The Netflix 80’s sci-fi throwback hit Stranger Things confidently boasts an eclectic cast of both acting veterans and up-and-coming faces, who effectively brought life to their memorable characters. The show can be attributed to reinventing the careers of its main adult leads Winona Ryder and David Harbour. More than that, it became a launching pad for its young cast.
Most of them branched out of the show with exciting films and projects that fill up their filmography. Thus, this list will rank the young cast , according to the bulk of projects they have outside of Stranger Things.
Caleb McLaughlin
Lucas Sinclair had a bright career before his time in Hawkins, Indiana when he was featured in guest roles for television and also on the Broadway stage in The Lion King. Thanks to his breakout role, he was riding on the same coattails as his costars.
On film, he appeared briefly in the Netflix drama High Flying Bird with Andre Holland and will star in the drama Concrete Cowboys with Idris Elba. Caleb’s future is seemingly bright.
Dacre Montgomery
Before ing the second season of Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery was seen as Jason Scott or the Red Power Ranger in the 2017 reboot Power Rangers. Sadly, it was not a hit as expected. Fortunately, Montgomery’s performance as Hargrove from the second to the third season involved a full-arc transformation with an emotional resolution.
Outside of the show, Montgomery headlined his own Apple podcast called “DMKH," featuring his poetry. He is also set to star in the American-Canadian drama The Broken Heart Gallery.
Natalia Dyer
Stranger Things fans might need to know that Natalia “Nancy Wheeler” Dyer started her professional acting career in Hannah Montana: The Movie. Along with a couple of indie movie appearances, it is amazing how far Natalia went.
Outside of Stranger Things, Dyer appeared in the James Bay music video for “Wild Love." She also ed the Dan Gilroy art horror Velvet Buzzsaw. Being a Netflix mainstay, she is slated to appear in Things Heard and Seen with Amanda Seyfried.
Maya Hawke
Before a strong 2019, Maya Hawke played Jo March in BBC’s 2017 adaptation of Little Women. That appearance led her to earn the role of Steve’s close friend Robin Buckley for the third season. Her character arc led her to get noticed and become another compelling breakout star.
Her resume also grew with her role as one of Charles Manson’s followers, Flower Child, in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She will soon appear in Gia Coppola’s Mainstream.
Shannon Purser
Nancy’s outspoken friend Barb was not expected to break out. But thanks to her down-to-earth personality and Purser’s performance, she was fondly ed as one of Stranger Things’ most revered characters
This helped elevate Purser to receive more projects from TV shows like the short-lived Rise and the horror film Wish Upon. Though, she can now be also associated with her popular roles in Riverdale as Ethel “Big Ethel” Muggs and the titular protagonist in Netflix's Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.
Gaten Matarazzo
Like his buddy Caleb, Gaten Matarazzo had his start on the Broadway stage with musicals Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables. So, Matarazzo’s performance as the lisping Dustin Henderson is nothing short of amazing.
Thanks to his breakout performance, Matarazzo was largely noticed. He soon advocated for the awareness of cleidocranial dysostosis, a condition that Dustin also has. In 2019, he lent his voice for The Angry Birds Movie 2 and hosted Netflix’s reality series Prank Encounters.
Noah Schnapp
Even before the release of Stranger Things, Will Byers.
From there, he had a strong following as a YouTuber and will appear in Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween.
Joe Keery
Keery was soon cast for off-kilter comedies like the gory comedy Slice and the Ryan Reynolds RPG comedy Free Guy. He also found time to spend with his psychedelic rock band Post Animal. So, expect more coolness from Steve the Hair.
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown is the most widely recognized of this bunch. Gaining experience from her numerous television appearances prior, Brown showed a lot of range as the psychic-empowered character transformation transcended to fans and viewers alike that she has become the show’s signature character.
Being in the spotlight, Brown’s influence extended to social media with her advocacies, like being the youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and appearances on advertising campaigns. Despite the polarizing response online, she gained lead roles for Godzilla vs. Kong, the adaptation of the book The Thing About Jellyfish and the titular role for Enola Holmes, for which she serves as co-producer.
Finn Wolfhard
From the entire young cast, Finn Wolfhard received the most traction for film projects. While his role as determined Mike Wheeler was a solid start, he expanded his portfolio with largely typecasted roles for horror projects and sentimental films.
The most known is playing the loud-mouthed Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Needless to say, this is not the last time we'll hear from Finn.