watching it? Maybe has a weak writing, and in its 1st half, it mainly focuses on the 80s feel, this series has a bright future, and well, we have a Murray..… Expand
  6. Nishant288
    Oct 31, 2021
    10
    Season 1, Season 2, Season 3 all season are best i loved it i am a big fan of stranger things and his all character world best web series i ever seen stranger things love
  7. manningn15
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even though this season wasn't as good as season two I did like it better than season one and is another A+ season and is still my 2nd favorite Netflix original show and one of my favorite shows of all time. The acting was phenomenal again this season especially from Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Dacre Montgomery, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Natalia Dyer, Sadie Sink, Brett Gelman, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Alec Utgoff, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Jake Busey, Peggy Miley, Cary Elwes, Noah Schnapp, Michael Park and Francesca Reale. The visual effects were exceptional, creepy, scary, disgusting, disturbing, and awesome especially the Mind Flayer, the White Demogorgan, and the Hospital Monster. The writing and story were outstanding, throughout this season I laughed or I cried and it was either heartwarming or heartbreaking. The humor this season was really funny especially when Steve and Robin were loopy from the drugs. I still love the homage to 80's and 80's pop culture. The makeup and hairstyling was remarkable especially on Natalia Dyer, Cara Buono, Priah Ferguson, Dacre Montgomery, Joe Keery, Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, Gaten Matarazzo, Francesca Reale, Maya Hawke, Charlie Heaton, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, and David Harbour. The costumes were stupendous especially the ones wore by Millie Bobby Brown, Dacre Montgomery, David Harbour, Priah Ferguson, Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Winona Ryder, and Peggy Miley. The sets were excellent especially the Starcourt Mall and the Secret Russian Base. The characterization was superb especially with Bill, Robin, Joyce, Steve, Karen, Erica, Eleven/Jane, Mike, Jim, and Nancy. Also the soundtrack and music was terrific especially the song that Dustin and Suzie sang together.… Expand
  8. whoischarlotte
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    This is really by far the best season for me, the first was fantastic, the second was a letdown so the third season really exceeded expectations
  9. wayrez
    May 16, 2020
    7
    Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised when from the first minutes of the show he dragged me to the end of the season. It's an interesting story, even if it's not very original, not boring and dynamic enough. The script and dialogues are realistic and logical, not as often happens in modern series. Mystic and movie lovers of the 80's will definitely like this mixture, and in general theHonestly, I was pleasantly surprised when from the first minutes of the show he dragged me to the end of the season. It's an interesting story, even if it's not very original, not boring and dynamic enough. The script and dialogues are realistic and logical, not as often happens in modern series. Mystic and movie lovers of the 80's will definitely like this mixture, and in general the series is chic. One thing that he released Netflix is worth looking at at least the first series, and then get involved.… Expand
  10. Guo56
    May 15, 2020
    10
    Personally I think that the third season was really close to perfect, a few hiccups on the way but I’ll give it a ten.
  11. Amir_poper
    May 4, 2020
    7
    Weaker than the first two seasons , but still good . The weekness of this season is that it has some bugs . Characters act like kids , first episodes are filled with romantic stuff , and the whole story makes sense less . But it is still exciting and emotional. Hope season 4 will be better.
  12. Diptanshu
    May 1, 2020
    10
    Literally greatest season ever in tv shows!i was literally shocked!Great music amazing acting the theme and cinematography and visuals each and everything was skeptical the drama was amazing.specially this season the little girlfriend boyfriend and couples thing and the way a boy grown and left childhood that pain showcased perfectly i was literally laughing while dustin calls hisLiterally greatest season ever in tv shows!i was literally shocked!Great music amazing acting the theme and cinematography and visuals each and everything was skeptical the drama was amazing.specially this season the little girlfriend boyfriend and couples thing and the way a boy grown and left childhood that pain showcased perfectly i was literally laughing while dustin calls his girlfriend in middle of something and in that whole episode i was literally blowned away i was crying,laughing,craving for more the speech of hop and the music i can't describe the experience in the words it was masterpiece!… Expand
  13. glomman
    Feb 2, 2020
    7
    Season 3 of Stranger Things is not as good as its predecessors in my opinion. While the others could stand on their own feet, Season 3 just isn't as exciting and original as the other ones. The characters, of which you can easily notice there arte too many, are often simplified and fall short. I want this series to be good as a whole, and it's understandable that you can't always bestSeason 3 of Stranger Things is not as good as its predecessors in my opinion. While the others could stand on their own feet, Season 3 just isn't as exciting and original as the other ones. The characters, of which you can easily notice there arte too many, are often simplified and fall short. I want this series to be good as a whole, and it's understandable that you can't always best yourself, but that all doesn't distract from the fact that this installment of Stranger Things is clearly not the best one, but still much better than many other shows I've watched on Netflix.… Expand
  14. thisistheslam
    Sep 2, 2019
    8
    Stranger Things again thrives on its special something, that one intangible that makes a show a cut above average but you might be challenged to define what exactly that is. Season 3 delivers a nice bit of suspense, light horror elements, and good characters in a fun 80s package. I never felt like the season dragged or the direction was boring. I pursuing the idea of the Mind Flayer thatStranger Things again thrives on its special something, that one intangible that makes a show a cut above average but you might be challenged to define what exactly that is. Season 3 delivers a nice bit of suspense, light horror elements, and good characters in a fun 80s package. I never felt like the season dragged or the direction was boring. I pursuing the idea of the Mind Flayer that the show teased at the end of season 1 and at times in season 2 is a treat visually and for pacing. Eleven's journey to be a more powerful superhuman also lends a little extra fun to this sci-fi adventure. But it's the way it's all put together - the serious tone, the near-horror like visuals, the fun 80s setting, and the characters never feeling worthless that make this show so good. Season 3 continues the bar of excellence and while it may only have 1 more season I've never like the show Needs more seasons simply because things are usually tied up nice enough to let things be. Though make no mistake, I'm happy to have a couple more seasons if the quality remains this high.… Expand
  15. MasterRiley
    Aug 27, 2019
    10
    Stranger Things: Season 3 is a fantastic continuation of the beloved series. This season feels tonally different from the first two, due to it taking place in the summer rather than the fall. This is great though, as it allows the show to have a lot more fun with the characters and presents some of the best comedy in the entire series. Its also very dark at times as well and presents someStranger Things: Season 3 is a fantastic continuation of the beloved series. This season feels tonally different from the first two, due to it taking place in the summer rather than the fall. This is great though, as it allows the show to have a lot more fun with the characters and presents some of the best comedy in the entire series. Its also very dark at times as well and presents some of the scariest scenes in the show so far. For most of the season, the characters are separated into different groups as they go on different journeys. The pairings of characters really allow for great comedy and drama as they interact with each other. There are a lot of standout characters this season that get really satisfying character development. If you enjoyed either of the previous seasons I can’t see why you wouldn’t like this one.… Expand
  16. Davrosdaleks1
    Aug 25, 2019
    9
    Although the last two seasons had done a great job encapsulating the eighties, this manages to refresh the concept. Now the show gets to do "summer" eighties, "pop" eighties. A lot of this take place at the mall, and there is also a county fair, which are both pretty good settings. To be honest, the show has never looked better.

    Don't want to spoil anything, buy some new interesting    Although the last two seasons had done a great job encapsulating the eighties, this manages to refresh the concept. Now the show gets to do "summer" eighties, "pop" eighties. A lot of this take place at the mall, and there is also a county fair, which are both pretty good settings. To be honest, the show has never looked better.

    Don't want to spoil anything, buy some new interesting elements are brought to the table. This is interestingly both the funniest and the darkest season. The two tones are balanced surprisingly well. Be forewarned that the horror aspect gets downright icky this time around. Season 3 is a lot faster paced than the previous season.

    The cast as usual is excellent. Joyce (Demi Moore), now that she doesn't have the immediate to worry about her son, and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), now that she gets to interact more with the world, both get explored. Don't worry, we also get more of the great teamup of Steve (Joe Keery) and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) without it being overdone, either. Robin (Maya Hawke), Steve's sarcastic new co-worker at an ice cream shop, is an excellent addition to the cast. There also a couple of other new cast members I really liked that I won't spoil.

    Overall, I thought this was better than season two and maybe on the same level as season one, it's been a while.    … Expand
  17. Ashmerfarook
    Aug 16, 2019
    9
    I remember the first time I saw this series the season I who thought it could be this great everyone can agree that it is beyond our expectations best series ever fantastic elastic and realistic
  18. Felindie
    Aug 5, 2019
    8
    Despite some weak moments in the plot, the whole season was a very entertained one.
  19. GrantD243
    Jul 27, 2019
    9
    Season three's story is more tight and simple than the previous two, but it's also much more original than season two and the best executed out of the three. The acting, writing, and horror elements are all a step up. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
  20. Lunalala
    Jul 23, 2019
    10
    Season 3 still manages to captivate and inspire my imagination and it certainly is something that will keep you watching. This season the kids are a bit older and therefore act older too, which means they are more rebellious and don’t do the fun stuff they used too. This season is full of 80’s nostalgia and callbacks and takes a more relaxed approach. At times I forgot this was a SY-FYSeason 3 still manages to captivate and inspire my imagination and it certainly is something that will keep you watching. This season the kids are a bit older and therefore act older too, which means they are more rebellious and don’t do the fun stuff they used too. This season is full of 80’s nostalgia and callbacks and takes a more relaxed approach. At times I forgot this was a SY-FY horror show and started thinking I was watching a high budget sit-com which is exactly what I wanted. I feel in the previous seasons the kids weren’t fleshed out enough and this season gives us more of the every day activities of the kids. When the action does start its exciting and visually stunning. This season will make you laugh, make you cry, and keep you gripped all throughout!… Expand
  21. NobodyYouKnow
    Jul 21, 2019
    8
    The series is, in essence, an ode to Spielberg. It has a refreshing lack of cynicism which is almost completely absent from contemporary television. Like most of Spielberg's movies, it has a very simple message, but it wants to take you on a wondrous rollercoaster ride while telling it. And as long as you don't look for something deeper, Stranger Things almost completely succeeds. All it'sThe series is, in essence, an ode to Spielberg. It has a refreshing lack of cynicism which is almost completely absent from contemporary television. Like most of Spielberg's movies, it has a very simple message, but it wants to take you on a wondrous rollercoaster ride while telling it. And as long as you don't look for something deeper, Stranger Things almost completely succeeds. All it's really saying is relationships matter, and we should love and support those who matter to us.

    The few minor missteps are easily forgivable. Some moments don't ring true. One character in particular really missed the mark for me: Erica. She's perpetually sassy and unbelievably brave like a kid from a poorly written sitcom. And since she's not actually in a sitcom, they figured they could have her swear... way too much for a 10-year-old math whiz.

    Season 3 packs a surprisingly emotional punch in its final episode, again reminding me of Spielberg. The series is probably one of the most universally appealing I've ever seen, so if you haven't seen it yet (where have you been?!), do yourself a favor and binge.    … Expand
  22. MrFlankster
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    Season 1 and 2 are good. Season 3 is GREAT. The writing is definitely better this season.
  23. Andremax
    Jul 16, 2019
    7
    Alright, Stranger Things 3 has the best season finale in all series, plots are still tasteful and easy to watch and characters that we love so makes us want to watch it even more. These cute kids now grown up and dares more difficult situations, what reflects on bigger quantities of blood and gore and much more sarcasm on series, lefting season even more dark. Ok about that, but theAlright, Stranger Things 3 has the best season finale in all series, plots are still tasteful and easy to watch and characters that we love so makes us want to watch it even more. These cute kids now grown up and dares more difficult situations, what reflects on bigger quantities of blood and gore and much more sarcasm on series, lefting season even more dark. Ok about that, but the biggest problem about ST3 is its predictable characters actions and fight scenes and a basic script that not surprises. In another words, you can enjoy with Duffer Bros. piece again, but don't expect nothing beyond you've already known.… Expand
  24. LoletinAlexis
    Jul 16, 2019
    7
    Stranger Things: Season 3 is another success of the Duffer brothers, in which the chemistry between the characters is still excellent and, in general, a series very well spun.
    However, the repetitiveness and little innovation begins to affect a series that little by little begins to be a clone of each season with bigger bugs.
  25. BhavyaDave
    Jul 15, 2019
    10
    This is best season from Netflix I have seen so far. This show just plays with your emotions. It can make you laugh, anxious, frustrated and **** scared all at once. Another level direction and story building.
  26. Gabrielvieira
    Jul 15, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This season is a beautiful message about change. Interesting to bring this subject into a nostalgic series starring for several generations. I really enjoyed the maturing arc, especially Will (who was not prepared to grow up because he lost part of his childhood dealing with Inverted World things, about his sexuality, and implicitly) and Eleven (who knew more of his powers and learned to make his own decisions, becoming more independent of Hopper and Mike). This season we can understand the motivations of the Mind Eater as it adapts to our world. The monsters became very gore and the production was creative with them this year. They repeat the same way of building the story (three well-defined acts, different arcs investigating part of the mysteries and then everyone joining) and bet on what went right beforehand (Steve and Dustin, Erica, Billy and Mrs. Wheeler, etc.). But the totally new setting and the new themes with the maturing of the characters disguise it. And at least they did not repeat the end of Eleven solving everything and brought greater consequences. My favorite arches were the Scoops Troops, which have an incredible dynamics, and Nancy's, finally understood the character, and addressed a relevant issue until today only from the point of view of that time. The bow of Joyce and Hopper was the weakest for me, brought cool characters (Mr. Clarke, Murray, Alexey, The Terminator, etc.), but it had many holes and did not have a compelling motive. The production bought a mall closed in Atlanta and rebuilt in the 80's style, it was an incredible scenario, exaggerated in the merchandising, but they knew to explore the consequences in the life of the characters and in the environment, in the town of Hawkins, addressing an important question of that time. I had no problem with the plot of the Russians. If Americans were experimenting with trying to access another dimension, it makes sense for the USSR not to be far behind, it well represents that race between the two superpowers and brewing reference productions of the era when it was very common to vilify the Russians.… Expand
  27. marcmyworks
    Jul 15, 2019
    9
    Season 3 is an amazing culmination of all the previous seasons as it incorporates ideas of 80s Sci-Fi films 'The Thing', 'Terminator' and 'The Blob'.
  28. TheQuietGamer
    Jul 14, 2019
    7
    Not a huge fan of the show's shift in tone. Gone is that dark, moody atmosphere inspired by the likes of John Carpenter and Stephen King. In its place are MCU levels of humor and a whole bunch of '80s sequel goofiness.

    The writing is what took the real hit this season though. The vast majority of the early episodes feel inconsequential and the two disparate threads invite the wrong kind    Not a huge fan of the show's shift in tone. Gone is that dark, moody atmosphere inspired by the likes of John Carpenter and Stephen King. In its place are MCU levels of humor and a whole bunch of '80s sequel goofiness.

    The writing is what took the real hit this season though. The vast majority of the early episodes feel inconsequential and the two disparate threads invite the wrong kind of mystery to the mix. Add in the butchering of several main, fan favorite characters and it's hard to not be disappointed with these 8 new episodes.

    Stranger Things is still enjoyable in this lesser form however. I laughed, got some feels there in the end, and the action is best this show has had thus far. The amount of nostalgia and references are still appealing even when it leans more into parody and 4th wall breaking territory than ever before. I want to see season 4 go back to its roots, but I can't deny that I still did have some fun with these characters yet again.    … Expand
  29. Scotta6
    Jul 12, 2019
    10
    Best season by far! So freaking good. It was amazing!!!!! You have to watch it. It was so hard not to binge watch this
  30. FelicityFenwick
    Jul 12, 2019
    8
    A lot better than Season 2, and I love the addition of Hawke, but it's not exactly the return to Season 1 form that the critics had promised.
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Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best TV Season of 2019
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
97
#97 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Al Horner
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    Stranger Things 3 practices what it preaches: instead of the pure nostalgia of previous seasons, the Duffer brothers break brilliant, terrifying new ground here.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    60
    Over-familiarity is the biggest issue in an eight-part series that refuses to stray from the Goonies-meets-Stephen King formula. ... Stranger Things is on more solid territory addressing the growing pains its teenage protagonists.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 4, 2019
    80
    It’s a real and joyful return to form for the show that has been taken fiercely to the hearts of people who weren’t there the first time round and, perhaps even more fiercely, by those who were. The brothers continue to play with, reference and occasionally lift all the things that made the Johns, Carpenter and Hughes, and the Steph(/v)ens, King and Spielberg, enduringly great and mash them into something equally fun, racy and frightening as hell for us all on the small screen. It’s almost like being young again.
    Read full review
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